This book is a collection of intriguing mathematical problems and activities linked by common themes that involve working with objects from our everyday experience. Learn about the mathematical mysteries of a bagel, a checkerboard, and a pile of laundry, for example. Discover for yourself that wheels need not be round, that braids need not have free ends, that it is always best to turn around twice-and more! Mathematics is all around us. We all do mathematics everyday. This book irresistibly tempts the reader to embark on a journey of investigation and discovery. All the activities are immediate, catchy and fun, but upon investigation begin to unfold into surprising layers of depth and new perspectives. The necessary mathematics in increasing levels of sophistication is fully explained along the way, but readers may amend the journey in any way to match their mathematical abilities. Elementary, middle and high school students, college students and mathematics majors, faculty from all divisions and professional mathematicians, as well as self-described math phobics have all enjoyed these activities and have all attained a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from them. Mathematics educators will find this an invaluable resource of fresh and innovative approaches to topics in mathematics. No preparatory learning is needed to dive right in! You will enjoy doing these activities even more as part of a group event. Whether you are a student or an instructor, anxious or comfortable with math, or just curious about mathematics, you will be challenged and delighted by the activities descibed herein.

"If, on the other hand, you want a book with a bounty of activities that you could use in your mathematics classroom or as part of a mathematics club try this one. We as mathematicians are always looking for ways to stimulate interest in mathematics in others. In particular, if one were to visit a high school mathematics classroom and want to show the students that mathematics can actually be FUN, look to this book for some wonderful ideas."

Herbert Kasume Source: MAA Reviews