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Resource Collection

By Peter Lewis

Geneva College

EDU 415

Dr. Wargo

September 29th, 2022

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Geometry:

Standard: CC.2.3.HS.A.14 Apply geometric concepts to model and solve real world problems. 

1) Frederick, M. (2007, August 31). 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School (56448th ed.).

The MIT Press.

“Concise lessons in the design, drawing, the creative process, and presentation,

from the basics of “How to Draw a Line” to the complexities of color theory.” This book

provides a good introduction of architecture to students. Architecture is founded upon

geometric concepts and ideas and, thus, can be a good starting place for students to see

visual, real world, applications of what they are learning.

2) Neuschwander, C., & Geehan, W. (1999). Sir Cumference and the first round table : a math

adventure. Charlesbridge.

In this book, Sir Cumference and Radius team up with Geo of Metry to help solve a math

problem for King Arthur regarding his council table. This book makes math fun and accessible

for all readers. By placing the subject of circles, radii, diameters, and circumferences in a fun

setting, this book provides a way for students to not only learn, but to enjoy learning.

3) Neuschwander, C., & Geehan, W. (2003). Sir Cumference and the sword in the cone.

Scholastic Inc.

In this book, Radius goes on an adventure to find the sword in the cone. In this adventure

he has to use his knowledge of the math behind cones to figure out which cone contains the

sword. This book breaks the mathematical principles that guide cones into succinct and

understandable portions for readers of any age.

4) Neuschwander, C., & Geehan, W. (2009). Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of

Angleland : a math adventure. Charlesbridge.

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In this book, Radius must go on a quest by himself and navigate his way through a maze

full of angles. This book makes use of angles in a way that makes it accessible and visually

available to students. By couching the concept of acute angles in a fantasy setting, the author has

enabled the students to forget about everything else and focus on the lesson at hand.

Websites:

Teacher: Symbolab.com

Symbolab is a powerful tool that provides a multitude of very helpful and powerful

functions. This website also has a geometry function which allows teachers to draw geometric

shapes and then use the engine to do a proof of them.

Student: Geogebra.org

Geogebra provides a place where students can construct and examine the qualities and

properties of geometry. It allows them to do the work for themselves that will demonstrate

geometric principles. Furthermore, this displays geometry (typically a physical form of math) in

a digital form that allows students to become familiar with using their computer for various

mathematical computations.

Other forms of media:

A walking tour of Pittsburgh

This is a unique type of media, but one which I think is necessary. It can be found in

Eastern PA but is easily transferable to any other city in the world. Such a tour or field trip would

lead students through the city and show them how geometry applies to the real world of

architecture and how it is an ever present and necessary element of the real-world

Origami paper
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Again, a little outside the box. Not only is origami paper a real-world application of

geometric principles, but it can take geometric proofs to places that stumped Euclid. Euclidean

geometry cannot trisect an angle, but origami paper can. Such a geometric application in paper

folding has its own real-world applications. Origami is used in the medical field for microscopic

surgery and for the compact folding of solar panels for satellites in space. In short, origami

succinctly demonstrates geometric principles in real tangible ways that drawing lines and angles

cannot.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking:

Standard: CC.2.2.HS.D.9 Use reasoning to solve equations and justify the solution method. 

1) Derbyshire, J. (2007, June 1). Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra.

Plume Books.

This book embarks on a journey that recounts the history of abstract algebra and

mathematical reasoning. It gives life to the development of mathematical thinking in a way that

draws the reader in, gives them a firmer foundation in the source of algebraic reasoning, and

explores the generation of the functions and formulas that we know and love. It could be used to

Introduce students to algebra, as a subject, and get them interested in what they are learning.

2) Konhauser, J. D. E., Velleman, D., & Wagon, S. (1997, February 27). Which Way Did the

Bicycle Go?: And Other Intriguing Mathematical Mysteries (Dolciani Mathematical

Expositions). The Mathematical Association of America.

In this book, the readers are challenged to put their reasoning, problem solving skills, and

math skills to figure out solutions to these puzzling conundrums. Such a book requires algebraic

and logical reasoning to arrive at a solution. These problems are more fun and cleverer than your
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typical textbook formulae and as such will provide a greater appeal to the beginning and

advanced algebra student.

3) Smullyan, R. M. (2009). The lady or the tiger? & other logic puzzles. Dover Publications.

The puzzles presented here challenge the readers, students, and teachers, to use their logic

skills to solve these puzzling problems. These problems rely on a reader's ability to use both

reason, logic, and math to solve them.

4) Smullyan, R. (1998, November 12). The Riddle of Scheherazade: And Other Amazing Puzzles

(First). Harvest.

This book is the sequel to the previous entry, and it provides both similar and new kinds

of problems for the students that utilizes  logical processes, knowledge of math, and  reasoning.

