About This Book
"The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice" tells the remarkable true story of Marjorie Rice, a San Diego mother of five who, despite having only a high school education, became a groundbreaking amateur mathematician. Inspired by a column in Scientific American, Marjorie dedicated her free time to solving a complex geometry problem, eventually discovering four new classes of pentagonal tilings. This picture book biography highlights her incredible perseverance, creativity, and the ultimate recognition of her work by the mathematical community. It's a wonderful read for children aged 4-11, demonstrating that passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements, regardless of formal training.
Discussion Prompts
1
What made Marjorie Rice so determined to solve the puzzle of pentagonal tilings?
2
How did Marjorie's interest in art help her with her mathematical discoveries?
3
Do you think you need to be a "professional" to make important discoveries? Why or why not?
4
What is something you are curious about that you would like to explore more, just like Marjorie?
5
What are some different shapes you see around you every day, and how do they fit together?
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