Math is Figure-Out-Able!
Episodes
#MathStratChat - May 21, 2025
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 21, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to...
Ep257: Are Problem Strings the Same as Thin Slicing? Pt 2
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do Problem Strings and Thin Slicing achieve the same results? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the differences between Problem Strings and Dr. Lilj...
#MathStratChat - May 14, 2025
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 14, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to...
Ep 256: Are Problem Strings the Same as Thin Slicing? Pt 1
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are Problem Strings the same thing as Thin Slicing? In this episode Pam and Kim talk about the similarities between Problem Strings and Dr. Peter Lilj...
#MathStratChat - May 7, 2025
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on May 7, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try to ...
Ep 255: After a Problem String
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You facilitated a Problem String! ... Now what? In this episode Pam and Kim share they think about after facilitating a Problem String and what their ...
#MathStratChat - April 30, 2025
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 30, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 254: Preparing for a Problem String
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've chosen a Problem String to teach, but does it need any preparation? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how they prepare to facilitate a P...
#MathStratChat - April 23, 2025
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 23, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 253: Choosing a Problem String
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which Problem Strings are appropriate for your students? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss what they consider when choosing a Problem String for a c...
#MathStratChat - April 16, 2025
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 16, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 252: Foundations for Multi-Digit Multiplication & Division Strategies
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What kinds of tasks help students build multi-digit multiplication and division strategies? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks ...
#MathStratChat - April 9, 2025
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 9, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 251: Foundations for Multi-Digit Addition & Subtraction Strategies
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What kinds of tasks help students build multi-digit addition and subtraction strategies? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks to ...
#MathStratChat - April 2, 2025
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on April 2, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 250: Foundations for Single Digit Multiplication & Division Strategies
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Math class is richer and more fun when the goal is more than answer-getting!In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how to sequence tasks to develop the f...
#MathStratChat - March 26, 2025
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 26, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 249: Foundations for Single Digit Addition & Subtraction Strategies
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What should the bulk of math class look like? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss sequencing tasks to build foundational relationships that develop in...
#MathStratChat - March 19, 2025
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 19, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 248: Avoid the I'm Not A Math Person Trap
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do students give up on learning math? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss how using algorithms as teaching tools is distorting students' perc...
#MathStratChat - March 12, 2025
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 12, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 247: Avoid the Digit Trap
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do students not realize their incorrect answers are completely unreasonable? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss another trap students fall into w...
#MathStratChat - March 5, 2025
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on March 5, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 246: Avoid the Trap of Using Less Sophisticated Reasoning
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If a student can perform an algorithm, have they developed the mathematical reasoning that operation calls for? Or are they answer-getting? In this ep...
#MathStratChat - February 26, 2025
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 26, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 245: Three Distortions that Ruin Math Teaching
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If math is figure-out-able why does the world not always teach it that way? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the three major distortions holding ba...
#MathStratChat - February 19, 2025
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 19, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 244: Opportunities for Awareness of Current Math Teaching Topics
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many way to participate in math professional learning! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss some benefits of choosing your own learning an...
#MathStratChat - February 12, 2025
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 12, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 243: Integer Division
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Pam and Kim use what students know about integer multiplication to tackle integer division (without mismatching rules or randomly swit...
#MathStratChat - February 5, 2025
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on February 5, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 242: Integer Multiplication
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of our most requested topics! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss integer multiplication without mismatching rules or randomly switching signs. T...
#MathStratChat - January 29, 2025
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 29, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 241: Algorithm vs Problem Talk vs Problem String
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is mathing just about allowing students to solve problems their way? Aren't Probem Strings and Problem Talks really just the same routine? In thi...
#MathStratChat - January 22, 2025
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 22, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 240: Real Math, Fake Math?
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Math may be figureoutable, but communication can be tricky! In this episode Pam and Kim discuss things to consider in order to be clear in the message...
#MathStratChat - January 15, 2025
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 15, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 239: Counted Out
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People across the world are changing math education. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the documentary Counted Out that they were fortunate to see. ...
Ep 239: Counted Out (SPOILER FREE)
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People across the world are changing math education. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the documentary Counted Out that they were fortunate to see. ...
#MathStratChat - January 8, 2025
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 8, 2025.Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 238: Inverse Variation Pt 2
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are inverse functions figureoutable? In this episode Pam and Kim go more into the nuance of when and how we want students to tackle inverse relationsh...
#MathStratChat - January 1, 2025
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on January 1, 2025. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 237: Inverse Variation Pt 1
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean for something to be an inverse, or to be inversely proportional? In this episode Pam and Kim look at a specific kind of proportional...
#MathStratChat - December 25, 2024
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 25, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 236: Exponent Relationships Pt 5
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that students can understand negative exponents without being told what they mean? In this episode Pam and Kim wrap up their series on ex...
#MathStratChat - December 18, 2024
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 18, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 235: Exponent Relationships Pt 4
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if students actually understood using common factors to simplify complex division expressions? In this episode Pam and Kim divide exponents witho...
#MathStratChat - December 11, 2024
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 11, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 234: Exponent Relationships Pt 3
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When variables and exponents start mixing, we need to memorize the rules, right? In this episode Pam and Kim develop exponential relationships, not ru...