Websites:

Teacher: Symbolab.com

Symbolab is a powerful tool that has many functions and can solve a multitude of

problems. Not only does it perform difficult problems, but it gives step-by-step instructions for

its reasoning. This could help a teacher if they are having trouble explaining something to a

student and need to refresh their memory.

Students: khanacademy.org

Khan Academy provides numerous examples and lessons which are beneficial to the

students. Such a website can provide in-depth sources of learning for students if they miss a

lesson or require further explanation. Within the numerous lessons the students can also find

examples of algebraic reasoning and methods.

Other Media:

wolframalpha.com
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This website provides the user with a plethora of algebraic tools. Importantly, it provides

the student with examples of algebraic problems and solutions. Coupled with these examples are

a programmed instructional process that reveals the reasoning used to arrive at the answer. The

problems are worked out with the reasoning and logical explanations attached. This, almost,

think-aloud strategy is very handy for demonstrating the process of logic and reasoning while

also providing the tools to solve your own problems.

ncssm.instructure.com/courses/1087/modules

This site provides a series of videos, among many other things, that instruct the viewer in

10 problem solving strategies. These reasoning strategies are explained simply and clearly. Such

strategies can help students overcome the seemingly impossible task of knowing where to begin

and how to think about solving problems that they are presented with. Furthermore, examples are

given that utilize the strategies taught which will aid the student’s comprehension of the process

and its application..

Algebra

Standard: CC.2.2.7.B.3 Model and solve real world and mathematical problems by using and

connecting numerical, algebraic, and/or graphical representations. 

1) Ph.D., L. L. (2020, August 25). Painless Algebra (Barron’s Painless) (Fifth). Barrons

Educational Services.

Painless Algebra provides a simple and engaging lesson in Algebra. It fulfills the role of

a textbook, but in an engaging and lighthearted fashion. Furthermore, at the end of each chapter

or section are word problems that help to connect algebra with modeling of real-world

experiences.
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2) McConnell, J. W. (2002, June 30). Real-Life Math: Everyday Use of Mathematical Concepts

(Illustrated). Greenwood.

Real-Life Math presents the reader with an entertaining and engaging source book of a

plethora of examples of real-world applications of abstract algebraic and mathematical models. It

links the abstract of the typical textbook with the subjects like, parking lot design, wage-increase,

and credit card debt.

3) Tahan, M., Baquero, P. R., Clark, L., & Reid, A. (2015, May 4). The Man Who Counted: A

Collection of Mathematical Adventures (Reissue). W. W. Norton & Company.

This fun and delightful book of stories provides a simple introduction to using math in

life around you. In these stories, the two characters travel about and “the man who counted” uses

his powers of math and mathematical knowledge to his advantage in resolving issues that come

his way. The book provides a fun application and uses for the abstract concepts of algebra.

4) Schmidt, S. F. (n.d.). Life of Fred: Beginning Algebra.

Life of Fred does something unique. It places the methodology and content of a regular

algebra textbook in the form of a “real” story. This, neatly, places the abstract elements of

algebra and graphs in real-world terms as Fred goes through his daily routines as a teacher at a

small college in a very rural Kansas.

Websites:

Teacher: Symbolab.com

Yet again, Symbolab is a powerful tool. I enjoy using it as it is easy to navigate and

provides a lot at no expense. You can use it to solve complex algebraic expressions that model

the real-world and can even use it to graph equations which model the world around us.

Students: Desmos.com
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Desmos is an important student tool. With the proliferation of Chromebooks in schools,

students have this tool at their fingertips. It is easy to use with its UI being pretty intuitive and

undistracting. This website is a graphing calculator which is essential for visualizing graphs of

real-world models.

Other Media:

weather.com

This weather site can be used to connect the ideas of algebraic functions with the real

world. On it, you can view a radar map and use it to show students that the colors used in this

map are a function of the intensity of the weather in that area.

My 1040 tax form

This is found in my file folder in my room (or online, but it would feel more applicable if

it was a real physical copy). It is a classic example of using algebraic variables in the calculation

of my tax return. A parallel can be easily drawn between taking the number from box 10 and

adding it to the number in box 14. That’s algebra baby!

Ratios:

Standard: CC.2.1.7.D.1Analyze proportional relationships and use them to model and solve real-

world and mathematical problems.

1) Bellos, A. (2022, September 27). Alex's Adventures In Numberland. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Alex's Adventures, although providing innumerable other real-world applications of a

broad spectrum of mathematical concepts does also address many subjects regarding ratios and

proportions. Through fun anecdotes, Bellos demonstrates the connection of proportions, ratios,

and the fibonacci spiral to the real world in a way that is simple and enlightening.
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2) Bellos, A., & Harriss, E. (2015, December 1). Patterns of the Universe: A Coloring Adventure

in Math and Beauty (Illustrated). The Experiment.

