What do you think?
Rate this book
Shapes in Math, Science and Nature: Squares, Triangles and Circles
The three most basic shapes -- squares, triangles and circles -- are all around us, from the natural world to the one we've engineered. Full of fascinating facts about these shapes and their 3D counterparts, Shapes in Math, Science and Nature introduces young readers to the basics of geometry and reveals its applications at home, school and everywhere in between. Puzzles and activities add to the fun factor.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Sheldrick Ross
18 books8 followersCatherine Sheldrick Ross FRSC (November 4, 1945 – September 11, 2021) was a professor and later dean of the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at University of Western Ontario. In 2018, she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Ross earned her undergraduate and master's degree at the University of Toronto before completing her PhD at the University of Western Ontario. In 1995, Ross was awarded the Jesse Shera Award for Research by the American Library Association for her article “If They Read Nancy Drew, So What? – Readers Talk Back."
In 2013, Ross was the recipient of the NoveList's Margaret E. Munroe Award for her “significant contributions to library adult services.” In 2015, her book "Shapes in Math, Science and Nature: Squares, Triangles and Circles" was shortlisted for the Information Book Award by the Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada.
In 2018, Ross was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. -- Wikipedia
Ross earned her undergraduate and master's degree at the University of Toronto before completing her PhD at the University of Western Ontario. In 1995, Ross was awarded the Jesse Shera Award for Research by the American Library Association for her article “If They Read Nancy Drew, So What? – Readers Talk Back."
In 2013, Ross was the recipient of the NoveList's Margaret E. Munroe Award for her “significant contributions to library adult services.” In 2015, her book "Shapes in Math, Science and Nature: Squares, Triangles and Circles" was shortlisted for the Information Book Award by the Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada.
In 2018, Ross was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. -- Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 12, 2014
I chose this book with the intention of using it to supplement assignments for the children’s school work. Little did I know this “simple” book was much more complex than I could have imagined!
This book was a great resource to have on hand and helped teach multiple lessons. Shapes in Math, Science, and Nature is a book that can be used throughout an entire year.
There were activities in the book that my children enjoyed doing. One had them decorating a square in order to make a new pattern. They were able to see that though the outline was the same, they all came up with different designs. Other activities included making quilt squares from paper, origami designs, and even puzzles.
The illustrations were right on point and helped give clear instructions as to the various activities. Each activity was very simple, yet had a “wow” factor attached to them. It was great for the children to see that a simple thing – such as a square – can be the foundation for an entire city. The image to the left shows how a simple circle with a few cuts can be turned into a complex quilt design. This book breaks down complex patterns so young children can understand them.
Though this book kept my children busy with activities and puzzles, it also taught them the history of the most basic shapes and was the perfect introduction to geometry. I think all parents and educators should invest in this book.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.
This book was a great resource to have on hand and helped teach multiple lessons. Shapes in Math, Science, and Nature is a book that can be used throughout an entire year.
There were activities in the book that my children enjoyed doing. One had them decorating a square in order to make a new pattern. They were able to see that though the outline was the same, they all came up with different designs. Other activities included making quilt squares from paper, origami designs, and even puzzles.
The illustrations were right on point and helped give clear instructions as to the various activities. Each activity was very simple, yet had a “wow” factor attached to them. It was great for the children to see that a simple thing – such as a square – can be the foundation for an entire city. The image to the left shows how a simple circle with a few cuts can be turned into a complex quilt design. This book breaks down complex patterns so young children can understand them.
Though this book kept my children busy with activities and puzzles, it also taught them the history of the most basic shapes and was the perfect introduction to geometry. I think all parents and educators should invest in this book.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.
Want to read
June 7, 2021As suggested in Excellent Books for Early and Eager Readers
August 23, 2014
This book is incredibly interesting, very fun, and full of suggested activities that real people can do (unlike many books with experiments or crafts for “kids”).
Jim and I both love this book, but I suspect we are not the intended audience, which would be kids a bit younger than we are. We have also found that kids sometimes resist reading about “educational” topics in their time at home rather than school.
But this author makes sure to include plenty of fun facts that will pique the interest even of kids who claim to be not so wild about math. For example, in the chapter on triangles, you can read about the Bermuda Triangle. In a chapter on building with triangles, you learn how a computer science professor (who worked on the movie "Star Trek"), helped design a giant (31 feet high) Ukrainian Easter Egg for the Royal Candian Mounted Police in 1974. The book explains why the author chose the triangle shape for the tiles making up the egg, and why this egg was more enduring than Humpty Dumpty.
