 Math Puzzle DVDs
Learn how to solve difficult math problems and puzzles by watching DVDs.
The Standard Deviants - Algebra Intro DVD 2-pack (Pre-Algebra 1, Algebra 1)
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The Standard Deviants - Algebra Intro DVD 2-pack (Pre-Algebra 1, Algebra 1)
Algebra is destined to be regarded as a subject that many, if not most, students regard as agonizing, and trying to make it entertaining seems hopeless. But the Standard Deviants, young performers who use skits, bad jokes, horrendous puns, and flashy graphics to make serious academic subjects memorable, succeed in making both pre-algebra and algebra easier to grasp than anyone would have reason to expect. The two DVDs in this package take a generally irreverent approach, but the actual academic material has been reviewed by an academic panel, so what's presented on the screen is solid math, even if the young actors and actresses are taking part in parodies of movies and TV shows while they are providing the lessons. The DVDs move progressively through the lessons, and each section, for instance on factors or algebraic properties, will be followed by a review and a quiz that the student can take or skip. The general idea behind Standard Deviants programs is that no joke is too bad to use if it makes the material being expressed memorable, and so the mnemonic devices, and the flashy graphics which accompany the lessons, should combine to help a student coping with the challenges of algebra to get a much better handle on the subject. --Robert J. McNamara
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The Standard Deviants - Math Mania (Learning Basic Math)
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The Standard Deviants - Math Mania (Learning Basic Math)
In "The Zany World of Basic Math," the Standard Deviants, an ebullient troupe of young performers whose specialty is taking serious subjects and making them offbeat enough to be memorable, tackle the most basic concepts of mathematics. Starting off with explanations of integers, the program proceeds to cover addition, subtraction, and multiplication before moving into more advanced concepts such as exponents and division. Throughout the program the cast cracks painfully corny jokes and occasionally dresses up in some bad costumes to make their points. Indeed, this must be the only math lesson to have a "comedy editor" listed in the opening credits. The underlying principle is that if the performers make spectacles of themselves, that serves as a mnemonic device and makes the serious material they're imparting easier to remember. After covering the basics, the program moves into decimals, fractions, ratios, and percents. Following each section a quiz appears, which the student can either take or skip, and a "Grand Slam Exam" concludes the entire set of lessons. While the presentation may be unorthodox, the academic material has been approved by a panel of professors. Though it's not intended as a substitute for classes in math, students would benefit by using this as review material. --Robert J. McNamara
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The Standard Deviants - Pre-Algebra Power (Learn Pre-Algebra Basics)
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The Standard Deviants - Pre-Algebra Power (Learn Pre-Algebra Basics)
The intrepid Standard Deviants, a troupe of young performers unafraid to shamelessly ham it up in the cause of making difficult academic subjects memorable, turn their attention to "The Pumped Up World of Pre-Algebra" in this DVD. Using lots of examples and flashy computer graphics to illustrate them, the cast jumps into the basics by answering the question "What is an integer exponent?" The rules of exponents are explained, and these initial segments are followed with a review. The basic format is followed throughout, with the concepts of prime factorization, roots, fractional exponents, and inequalities being covered with a variety of techniques, including some skits and jokes bad enough to serve as brilliant mnemonic devices. This subject matter doesn't sound like anything fun, but the cast does its best to explain things thoroughly, and the high production values make the content visually appealing on the screen. The DVD format lends itself to a feature that presents what are essentially on-screen flashcards showing formulas, and a "Pumped Up Exam" can also be administered, with the viewer answering by using the buttons on the DVD player's remote control. An academic panel oversaw the production to ensure that the math is solid, and this is as entertaining a treatment of pre-algebra as could ever be expected. --Robert J. McNamara
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The Standard Deviants - Algebra Adventure (Learn Algebra Basics)
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The Standard Deviants - Algebra Adventure (Learn Algebra Basics)
Making algebra entertaining seems like a hopeless, if not downright insane, task, but that doesn't stop the Standard Deviants. A youthful cast of performers, who believe no joke, skit, or costume is too corny as long as it helps a student remember something important, throw themselves into "The Adventurous World of College Algebra" by beginning with a spoof of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Inside a cave, two Indiana Jones wannabes search for, you guessed it, x. Despite the lighthearted approach, this is a serious algebra review course, compiled under the direction of academic advisers. The lessons begin by answering, "What is algebra?" and quickly move into quadratic roots and factors and a section on linear equations. A wacky sense of humor stays a constant, with spoofs of pop culture programs as well as flashy computer graphics appearing to illustrate essential concepts. At the end of each lesson a quiz appears (which the student can take or skip), and the DVD also contains the "Algebra Adventure," a multiple choice test taken by using the DVD player's remote control. A "Quick Review" segment provides a fast overview of the contents. This is an innovative approach to what has often been a daunting and dry subject. --Robert J. McNamara
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The Standard Deviants - Learn Geometry
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The Standard Deviants - Learn Geometry
Proofs and theorems and all those angles aren't exactly material for entertainment, but the Standard Deviants are, as ever, undaunted as they happily tackle "The Many Sided World of Geometry." The approach of taking serious academic subjects and presenting them in a lighthearted but purposely memorable manner is employed here with such diversions as a cartoon rendition of the great pioneer of geometry, Euclid, and animations showing the differences between inductive and deductive reasoning. The energetic young performers aren't afraid to ham it up, such as a young man who introduces the section on triangles by wearing a horrendous plaid sport jacket and playing the part of a used-car salesman on a late-night infomercial. Despite the sometimes raucous proceedings, and encouragements like a young woman who notes that geometry is "really kind of cool, it doesn't involve equations like algebra," serious math is presented, and the entire presentation has been assembled by a panel of college professors. The main sections, on geometry basics, angles, and triangles, are each filled with lessons that are followed by reviews and quizzes, which a student can take or skip over. The DVD also contains what are essentially flashcards with essential material, and a final exam concludes what amounts to a valiant attempt to make geometry entertaining and therefore memorable. --Robert J. McNamara
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The Standard Deviants - Basic Math
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The Standard Deviants - Basic Math
In "The Zany World of Basic Math," the Standard Deviants, an ebullient troupe of young performers whose specialty is taking serious subjects and making them offbeat enough to be memorable, tackle the most basic concepts of mathematics. Starting off with explanations of integers, the program proceeds to cover addition, subtraction, and multiplication before moving into more advanced concepts such as exponents and division. Throughout the program the cast cracks painfully corny jokes and occasionally dresses up in some bad costumes to make their points. Indeed, this must be the only math lesson to have a "comedy editor" listed in the opening credits. The underlying principle is that if the performers make spectacles of themselves, that serves as a mnemonic device and makes the serious material they're imparting easier to remember. After covering the basics, the program moves into decimals, fractions, ratios, and percents. Following each section a quiz appears, which the student can either take or skip, and a "Grand Slam Exam" concludes the entire set of lessons. While the presentation may be unorthodox, the academic material has been approved by a panel of professors. Though it's not intended as a substitute for classes in math, students would benefit by using this as review material. --Robert J. McNamara
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