Math Is Everywhere! Explore and Discover It! is a unique, project-based mathematics textbook and course of study for college students, particularly liberal arts majors, or anyone interested in mathematics and its applications in today’s world. Written for entry-level college students, it is especially suited to those with a chronic aversion to learning math. The text provides a wealth of opportunities for students to become engaged in mathematics in interesting and enjoyable ways.

Quantitative literacy is promoted throughout the text. Students learn to use a variety of problem-solving strategies in which they make and verify conjectures, identify and analyze patterns, use deductive and inductive reasoning, apply mathematical algorithms, and construct and interpret various representations of data including graphs and tables. They collect, organize, and analyze data using both linear and non-linear models and make appropriate use of technology. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of the many uses of mathematics in other disciplines in the arts and sciences.

Math Is Everywhere! engages students in active learning to reveal the beauty, practicality and pervasiveness of math in their everyday lives. Its relevant content and project-based approach enable students to overcome their negative associations with math and find empowerment in their own analytical reasoning and critical thinking abilities. The text conveys a sense of enthusiasm and offers encouragement for successful, self-directed learning.

With its emphasis on mathematical exploration and discovery, Math Is Everywhere! lends itself naturally to student collaboration in both on-campus and online course deliveries. Many of the projects involve the use of Web-based resources, and a number of projects involve a writing component in which students must communicate their findings, discoveries, and reflections. Students will discover that mathematics has many fascinating connections to music, art, architecture, nature, sports, finance, food, and much more.

For students who enjoy math as well as for students who are math-avoiders, Math Is Everywhere! is the ideal text. It provides a wealth of engaging and practical content and answers the questions, “Why do I have to learn this?” and “When will I ever use this?”

Features

• employs a project-based teaching/learning approach with a strong emphasis on active learning
• makes extensive use of Web-based resources in conjunction with the text (MERLOT)
• includes over 60 projects including interactive, hands-on, guided discovery, Internet research and report writing, and self-directed learning
• lends itself naturally to student collaboration in both on-campus and online course environments
• contains relevant and interesting content—content that students can relate to their everyday lives and content that will be of practical use in their future lives
• uses a personal writing style—direct, enthusiastic and encouraging
• requires students to perform at all levels of Bloom’s taxonomy
• embodies AMATYC Crossroads Principles and Standards for Mathematics
• promotes quantitative literacy throughout the text