Symmetry, Shape, and Space: An Introduction to Mathematics Through Geometry - Tapa dura

From the reviews:

"The text is written in an accessible and chatty style ... . There is, however, a very conscious effort to engage the reader in active exploration and discovery, and so every topic is introduced as a practical exercise involving equipment which is readily available in every classroom, and the text is peppered with problems and questions for investigation. ... There are so many good things covered in the text that it is hard to pick out one or two." (Gerry Leversha, The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 86 (505), 2002)

"This is an excellent book on geometry written at an elementary level. So the starting point of the book are the basics of Euclidean geometry ... . What comes then is a wealth of examples, exercises and results, always stimulating the reader to make his own experiments, drawings, and conjectures. ... The book is full with nicely drawn pictures thus emphasizing the visual aspect of geometry. A final chapter includes hints and solutions to selected problems and a large number of references." (Hans Havlicek, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 974, 2001)

From the reviews:

"The text is written in an accessible and chatty style ... . There is, however, a very conscious effort to engage the reader in active exploration and discovery, and so every topic is introduced as a practical exercise involving equipment which is readily available in every classroom, and the text is peppered with problems and questions for investigation. ... There are so many good things covered in the text that it is hard to pick out one or two." (Gerry Leversha, The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 86 (505), 2002)

"This is an excellent book on geometry written at an elementary level. So the starting point of the book are the basics of Euclidean geometry ... . What comes then is a wealth of examples, exercises and results, always stimulating the reader to make his own experiments, drawings, and conjectures. ... The book is full with nicely drawn pictures thus emphasizing the visual aspect of geometry. A final chapter includes hints and solutions to selected problems and a large number of references." (Hans Havlicek, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 974, 2001)

Symmetry, Shape, and Space uses the visual nature of geometry to involve readers in discovering mathematics. The text allows readers to study and analyze patterns for themselves, which in turn teaches creativity, as well as analytical and visualization skills. Varied content, activities, and examples lead readers into an investigative process and provide the experience of doing and discovering mathematics as mathematicians do. Exercises requiring readers to express their ideas in writing and to create drawings or physical models make math a hands-on experience. Assuming no mathematics beyond the high school level, Symmetry, Shape, and Space is the perfect introduction to mathematics, and it is designed so that each chapter is independent of the others, allowing great flexibility.