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Jacobs Geometry, 3rd Edition Review by Tina Rice
W.H. Freeman and Co.http://www.whfreeman.com/
What do you get when you mix fantastic teaching, colorful visuals, humor, and well-defined examples? You get the third edition of Geometry, Seeing, Doing, Understanding by Harold Jacobs. Kids are going to love chapters with titles like Euclid, the Surfer, and the Spotter and We Can't Go On Like This. Geometry contains 16 chapters, a midterm review, a final review, glossary, formulary, postulates and theorems, and answers to selected exercises. To teach Geometry at home you will also need the Teachers Guide, which includes answers to problems, and Test Masters, which include two copies of each test and multiple copies of the midterm and final tests. Check out the W.H. Freeman web site to get a fuller description of the book at www.whfreeman.com.
As a parent, I believe that Geometry by Harold Jacobs is the best geometry program available to homeschooling families. Students say it is organized, well laid out with good explanations, and has plenty of examples. They particularly appreciate the balanced visual stimulation (it is colorful without being flashy) and humor. I don't remember anything humorous about my geometry textbook, do you? Who decided that math textbooks should be dull and boring? I applaud Harold Jacobs for keeping his math books (Elementary Algebra, Mathematics, a Human Endeavor, and Geometry) upbeat, interesting, and fun.
In order to review Geometry, I worked with several students on various lessons. Teacher preparation and presentation took about 30 minutes (excluding grading). For me to successfully teach Geometry, it will be necessary for me to review the entire book before Katie begins it. This will take me several months. It has been 15 years since I had a geometry class and I am very out of practice. I think a parent who knows nothing beyond basic math will need to hire a tutor to teach Geometry.
Mastery of Chapter 1, An Introduction to Geometry, is essential to succeed in Geometry. Chapter 1 contains five lessons, a summary, and review. Moving onto successive chapters will be much easier after the building block of Chapter 1 is laid down.
Geometry, Seeing, Doing, Understanding by Harold Jacobs can be purchased from most homeschool suppliers. I found the lowest price at Rainbow Resource Center. You can also order direct from W.H. Freeman at www.whfreeman.com.
Newly Added:
A new feature for Geometry found at the W.H. Freeman website is "Ask Harold." Author Harold Jacobs has teamed up with his publisher to make his textbook even more homeschooling friendly by providing direct contact for questions and answers. Go to www.whfreeman.com/jacobs to checkout this great addition to Geometry, Seeing, Doing, Understanding by Harold Jacobs!
