EXTRAS:
Sneak Peek inside chapter 4 "Ape Addition."
Download "Tips For Teachers" sheets full of classroom activities here.
Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities
Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett
Published by MIT Kids Press/Candlewick
What if your pet fish could help you with your math homework? Does that seem far-fetched? Well, your guppies can’t do algebra, but they do have a number sense – probably more than you’d expect. In fact, scientists are discovering all kinds of animals have surprising mathematical abilities. From judging quantities, to counting, to understanding zero’s place on the number line, there are many ways to use and interpret numbers. Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-blowing Mathematical Abilities explores five mathematical concepts and the animals who use them.
Nonfiction for ages 8 to 12.
Awards & Honors
Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.
The National Science Teaching Association chose Calculating Chimpazees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities as a Best STEM Book for Grades K-12.
The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute along with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of English awarded this book a Mathical Honor Award for grades 6-8.
Order your copy here:
Praise for Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities:
“I thought this whole book was completely fascinating, and it's written in an engaging way that should capture the attention of the 9- to 12-year-olds it's designed for. Really interesting stuff! You'll gain insight on the thought processes behind the way you - and animals - do math.”
- Sonderbooks (starred review)
“What a super cool book! Mathematical concepts are not unique to humans as this fascinating nonfiction book proves...Readers will LOVE learning about mathematical concepts, super smart animals, and scientific research all at the same time. The book is interactive, informative, and gorgeously put together. Highly recommended for all collections!”
- Youth Services Book Review (starred review)
“Essentially, the book examines five instances where animals in the natural world showcase math skills. But what Gibeault does, and what I really love, is that she introduces the concept first, and then shows how one can test animals to see whether or not they understand it instinctively themselves. This includes counting, addition, integers, and more. Lots of lovely activities are in there to do with kids, but it’s also just a really fun look at each of these mathematical concepts.”
- Betsy Bird
“Discover how some animals understand the concept of numbers and counting in this engaging and informative book…Chapters conclude with an updated interview with the scientist who works with these animals, along with an activity adapted from the animals’ number sense ability...Full of interesting and lively information that will appeal to animal, math, and science lovers alike.”
- Booklist