This classic series will excite students' imaginations while enriching skills in logical thinking. Logic Countdown problems are easy to incorporate into lesson plans and are formatted to enhance the fullest spectrum of curriculum areas while sharpening thinking skills. Challenging and instructional, these thought-provoking books present sequential exercises in logical reasoning that include relationships, analogies, syllogisms, sequences, deductive reasoning, inference, truth-values, and logical notation. Simple grids coupled with intriguing problems evoke enthusiasm and inspire students to higher and higher levels of thinking. Each book builds on concepts presented previously in the series to offer a comprehensive logic adventure for young thinkers.
The skills students build by using this book are applicable to several areas of the curriculum. Academic skills used for reading, math, writing, and science all depend on the ability to perceive and define relationships and to form inferences. But, beyond the academic world, students will find logical thinking an integral part of everyday life.
This is the first in a three-book series designed to sharpen children's logical thinking skills. Once students master the skills presented in this book, they will be ready for new challenges in Logic Liftoff and Orbiting with Logic.
Grades 3-4
Biography
Bonnie Lou Risby grew up in the Illinois woodlands atop the limestone bluffs across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. These woods were her playground where she and her siblings camped out, played detective, scout, hunter, etc. and enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors in every season.
Blast Off with Logic is a series of three books that build upon one another at increasing levels of difficulty. Logic Countdown, written for grades 3-4, introduces relationships, analogies, sequencing, "all" and "no" statements, syllogisms, if-then statements, deduction, and making inferences. Logic Liftoff for grades 4-6 reviews and expands all of these topics, continues into deeper logical reasoning, and introduces logical notation. Orbiting with Logic for grades 5-7 builds on the previous two books, expands logical notation, and adds logic diagrams and logical fallacies. While it is possible to use any one of the books alone, they really work best as a sort of continuous course . . . Most of us parents will find many of the lessons new and challenging, so we should tackle them right along with our children to improve our own thinking skills.,Cathy Duffy,Cathy Duffy Reviews, 1/1/09
