The living tree of mathematics : Math problems through world history and cultures

Abstract

The intended audience of the book is current and future teachers of Mathematics. Solving word problems is considered to be the most challenging and boring part of mathematics learning by many students. To engage students and make them enthusiastic about solving word problems is a goal not easily achieved. An open online multimedia book of historical problems where problems are accompanied by stories introducing the historical/cultural context of the problems could hopefully do the trick in your classroom. The book aligned with the Grade 7-9 Ontario mathematics curriculum (which is consistent with to the Content Core Standards) that gives teachers an easy-to-use tool to bring history into math classrooms and at the same time engage and motivate students in problem solving. The book has three parts: Chapters, Solutions and Teacher Supports.

This book was developed at the University of Western Ontario. The development of the book was supported by the Open Educational Resources Grant and Support Program. The program is a partnership between Western Libraries, the Instructional Technology Resource Centre, Centre for Teaching and Learning, and Western Research’s Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team.