What are some easy, relatively quick ways to learn to write better, think clearer, and express myself better? [more inside]
posted by Bageena on Jan 28, 2009 - 24 answers

My cousin's four year old son is obsessed with things like quarks and infinity. He insists to his mother that infinity is the last number. She isn't so sure, and wants to know more about things like strangeness. I don't want to determine this kid's future, but it seems fun to feed his curiosity. And since my wife's babysitter was Murray Gell-Mann, the responsibility has fallen partially on my shoulders to help answer his questions. What kinds of information can you recommend that I give to his mother so that she, an attorney and not a mathematician, and her son can learn more about this information. In particular, what kinds of books, games, and projects would introduce him to other neat ideas in mathematics and physics?
posted by billtron on Feb 16, 2008 - 27 answers

I want to start teaching myself physics, but how? [more inside]
posted by god particle on Sep 11, 2007 - 12 answers

What's your favorite math reference book, specifically for integrals? [more inside]
posted by kiltedtaco on Sep 5, 2007 - 13 answers

Starting this fall, I plan on taking some preparatory undergrad coursework with the intention of eventually applying to a master's program in applied mathematics. I am seeking suggestions for reading material concerning the field of mathematics in general, both as a refresher and as insight into current focus areas and work being done. As a working engineer, my situation and background might be a bit different from most considering this route... [more inside]
posted by Bugg on Jul 15, 2007 - 2 answers

I need help writing a puppet show to teach the importance of literacy to kids k-5. [more inside]
posted by magikker on Apr 4, 2007 - 8 answers

i've been looking at reviews on amazon for introductory stat textbooks, and i can't seem to find a single one that doesn't have blatantly contradictory reviews. [more inside]
posted by tehgeekmeister on Apr 2, 2007 - 8 answers

Can you recommend science or math books (non-fiction) that are interesting but accessible to someone with a limited math/science background? [more inside]
posted by Caz721 on Dec 13, 2005 - 45 answers

I read Edwin A. Abbott's Flatland this weekend and really enjoyed its fiction and speculative geometry/mathematics. I guess the logical next step would be to read the unofficial sequel, Flatterland, but can any of you recommend other books that similarly twist math and fiction, or just books that explain mathematical concepts or theories to laymen such as myself in ways that are entertaining to read?
posted by Evstar on Jan 3, 2005 - 28 answers

I'd like to learn Math. I'm particularly interested in learning trig and calculus. I'm don't need to learn these disciplines for any purpose. I'm just interested. I'm a reasonably bright guy, with a logical mind (I've worked as a programmer), and I'm a good self-learner. I'm not in a rush (don't mind working at this for a few years). What books/resources would you recommend? I should probably go all the way back to Algebra, which is pretty much where I left off in High School years ago.
posted by grumblebee on Dec 27, 2003 - 12 answers