Mathematical Lives series

Name: Mathematical Lives series
Brand: Royal Fireworks Press

by Royal Fireworks Press

MathGrades 6–12

About This Curriculum

Biographical novels about mathematicians that combine life stories with accessible explanations of mathematical concepts and problems, featuring a 'Doing the Math' appendix for hands-on practice.

What makes it unique: Unique combination of biography and mathematics education that humanizes math by showing the real people behind mathematical discoveries, making abstract concepts more comprehensible and meaningful

Mathematical Lives: Biography-Based Math Enrichment

A series of biographical novels about mathematicians that combines life stories with mathematical concepts and problems. The curriculum includes six books featuring historical figures like Pascal, Fermat, and Ada Lovelace, with 'Doing the Math' appendices for hands-on practice.

Best for

Math-enthusiastic students in grades 6-12 seeking enrichment through historical context, particularly those who enjoy reading and want to see mathematical applications in biographical narratives

Evaluation Criteria

4 concerns · 2 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Worked ExamplesConcern

Mathematical concepts are embedded in biographical narratives rather than presented as clear worked examples.

Reviews mention equations and mathematical information included in stories, but no mention of step-by-step problem-solving models

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum does not provide structured direct instruction, relying instead on narrative discovery of mathematical concepts.

Content is delivered through storytelling format rather than explicit instructional sequences

Sequencing ApproachConcern

The curriculum does not follow a systematic mathematical sequence, instead organizing content around biographical narratives.

Books are organized by mathematician rather than mathematical progression, covering diverse topics from probability to calculus based on each person's contributions

Conceptual Procedural BalanceConcern

The series emphasizes conceptual understanding through biographical context but appears to lack systematic procedural fluency development.

Books include mathematical equations, charts, and diagrams woven into stories, but reviews don't mention structured practice of computational skills

Word ProblemsNeutral

Real-world mathematical applications are embedded in historical contexts but may lack systematic problem-solving instruction.

Florence Nightingale's data analysis work and other biographical examples show math applications, but no mention of explicit problem-solving strategies

Visual RepresentationsNeutral

The series incorporates charts, diagrams, and graphs as part of the biographical content.

Books include 'many mathematical equations, charts, and diagrams' and Florence Nightingale's use of 'data, graphs, charts, and diagrams' is highlighted

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of teacher training materials or instructional guidance provided with the curriculum.

Reviews focus on student content without mentioning teacher resources or pedagogical support

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review built into the curriculum.

'Doing the Math' appendices mentioned but no details provided about cumulative review or practice structure

Assessment DiagnosticInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of built-in assessments or diagnostic tools to identify student understanding gaps.

Reviews mention 'Doing the Math' appendices but provide no details about assessment components

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, bookbunnies.blog