Books published by publisher Tarquin Group

"a deliciously tasty, pocket-sized puzzle book by Ed Southall and Vincent Pantaloni. The idea behind the book is to show that problems can be solved in several ways, which means that, say the authors: “once a puzzle is solved, there are further surprises, insights and challenges to be had.” Alex Bellos, Guardian Geometry Snacks is a bestselling mathematical puzzle book filled with geometrical figures and questions designed to challenge, confuse and ultimately enlighten enthusiasts of all ages. Each puzzle is carefully designed to draw out interesting phenomena and relationships between the areas and dimensions of various shapes. Furthermore, unlike most puzzle books, the authors offer multiple approaches to solutions so that once a puzzle is solved, there are further surprises, insights and challenges to be had. As a teaching tool, Geometry Snacks enables teachers to promote deep thinking and debate over how to solve geometry puzzles. Each figure is simple, but often deceptively tricky to solve – allowing for great classroom discussions about ways in which to approach them. By offering numerous solution approaches, the book also acts as a tool to help encourage creativity and develop a variety of strategies to chip away at problems that often seem to have no obvious way in.

This authoritative book illustrates in dynamic form ten basic mechanisms which are used in making popup books. It offers many imaginative possibilities for the hobbyist, or the student of design and technology. Each of the ten basic mechanisms is illustrated by a working model which you can cut out and make: Multiple layers Floating layers V-fold Magic box Moving arm Rotating disc Sliding motion Pull-up planes Pivoting motion Dissolving scenes When finished, each working model glues back into the book on a special tab and folds away to make a kind of three dimensional dictionary or encyclopaedia. For each working model there is also a page called technical considerations which points out important features of the mechanism and suggests how it might be used to create original designs of your own.

"a deliciously tasty, pocket-sized puzzle book by Ed Southall and Vincent Pantaloni. The idea behind the book is to show that problems can be solved in several ways, which means that, say the authors: “once a puzzle is solved, there are further surprises, insights and challenges to be had.” Alex Bellos, Guardian Geometry Snacks is a bestselling mathematical puzzle book filled with geometrical figures and questions designed to challenge, confuse and ultimately enlighten enthusiasts of all ages. Each puzzle is carefully designed to draw out interesting phenomena and relationships between the areas and dimensions of various shapes. Furthermore, unlike most puzzle books, the authors offer multiple approaches to solutions so that once a puzzle is solved, there are further surprises, insights and challenges to be had. As a teaching tool, Geometry Snacks enables teachers to promote deep thinking and debate over how to solve geometry puzzles. Each figure is simple, but often deceptively tricky to solve – allowing for great classroom discussions about ways in which to approach them. By offering numerous solution approaches, the book also acts as a tool to help encourage creativity and develop a variety of strategies to chip away at problems that often seem to have no obvious way in.

A bravura display of imagination by Rob Ives has produced this delightful collection of working automata to cut out and make. As you operate the mechanisms, the Hopping Sheep hop energetically and the Pecking Hen pecks keenly into its feeder. The rather sad Motley Man bows and acknowledges the applause he has earned and while The Flying Fish does not actually fly, it does flap its wings and undulate in a delightfully unexpected manner. Each of the mechanisms uses a different principle to generate motion, so this book is of special interest to those who like to see what remarkable things can be achieved with paper.

Curve stitching is a creative, practical activity with a strong mathematical background. This book explains the technique and there are large colour photographs of a good selection of beautiful designs, with stitchbystitch sewing plans. The different families of designs are put into their mathematical context and there are many suggestions for further development. There is also a good collection of computer programs written in Basic. These programs can readily be modified and adapted so that one can find on screen those patterns which will be most pleasing to sew.

Make this collection of seven ingenious paper gadgets which introduce and explain many of the concepts used in cipher machines. Decode the secret messages and then start to understand how cryptographers try to protect information from prying eyes. See also how cryptanalysts set about breaking such codes and ciphers. A substantial minibook explains the principles of codebreaking, and includes the story of the Enigma machine and Bletchley Park.

Children love making these beautiful shapes which are such fun to decorate. Each model is printed on crisp white paper ready to cut out and glue together. There are at least 12 hours of enjoyment in each book and the finished models make a fine collection. There are plenty of suggestions and ideas for coloring and decoration. A fantastic way to extend 3D geometry for children - at home or in class. Makes an excellent gift or prize! The sister book, Make Shapes 1 contains slightly less complex models.

Four working models to cut out and glue together. If you like making working models, then you will be delighted with this collection. The Runabout Train follows its track through the tunnel and the Busybuzzy bees buzz about in a rather random and beelike fashion. The Hare and the Tortoise race to a very close finish, and the Owl and the Pussycat set off in their peagreen boat. All of them make use of different mechanisms and the collection is a fine display of ingenious and colourful paper engineering.

Patterns from tiles and brickwork are explored and demonstrated so that they can be used in your own designs. Perfect follow up activities for school and other youth trips to places or architectural significance - or just your local high street or even some schools. Robert Field has travelled extensively and has taken his camera and a keen eye with him wherever he has gone. Many people will be both suprised and delighted by the sheer number and variety of interesting patterns that he has discovered. This is one of a series of Geometric Patterns books that will appeal both to those who have a particular interest in the topic covered but also to those who are looking for a rich resource of pattern designs.

This book contains an impressive collection of colorful models from both tropical and temperate waters. Some are commonly seen in tropical marine aquariums, others are camouflaged to survive in seas where it is murkier and colder. Included is the dramatic scorpion fish and of course a pair of clown fish. Many different paper techniques are employed to make single fish and attractive groupings.

This book is full of activities to introduce fractals to kids between 10 and 14, to explore on their own or for use in the classroom Nature’s repeating patterns, fractals, are beautiful and universal. Fractals can also be calculated mathematically. The activities presented in this lovely companion book to The Fractal Model Book are designed to enjoyed by the math motivated individual student - but would work well with a set of students with more interest in art than math. Working through the activities yields beauty at the same time as mathematical truths. Activities include: iterations, proportion and rules, nature's fractals,fractals and symmetry,fractal triangles,Sierpinski's triangles, Koch snowflakes,Appolonian factals, nested fractals,square fractals, H Fractals, tiling, circle fractals and many more. Each activity is introduced in plain English and can be done in any order.