Weslandia by Paul Fleischman
This book tells a story about a boy named Wesley, who is curious about the civilizations around him. He decides to build his own civilization in the back yard as a summer project. he wanted to farm his back yard based on some knowledge and information he gained from school. His civilization includes staple crop, unknown plants, fruit, vegetable, and sun dial. Wesley created his own numeric system based on 8 numbers and his own language to name and number his products and he named it "Weslandia,". In the end of the story Wesley becomes a good friend with his classmates who once made fun of him.
This book is a great book,the story is all about a boy who is very different from everyone else. Wesley is not a geek kid or book smart boy, he's is able to use his information and knowledge an apply it in real life. Wesley perfectly is able to mange his resources (input) and later his products ( outputs). He uses his outputs and products for clothing and shelter as well.
Wesley made his own math system based on the number eight, the number of petals on the red flower of the plant. He made himself some cloths and hat from the strips of the plant's woody bark. He sells the seed oil to his former enemies as a suntan lotion/mosquito repellent for 10 dollar per bottle. Basically, to run a civilization you need some math knowledge and I think Wesley is great business man
feras,
ReplyDeletei like your book selection. you did a nice job of explaining the plot of the story and some of the mathematics in the story, specifically inputs and outputs. you did not include an explanation about how literature is an effective way to teach or reinforce mathematical concepts.
(also, i have to take points off for the late post. try to get it in on time next time!)
professor little