Math IS a social justice issue! People often use numbers to sway public opinion or get individuals to do things that turn out not to be so good for them. Rent to own? Please! This book helps demonstrate the importance of math in everyday life as well as math's impact on the very future of freedom.

400 pages, illustrated, softcover, 8 1/2 x 11", grades 4-12

Students typically are not given the opportunity to see the wondrous side of mathematics because it is often taught as all scales and no music. Help your students:

• Discover the power of mathematics as the danger of short-term loans is exposed in a dramatic fashion
• Investigate math mistakes in news media and their potential consequences
• Watch as mathematics shows the futility of depending on corn-based ethanol to lower our dependence on oil imports
• Learn the surprising answer to how much money a hybrid car will save its owner because of reduced gasoline usage
• Discover what mathematics tells us about teenage drivers.

These and other fascinating math investigations will allow students to see the power of mathematics as it cuts through deception and flawed thinking to reveal the truth.

Craig from Reach And Teach says:

I always hated math and always thought I was bad at it until I really needed a few math credits to get my Associates Degree. The professor was incredible. He made math relevant  and fun and suddenly it was pretty easy. Just glancing at the graphics and the overall style of this book by Ed Zaccaro reminded me of that fun and I plan to dig through this book and learn some more. Most importantly, the book covers some key social justice issues (like rent to own) directly and through learning to look at the world through more math-savvy eyes, we can all do a better job of cutting through the nonsense sometimes tossed at us (assuming we don't get math) and shining a bright light on the truth.

Combine this with "Teaching Economics As If People Mattered" and we'll have more paradigm shifts than you can imagine!

Watch this space for a fuller review after I really dig into this huge book.

About the Author
Ed Zaccaro has taught students of all ages and abilities since graduating from Oberlin College in 1974. He holds an Iowa teaching certificate with K-12 endorsement in Gifted Education and a Masters degree in Gifted Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Ed is a popular presenter at math and gifted education conferences around the country and has approached gifted education as a parent, teacher, and school board member. His students will testify to his ability to make math fun and challenging for them as well as his unique sense of humor which comes through in his classes and workshops.