Count on Math: Exploring Geometry

So, just how important is geometry? Well, if you're a kid and the ice cream person asks if you'd prefer a two-dimensional or three-dimensional cone, knowing the crucial difference will mean that you'll be wrapping your tongue around a tower of chocolate power, rather than licking brown paper that tastes like yesterday's socks. Employing an entertaining game show format, in which More on Math host Math Masterson is routinely upstaged by a trio of young and knowledgeable contestants, Count on Math: Exploring Geometry explains various geometrical concepts regarding 2D and 3D figures through a combination of slick animation (both original, and older footage from Disney classics combined with pertinent new voice-over), funny commercial breaks (I especially liked the ad for the daytime soap Shapes of Our Lives, about "people who have length and width, but no depth to their lives"), and live-action reenactments (such as a geometrical take on the dilemma faced by the three little pigs vis à vis the big bad wolf). Fun and informative, this fine introduction also includes a useful teacher's guide with questions, activities and recommended websites. Highly recommended. Also available in the Count on Math series: Organizing Data and Solving Equations (series price: $249). Aud: E, P. (R. Pitman)