Math Hacks for Scratch

by Michael Mays

July 2024, 200 pp.

ISBN-13:

9781718503380

Full Color

Scratch is mainly used to learn programming and design computer games, but it has plenty of other useful applications—like solving math problems. This book reveals the block-based coding system’s mathematical superpowers, guiding you through over 20 hands-on projects that investigate a variety of interesting numerical puzzles. You’ll quickly find that core math concepts, like number representations, divisibility, and cryptography, are fun to code using Scratch.

In addition to learning how to hack Scratch to get it to work with numbers in unusual ways, you’ll discover efficient algorithms for making time-consuming computations a snap. Along the way, you'll see how the right mathematical or programming trick can simplify a seemingly complex task, as you think through bonus coding challenges that further promote independent experimentation while improving both your math and programming skills.

Author Bio

Michael Mays has a PhD in mathematics from Penn State University. His teaching career at West Virginia University spanned 40 years, including administrative posts as Director of the Institute for Math Learning and Chair of the Department of Statistics, and an appointment as Eberly Teaching Professor. He has had research appointments at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is the author of 59 research papers and technical reports on number theory, combinatorics, and mathematics education.

Table of contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Numbers and Computer Numbers
Chapter 2: Divisibility and Primes
Chapter 3: Prime Factorization
Chapter 4: Sequences
Chapter 5: Arrays
Chapter 6: Cryptography
Chapter 7: The Art of Counting
Chapter 8: Pi
Chapter 9: Hints and Solutions

The chapters in red are included in this Early Access PDF.

Reviews

"Inspired by the author’s grandchildren, this book offers up a playful approach to mathematics learning using the block-based coding language pioneered by Scratch. Dr. Michael Mays has done a compelling job of using a creative coding platform to enliven and enrich young people’s engagement with math, by using coding to engage with numbers, puzzles, and patterns."

—Margaret Honey, President & CEO, Scratch Foundation