Math is Figure-Out-Able!
Episodes
#MathStratChat - May 6, 2026
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 6, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try to ...
Ep 307: Naming Fractions
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a 'correct' way to name math concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss different naming conventions for fractions from differe...
#MathStratChat - April 29, 2026
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 29, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 306: Which Algorithm Would You Use: Fractions?
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Can you use an algorithm to solve every type of problem, or are there some problems for which algorithms leave you stranded? In this episode, Pam and ...
#MathStratChat - April 22, 2026
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 22, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 305: Guiding Principles for What We Recommend
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for useful games and materials for your classroom? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss some of the classroom materials and games they love an...
#MathStratChat - April 15, 2026
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 15, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 304: Context, Models, and Strategy for a Better CRA
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How should context and models be used to build strategy? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a sequence of tasks regarding area to demonstrate a better...
#MathStratChat - April 8, 2026
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 8, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 303: Product Approach to Multiplication Facts
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If multiplication facts are so fundamental, why do students who memorize them struggle with multiplicative reasoning? In this episode, Pam and Kim tak...
#MathStratChat - April 1, 2026
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 1, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 302: Factor Puzzles 3: Expressions
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How can we prepare students to grapple with algebraic concepts? In this episode, Pam and Kim further adapt factor puzzles for developing understanding...
#MathStratChat - March 25, 2026
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 25, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 301: Factor Puzzles 2: Integers
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why is practice sometimes not enough for students to become comfortable multiplying and adding integers? In this episode, Pam and Kim explore more wit...
#MathStratChat - March 18, 2026
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 11, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 300: Factor Puzzles 1: Whole Numbers
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is a great way for student's to increase their factor fluency and move from additive reasoning to multiplicative reasoning? In this episode,...
#MathStratChat - March 11, 2026
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 11, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 299: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in 3-5
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does the day-to-day of a math is figureoutable classroom look like? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the new book for teachers of Grades 3-5 ...
#MathStratChat - March 4, 2026
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 4, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 298: Who Gets to Math? One thing that Opens or Closes the Gate
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Using strategies to solve problems sounds good, but what if my students don't know the basics? In this episode, Pam and Kim dispel the myth that ...
#MathStratChat - February 25, 2026
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 25, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 297: What Makes Good Shifts in a School's Math Teaching?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to make real change in a school's math program? In this episode, Pam and Kim share what does and doesn't work to make last...
#MathStratChat - February 18, 2026
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 18, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 296: Live at NCTM Spring
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's great to learn from other educators. In this episode Pam and Kim relay their experience at NCTM Spring 2026, giving their unique perspective...
#MathStratChat - February 11, 2026
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 11, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 295: Differentiating Problem String for your Grade Level: Over Subtraction
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How can you tweak a Problem String to work perfectly for your class? In this episode, Pam and Kim share a subtraction Problem String, and then unpack ...
#MathStratChat - February 4, 2026
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 4, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 294: Introducing Logarithms
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing new math concepts can be tricky. In this episode, Pam and Kim do a Problem String to introduce logarithms in a natural, figureoutable way....
#MathStratChat - January 28, 2026
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 28, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 293: What Makes a Good Number Talk?
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are your Number Talks purposeful? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the when, how, and why of Number Talks, which they call Problem Talks.Talking P...
#MathStratChat - January 21, 2026
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 21, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 292: Playing With Division and Fractions
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There is much more to fractions than "cross multiply and divide". In this episode, Pam and Kim facilitate a Problem String to explore the pa...
#MathStratChat - January 14, 2026
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 14, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 291: Starting the Year Grounded
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Part of being a good teacher is teaching with integrity and consistency. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the importance of knowing your beliefs a...
#MathStratChat - January 7, 2026
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 7, 2026. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 290: Looking Ahead to 2026
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How did you grow in 2025? What are your goals for 2026? In this podcast, Pam and Kim reflect on 2025 and share the exciting things they are working to...
#MathStratChat - December 31, 2025
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 31, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 289: Pedagogical Moves vs Personality
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All teachers are different, but we should all teach intentionally. In this episode, Kim surprises Pam with a collection of favorite "Pam-isms&quo...
#MathStratChat - December 24, 2025
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 24, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 288: 12 Days of Free Part 2
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the season of giving, Math is Figure-Out-Able is giving some free stuff to you! In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss free opportunities to learn an...
#MathStratChat - December 17, 2025
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 17, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 287: 12 Days of Free, Pt 1
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who does not love free? We do, and know you do too!In this episode, Pam and Kim kick of the 12 Days of Free, Math is Figureoutable style! Tune in to h...
#MathStratChat - December 10 , 2025
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 10, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 286: Listening Is Not Enough
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we listen to student thinking? In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss how listening is a powerful tool for both coaching and teaching.Talking Poi...
#MathStratChat - December 3 , 2025
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 3, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 285: Small Shifts, Big Impact
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes a little shift makes all the difference. In this episode, Pam and Kim describe the new mini workshop for introducing secondary teachers to t...
#MathStratChat - November 26, 2025
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 26, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 284: Grateful for...
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the end of the year gets closer, it's a great time to reflect what and who we are grateful for! In this episode, Pam and Kim pause to give tha...
#MathStratChat - November 19, 2025
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 19, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 283: Are Equations Ever the Best Model?
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With so many models, what role do equations play? In this episode, Kim takes Pam through a Problem String that can only be modeled with equations and ...