#MathStratChat - December 4, 2024
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 4, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 233: Exponent Relationships Pt 2
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Would you believe I'm more comfortable dealing with exponents because I haven't memorized the rules? In this episode Pam and Kim continue bu...
#MathStratChat - November 27, 2024
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 27, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 232: Exponent Relationships Pt 1
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can we prepare students for really hairy exponent problems without resorting to memorized rules? In this first episode of a series, Pam and Kim share ...
#MathStratChat - November 20, 2024
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 20, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 231: Systems of Equations with Substitution
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should high school mathematicians be given choice of which strategy to use? In this episode Pam and Kim wrap up their exploration of systems of equati...
#MathStratChat - November 13, 2024
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 13, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 230: Systems of Equations with Elimination (with sandwiches and cookies)
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don't you think math needs more cookies in it? In this episode Pam and Kim use Desmos graphing calculator to go through a routine to make sense o...
#MathStratChat - November 6, 2024
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 6, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 229: Solving Inequalities
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do we flip the sign when its negative? Or is it we keep the sign and flip the minus? I'm confused! In this episode Pam and Kim avoid all that con...
#MathStratChat - October 30, 2024
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 30, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 228: Solving Equations Pt 2
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Solving equations is figureoutable! In this episode Pam and Kim do a follow up string to last week's episode to further develop algebraic reasoni...
#MathStratChat - October 23, 2024
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 23, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 227: Solving Equations Pt 1
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do we need to memorize a bunch of rules to solve linear equations or can we reason about them? In this episode Pam and Kim use a model to make thinkin...
#MathStratChat - October 16, 2024
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 16, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you tr...
Ep 226: Choosing Problem Strings
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can we help students who have always mimicked learn to reason through the content we need to teach? In this episode Pam and Kim lay out their appr...
#MathStratChat - October 9, 2024
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 9, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 225: Place Value Tasks
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do your students struggle with place value? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss great tasks to build real place value understanding for students of al...
#MathStratChat - October 2, 2024
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on October 2, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 224: NCTM NCSM Takeaways
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We love the math teaching community! In this episode Pam and Kim are live from NCTM and discuss the many things they are learning from other math teac...
#MathStratChat - September 25, 2024
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 25, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you ...
Ep 223: Foundations for Strategies
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you plan for the content you teach? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss task sequencing and a new resource for every classroom.Talking Points: ...
#MathStratChat - September 18, 2024
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 18, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you ...
Ep 222: Love Maths Games
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You all know we love playing games in the classroom. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss the advantages of playing games to change students attitudes ...
#MathStratChat - September 11, 2024
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 11, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you ...
Ep 221: Geometry Riddles
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Pam and Kim discuss a fun way for students to practice their geometry vocabulary and relationships.Talking Points:Geometry riddlesHier...
#MathStratChat - September 4, 2024
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on September 4, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you t...
Ep 220: The Important Teacher Move You Are Not Doing Enough
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you intentionally build a Math is FigureOutAble culture in your classroom? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss Pam's recent month long tr...
#MathStratChat - August 28, 2024
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 28, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 219: Find the Mean, Median, Mode
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Statistics Problem Strings? Yes Please! In this episode Pam and Kim demonstrate a Problem String that helps students develop intuition for the meaning...
#MathStratChat - August 21, 2024
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 21, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 218: Finding the Mean
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is statistics figureoutable? In this episode Pam and Kim explore a Problem String to build logical mathematical sense for the meaning of mean.Talking ...
#MathStratChat - August 14, 2024
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 14, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try...
Ep 217: Slow Reveal Graphs
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We were joined by Jenna Laib at our last challenge where she facilitated an amazing routine called Slow Reveal Graphs. In this episode Pam and Kim sha...
#MathStratChat - August 7, 2024
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on August 7, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try ...
Ep 216: Assembling Great Resources With Sembl
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever discoverd a super task or routine online only not be able to find it again when you really need it? In this episode Pam and Kim share Se...
#MathStratChat - July 31, 2024
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 31, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 215: Making Progress - Advancing The Math
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is helpful to find the particular lens to focus your own learning, in order to make real progress. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss planning and...
#MathStratChat - July 24, 2024
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 24, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 214: Making Progress - Your Teacher Moves
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've worked hard to build your numeracy and already own the strategies and models for your operation that you're working on. What's n...
#MathStratChat - July 17, 2024
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 17, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 213: Making Progress - Representing Your Students' Thinking
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to chat about the next layer of the Success Map? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss using your understanding of the relationships to represen...
#MathStratChat - July 10, 2024
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 10, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 212: Making Progress - Modeling Your Strategies
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's next on the landscape for teachers after they've built their own math understanding in a particular area? In this episode Pam and Kim...
#MathStratChat - July 3, 2024
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on July 3, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try to...
Ep 211: Making Progress - Building Your Numeracy
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does a landscape look like for teachers trying to develop their skills to facilitate real math? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss one stage of ...
#MathStratChat - June 26, 2024
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 26, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 210: Number Hive
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can students gain fact fluency in a productive, fun way? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss Number Hive, a game that builds students multiplicati...
#MathStratChat - June 19, 2024
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 19, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...
Ep 209: Stick and Split
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Developing multiplicative reasoning, let alone learning multiplication facts, has never been more fun. In this episode Pam and Kim discuss Stick and S...
#MathStratChat - June 12, 2024
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on June 12, 2024. Note: It’s more fun if you try t...