In the chapter on squares, you learn about mazes, and how one maze in the abbey of St. Bertin at Saint-Omer in France was so fun, the church had to destroy it. The noise of all the people in the maze was distracting during services (and no doubt interfering with attendance as well). And the information on circles is replete with entertaining facts, such as how the artist Giotto - using only a simple circle, convinced Pope Benedict XI to let him decorate the first St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. The authors also share theories about the Stonehenge stone circles in England. In the part on cubes, famous buildings are shown that used cubes as a basis for their architecture, and in the one on cylinders, you learn why castles were built with cylindrical towers.
Along the way, you will learn math information too, of course, such as about the Pythagorean theorem, how Thales figured out the height of the Great Pyramid (and how to build your own), and all about Fibonacci numbers.
And there are projects galore, from making paper airplanes, kites, tops, and pinwheels, to making a model of a railway truss (the bridges built for trains to span rivers and gorges), to creating your own kaleidoscope, and of course, instructions for making your own Moebius strip. Some of the activities are tricks and/or games you can try on your friends and family.
The colorful and whimsical illustrations by Bill Slavin enhance the appeal of the text immeasurably.
At the end of the book, there are answers to quizzes posed earlier, a list of simple formulas, a glossary, and an excellent index.
Evaluation: This is a fabulous book. The 9-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy in our kid test group loved it as much as we did.
Jim and I both love this book, but I suspect we are not the intended audience, which would be kids a bit younger than we are. We have also found that kids sometimes resist reading about “educational” topics in their time at home rather than school.
But this author makes sure to include plenty of fun facts that will pique the interest even of kids who claim to be not so wild about math. For example, in the chapter on triangles, you can read about the Bermuda Triangle. In a chapter on building with triangles, you learn how a computer science professor (who worked on the movie "Star Trek"), helped design a giant (31 feet high) Ukrainian Easter Egg for the Royal Candian Mounted Police in 1974. The book explains why the author chose the triangle shape for the tiles making up the egg, and why this egg was more enduring than Humpty Dumpty.
In the chapter on squares, you learn about mazes, and how one maze in the abbey of St. Bertin at Saint-Omer in France was so fun, the church had to destroy it. The noise of all the people in the maze was distracting during services (and no doubt interfering with attendance as well). And the information on circles is replete with entertaining facts, such as how the artist Giotto - using only a simple circle, convinced Pope Benedict XI to let him decorate the first St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. The authors also share theories about the Stonehenge stone circles in England. In the part on cubes, famous buildings are shown that used cubes as a basis for their architecture, and in the one on cylinders, you learn why castles were built with cylindrical towers.
Along the way, you will learn math information too, of course, such as about the Pythagorean theorem, how Thales figured out the height of the Great Pyramid (and how to build your own), and all about Fibonacci numbers.
And there are projects galore, from making paper airplanes, kites, tops, and pinwheels, to making a model of a railway truss (the bridges built for trains to span rivers and gorges), to creating your own kaleidoscope, and of course, instructions for making your own Moebius strip. Some of the activities are tricks and/or games you can try on your friends and family.
The colorful and whimsical illustrations by Bill Slavin enhance the appeal of the text immeasurably.
At the end of the book, there are answers to quizzes posed earlier, a list of simple formulas, a glossary, and an excellent index.
Evaluation: This is a fabulous book. The 9-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy in our kid test group loved it as much as we did.
March 8, 2014
hapes in Math, Science and Nature: Squares, Triangles, and Circles is a children's concept book written by Catherine Sheldrick Ross and illustrated by Bill Slavin which is scheduled for release on April 1st 2014. This book discusses the tree basic shapes (squares, triangles, and circles) and their importance in the world. These shapes are everywhere and are extremely important in the disciplines of math and science. The book is full of interesting facts about these shapes, and their three dimensional counterparts. Explanations of these shapes and the applications in geometry, engineering, school, and much more can inspire young readers.
Shapes in Math, Science, and Nature is a book that introduces the history and current practical applications of geometry and much more. I really enjoyed the variety of puzzles and activities that are included throughout the book to bring home the points already made, and to encourage readers to take their new knowledge to the next level. I think this book would be a wonderful resources for classrooms, parents, and particularly home schooling families working with geometry or engineering. Young readers that are particularly interested in math, nature, science, or engineering will enjoy exploring the book to further their understanding.
Shapes in Math, Science and Nature is an introduction and expansion of information about the basics of geometry. It covers the applications at home, in school and just about everywhere in between. Puzzles and activities add to the fun factor and make the book a great classroom and study resource.