#MathStratChat - November 12, 2025
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 12, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 282: Playing With Math
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding math is important, and fun. In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss the necessity of play in mathematics education and share when, where, a...
#MathStratChat - November 5, 2025
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 5, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 281: Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in K-2
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's a brand new book for K-2 teachers! In this episode, Pam and Kim discuss how strategies in early mathematics build upon each other and inc...
#MathStratChat - October 29 , 2025
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 29, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 280: Rapid Fire Math Pedagogy Questions
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can we adjust our teaching to meet the needs of our students? In this episode, Pam proposes a series of rapid-fire pedagogical scenarios for Kim t...
#MathStratChat - October 22, 2025
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 22, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
NCSM/NCTM Reflections: What We Are Thinking About!
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pam and Kim went to NCSM and NCTM in Atlanta! In this episode, they share some of their favorite moments, biggest take-aways, and new insights glean...
#MathStratChat - October 15 , 2025
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 15, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 278: Benefit from Solving Equations Graphically
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What role can technology play in mathematics education? In this episode Pam and Kim explore a Problem String for solving systems of equations using De...
#MathStratChat - October 8, 2025
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 8, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 277: Memorize the Facts - It Makes All the Difference
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is the difference between "knowing" and "owning" facts? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to help all students make the...
#MathStratChat - October 1, 2025
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 1, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 276: Facilitating Pam's Favorite Problem String
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Facilitating a Problem String is much more than providing a list of problems. In this episode Pam shares the moment to moment decisions she makes when...
#MathStratChat - September 24, 2025
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 24, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you ...
Ep 275: Playing with Mathematical Relationships in Life
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mathematics is everywhere, but if students don't know how to reason they may not want to engage and play with numbers or see all the opportunitie...
#MathStratChat - September 17, 2025
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 17, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you ...
Ep 274: Best Way to Teach Word Problems
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have students that struggle with word problems? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the best way to help students succeed when faced with a word probl...
#MathStratChat - September 10, 2025
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 10, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you ...
Ep 273: Conceptual Understanding... Then Algorithms
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the goal of math class all about getting answers? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how their work differs from those who promote traditional mat...
#MathStratChat - September 3, 2025
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 3, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 272: What is Fluency Anyway?
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does the definition of fluency change when your goal for math class changes? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss in some areas of mathematics they...
#MathStratChat - August 27, 2025
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 27, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 271: Direct Variation
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can we bridge from proportional reasoning to functional reasoning? In this episode Pam and Kim talk through a Problem String that moves students f...
#MathStratChat - August 20, 2025
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 20, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 270: Mathematical Behaviors
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do mathy people approach mathematics? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss different mathematical behaviors and the value of engendering them in st...
#MathStratChat - August 13, 2025
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 13, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 269: Why the Debate between Inquiry and Direct Instruction, Developing Reasoning and Teaching Procedures.
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does inquiry mean leaving students to their own devices? In this episode Pam and Kim share their thoughts on the debate teaching reasoning vs. teachin...
#MathStratChat - August 6, 2025
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 6, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 268: Connecting Strategies, Properties, and Models in Addition
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can teachers help students be more sophisticated additive reasoners? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the major addition strategies, what prope...
#MathStratChat - July 30, 2025
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 30, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 267: Connecting Strategies, Properties, and Models in Multiplication
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your only focus is answer getting, students may never experience and grapple with and understand multiplicative properties. In this episode Pam and...
#MathStratChat - July 23, 2025
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 23, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 266: Solving Proportions - Within & Between
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does proportional thinking prepare students for reasoning with variables? In this episode Pam and Kim explore the transition from proportional rea...
#MathStratChat - July 16, 2025
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 16, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 265: Show Your Work
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you require student's to show their work in mathematics? Whose work? When? How much work? For what purpose? In this episode Pam and Kim di...
#MathStratChat - July 9, 2025
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 9, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to...
Ep 264: Facilitating an Equivalence Structure Problem String - Multiplicative Reasoning
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can Problem Strings help build big ideas? In this episode Pam and Kim walk through a Problem String that helps students dig into area and multipli...
#MathStratChat - July 2, 2025
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 2, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to...
Ep 263: Facilitating an Equivalence Structure Problem String - Additive Reasoning
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does a Problem String look in front of real students? In this episode Pam and Kim give a play by play for how a Problem String could be facilitate...
#MathStratChat - June 25, 2025
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 25, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 262: Code Switching in Mathematics
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if finding equivalence between fractions, decimals, and precents wasn't just a task for students to do, but a tool making them more efficien...
#MathStratChat - June 18, 2025
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 18, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 261: Five Year Anniversary Episode
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Five years of important conversations, lots of laughs and a blooper every once in a while. In this episode Pam and Kim revisit some important moments ...
#MathStratChat - June 11, 2025
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 11, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 260: Refining And Extending I Have, You Need
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you get the most out of I Have, You Need in your classroom? In this podcast Pam and Kim answer some common questions and dig deeper into one o...
#MathStratChat - June 4, 2025
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 4, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to...
Ep 259: Universal Screeners: The Good, Bad, and Ugly - Part 2
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We've got a lot to say about screeners! In this episode Pam and Kim dig a bit more into why we screen and what we do with the results.Talking Poi...
#MathStratChat - May 28, 2025
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 28, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to...
Ep 258: Universal Screeners: The Good, Bad, and Ugly - Part 1
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are Universal Screeners worth the time and effort? What do we gain? In this episode Pam and Kim begin their discussion about using Universal Screene...