This is a very different form from the other books in this section. It is, in fact, a coloring

book. However, it is a coloring book that demonstrates the beauty and elegance of

proportionality and ratios in not only art but the real world. It is a guide to the natural and

abstract beauty of math through proportions.

3) Meisner, G. B., & Araujo, R. (2018, October 23). The Golden Ratio: The Divine Beauty of

Mathematics (Illustrated). Race Point Publishing.

This book illustrates and examines the presence and beauty of the Golden Ratio in nature

and art. Through enlightening detail and great visuals, we are given an excellent example of

ratios being used to model and design the real-world around us.

4) Ruhlman, M. (2010, September 7). Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday

Cooking (1) (Ruhlman’s Ratios) (Reprint). Scribner.

This book provides an elegant and applicable example of ratios being used in the real

world. Through an exploration of how ratios and proportions determine the viability and success

of one's cooking, Ruhlman demonstrates a clear connection between ratios and the real-world.

Websites:

Teacher: themeasureofthings.com

The measure of things is a fun little website that provides equivalents which help you

visualize numbers and proportions. It easily demonstrates proportional relationships between

numbers, weights, and measures. This resource could be useful for teachers who want their

students to see the connected relations between various quantities.

Student: calculatorsoup.com/calculators/math/ratios.php
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This website gives the students access to an easy ratio calculator which can be used to

calculate proportions and ratios. There are also a great many other calculators elsewhere on the

site that can be used for other purposes.

Other Media:

astonmartin.com/en-us

This site takes you to the Aston-Martin website. This can be used to demonstrate how the

golden ratio is used in the real world. Aston-Martin has been known to use the golden ratio in is

car designs and looking at these cars can help relate what has been learned in class with real

world applications in the world of engineering and design.

A mirror

Another important place that can be utilized to demonstrate ratios and proportions in

nature around us is through the use of a simple hand mirror. Through it, students can observe

their own face. This is important because, through a little instruction, they will begin to see how

their face is composed of certain proportions and lines of symmetry. For example, if you use

your eye as a measure, you can measure the space between your ears with five of your eyes.

There is a distinct relationship between your arm span and your height. Through a mirror, these

things can be accomplished.

Statistics:

Standard: CC.2.4.7.B.3 Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability

models.

1) Hand, D. J. (2015, February 17). The Improbability Principle: Why Coincidences, Miracles,

and Rare Events Happen Every Day (Reprint). Scientific American / Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
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Hand dives into an interesting exploration of the chance and probability of the

improbable and demonstrates that it is really not so improbable. He examines such cases as

lightning strikes, market crashes, and casino hands.

2) Kucharski, A. (2017, September 26). The Perfect Bet: How Science and Math Are Taking the

Luck Out of Gambling (Reprint). Basic Books.

In this book, Kucharski outlines the ways in which mathematicians and gamblers use

statistical math and probabilities to evaluate the art of luck and probability in games of chance.

Such a book is very enlightening to the student looking for real world applications of ratios and

proportions.

3) Mlodinow, L. (2009, May 5). The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives

(Illustrated). Vintage.

Mlodinow takes us on a tour of how randomness affects all aspects of our lives and from

wine ratings to political polls the real world around us is ruled by an element of chance and

probability. This book provides an investigation of how probabilities can be used to model our

lives.

4) PhD, R. T. G. (2020, February 21). Against All Odds: How to Play LOTTERIES, If You Must.

Tellwell Talent.

This is a book that provides an in-depth look at how to mathematically play the lotto

through the application of statistical probabilities and chance. It demonstrates strategies and a

mathematical basis for chance and probability in real world applications.

Websites:

Teacher: statista.com
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Statista is a great site for providing a teacher with graphs and statistics on many different

real-world applications. Through this visual approach, teachers can show students just how

important statistics, chance, and probability is in understanding the world around us.

Student: cardgames.io/hearts/ 

This website takes students to a game of hearts (not a gambling game). Through it, the

students can apply their knowledge of probabilities to determine their optimal play of cards. This

can teach them to see how probabilities can inform their everyday decisions..

Other Media:

A bucket of various sided dice (or dicerolleronline.com if you’re not a fan of my use of physical

objects at “other” media)

The rolling of dice can be used to teach probabilities and chance in a way that is at once

physical and applicable to students. Through it, students can calculate odds and probabilities.

foxsports.com/odds/

This site shows the odds for upcoming games in various sports. Through an analysis of

this site, teachers can use this to demonstrate how statistics of chance and probability determine

what the chances are of the upcoming events' outcomes. Looking at event outcomes after the fact

and comparing them to the previous odds can then be used to verify and/or demonstrate the

viability of statistical odds in the world around us.