Shapes in Math, Science, and Nature is a book that introduces the history and current practical applications of geometry and much more. I really enjoyed the variety of puzzles and activities that are included throughout the book to bring home the points already made, and to encourage readers to take their new knowledge to the next level. I think this book would be a wonderful resources for classrooms, parents, and particularly home schooling families working with geometry or engineering. Young readers that are particularly interested in math, nature, science, or engineering will enjoy exploring the book to further their understanding.
Shapes in Math, Science and Nature is an introduction and expansion of information about the basics of geometry. It covers the applications at home, in school and just about everywhere in between. Puzzles and activities add to the fun factor and make the book a great classroom and study resource.
August 3, 2016
When I saw this book, I wasn't certain what to expect. It was a book about shapes. My students in 5th and 6th grade know their shapes...
I was pleasantly surprised by what I found inside. There is a little bit of everything included in the book. You will find history of the shape, how the shape has been used throughout history, how it is used in architecture, games using the shape, origami, and idioms. This is just a short list of the wonderful things you will find.
This is definitely a book to be put on my keeper shelf. I can see using it to introduce my geometry units as well as using it during social studies or science class. The information that is included in the text is just that varied.
I could see this being use in an elementary classroom as well as in a middle school. There is basic information for younger children but also much more difficult material that will interest the older children (Pythagorean theorem and pi).
I was pleasantly surprised by what I found inside. There is a little bit of everything included in the book. You will find history of the shape, how the shape has been used throughout history, how it is used in architecture, games using the shape, origami, and idioms. This is just a short list of the wonderful things you will find.
This is definitely a book to be put on my keeper shelf. I can see using it to introduce my geometry units as well as using it during social studies or science class. The information that is included in the text is just that varied.
I could see this being use in an elementary classroom as well as in a middle school. There is basic information for younger children but also much more difficult material that will interest the older children (Pythagorean theorem and pi).
August 10, 2016
I received an eARC copy of this book via NetGalley to review. Here are my honest thoughts.
As a preschool director, teaching shapes is one of the core components of our curriculum. This text is too advanced for a young child. It is however, a wonderful book! Despite the book not being for young children, I do think a preschool teacher would find this a valuable resource tool as they teach about shapes. My favorite thing about the book are the experiments that it includes. I can see many of them working very well in a preschool setting (square bubbles would fascinate young children.
My first grader would love this book and I am putting it on our book wish list. As the other reviewer stated, this book is great for elementary students as they learn more about shapes and how they work. As a teacher and parent, I appreciate that the 3 volumes have been combined into one.
I also recommend this book to parents and grandparents of children who like math.
As a preschool director, teaching shapes is one of the core components of our curriculum. This text is too advanced for a young child. It is however, a wonderful book! Despite the book not being for young children, I do think a preschool teacher would find this a valuable resource tool as they teach about shapes. My favorite thing about the book are the experiments that it includes. I can see many of them working very well in a preschool setting (square bubbles would fascinate young children.
My first grader would love this book and I am putting it on our book wish list. As the other reviewer stated, this book is great for elementary students as they learn more about shapes and how they work. As a teacher and parent, I appreciate that the 3 volumes have been combined into one.
I also recommend this book to parents and grandparents of children who like math.
April 20, 2014
Covering math, science and physics, this book should appeal to and be useful for the upper elementary school grades through high school. It explores shapes and how they are found in nature and in mythology, and mathematical formulas and includes how to make paper shapes, origami and more. From the Sydney Opera House to Stonehenge, pyramids to igloos this book has lots of fun experiments, math problems and activities all relating to shapes. I like the book but and think that it can be useful in schools and for homeschooling as well. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
April 26, 2014
Shapes in Math, Science, and Nature is an excellent resource that I would be happy to add to my keeper shelf. The information presented was quite comprehensive and very much engaging. I love books, such as this, that can take something that's so simple and expand it as far as one can take it. This is how we learn and it is how we grow in knowledge. It is certainly wish list worthy (Translation: I want a hard copy NOW!)
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
Other: This would be a perfect addition to any traditional or non- traditional education program.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Bookshelf Worthy: Yes
Other: This would be a perfect addition to any traditional or non- traditional education program.
August 13, 2016
Recensione su: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-fz
Review at: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-fz
Review at: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-fz
July 26, 2016
A great resource book for teaching about shapes in our world. Contains a TON of fun activities to do with students.
July 7, 2015
I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. There are great ideas for tween & teen programs. It includes games to make.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews