Reprinted from Connect
Vol.17 No.2, November/December, 2003
Focus on: Puzzles and Games
Grade Level: 6-8
Grade Level: K-8
Grade Level: 3-5

Resource Reviews 11/03

by Connect Staff

Math and Science Across Cultures, by Maurice Bazin, Modesto Tamez, and the Exploratorium Teacher Institute, is a fabulous book with activities, crafts, games, arts, puzzles (such as Claudia Zaslavsky's Magic Squares), and music from many cultures, past and present. This is a great resource for large studies or quick, filler activities to keep kids active and engaged while learning about other children around the world. 176 pages.

Math and Science Across Cultures is available from the Exploratorium in San Francisco, California. Call 415-561-0393. online at http://www.exploratoriumstore.com/msac.html

Searching for Bobby Fischer is a 1993 film written and directed by Steve Zaillian, based on the book by Fred Waitzkin. What is it like to compete with timed moves as a six year old chess player? This film explores several themes such as the tension between father and son, the experience of setting aside one's childhood to travel and compete on a national level, and the drive for excellence. Several scenes are apporpriate for viewing in a classroom during a study of chess or as part of a discussion about competition and enjoyment of the game,

http://www.24game.com  is the home page for the 24 Game. From here you can find the online version of the game with progressively difficult levels: start with addition subtraction and move up to multiplication and division of fractions. The site also has contact information for ordering the came  cards and spinners to play in your classroom.

http://bereacc.site.yahoo.net/ is the site for Berea College Crafts handcrafted game boards. Beautiful, inexpensive wooden boards and pieces are available for checkers, chess, Chinese checkers, 3-D Tic Tac Toe, and skittles.

http://www.letterboxing.org  is the site for Letterboxing North America. These outdoor adventures can involve collecting clues, solving riddles, reading maps and taking compass bearings to find a hidden waterproof box. There are over 2000 secret box sites around America. You can search for nearby boxes and find out how to make your own on this site.

http://www.scottkim.com  is the web site of puzzle master Scott Kim, of El Granada, California. Scott, a puzzle designer since early in his life, includes helpful and informative theory and educational philosophy as well as countless resources, links and reprints of his articles and columns for magazines such as Discovery. With a variety of online games and puzzles, a store, and a teachers' section, it's well worth the virtual trip!
 

http://www.mindwareonline.com  is a site for the MindWare catalog, founded by Jeanne Voight. This collection features extensive puzzles, games, cards, activities and ideas intended to "keep your minds motivated." 30-second mystery cards, inventor center kits, books to promote lateral thinking (solving puzzles by asking yes/no questions), "bubbleology" experiments and 3D glow-in-the-dark solar system mobile kit are just a small sampling of the kinds of materials available from this outstanding resource.

http://www.delta-education.com  is the site for Delta Education, distributers of manipulatives, games, math programs andcurricula, and books.

Connect Staff - Synergy Learning has a small dedicated staff of educators with experience both in the classroom and staff development.
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