Math is Figure-Out-Able!

Latest Episodes:

Ep 183: Integer Subtraction Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Can integer subtraction feel intuitive without rote memory? In this episode Pam and Kim delve into a Problem String and explore integer subtraction relationships.
Talking Points:

Integer chips?
Students reason about subtracting integers
Distance versus removal
Problem String subtracting integers in context
When context is less helpful
Don't go to rules, stay in reasoning

See Episodes 149 and150 for more about distance vs removal
See Ep 242 for more information on Integer Multiplication
Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

#MathStratChat - December 13, 2023 Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 13, 2023.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

Ep 182: Integer Addition Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Mimicking rules for integer operations does not help students become doers of Real Math, and frankly doesn't often stick in their long term memory. In this episode Pam and Kim walk through a Problem String that helps students develop an intuitive understanding of integer addition!
Talking Points:

Exploring the beach as a context
Equations and number lines in context
Carefully chosen numbers to avoid distracting cognitive load
Subtraction symbol or adding a negative? Parentheses or not?
Let students grapple, then support and help make sense of ambiguity

See Ep 242 for more information on Integer Multiplication

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

#MathStratChat - December 6, 2023 Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on December 6, 2023.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

Ep 181: Integers Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

How can we help students reason about integers? In this episode Pam and Kim discuss fun and natural ways to explore and understand both positive and negative integers.
Talking Points:

The Pen/Pencil argument continues
5th graders can reason about integers
Games do develp understanding of integers
Clothes line math with integers
Exploring four useful contexts for integers

See Ep 242 for more information on Integer Multiplication

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

#MathStratChat - November 29, 2023 Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 29, 2023.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

Ep 180: Revisit With a Twist - An Important Subtraction Pitfall Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

How do you label fractions on an open number line? How do you label a fraction of a candy bar? How many cuts do you make to cut a candy bar into fourths? Pam and Kim invite you to revisit episode 138, this time with an ear towards fractions.
Do your students ever get confused about counting obects vs counting distance? In this episode 138 Pam and Kim use a Problem String to help build intuition about everyday subtraction problems.
Talking Points:

Experience a Problem String to build relationships
Fencepost Problems are all over the place
Students can't just pluck numbers out of Fencepost problems
Cathy Fosnot's replacement unit, "Measuring For the Art Show"
Other places these kind of problems show up
Kim explains her strategy

See episode 111 for more about "Measuring for the Art Show"!

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

#MathStratChat - November 22, 2023 Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 22, 2023.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

Ep 179: Fake Math, Not Fake People Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

What does it mean when we say 'fake math' or 'less sophisticated'? Pam and Kim discuss how learning Real Math is empowering and opens a whole new world of understanding.
Talking Points:

Are squared numbers an important thing to own?
The Matrix
It takes experience to understand perspectives
Martians
Doing 'fake math' or using a 'less sophisticated' way of thinking does not make the person fake or unsophisticated
Real math is empowering and can open up a new reality!

Check out our social media
Twitter: @PWHarris
Instagram: Pam Harris_math
Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education
Linkedin: Pam Harris Consulting LLC

#MathStratChat - November 15, 2023 Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

In today’s MathStratChat, Pam and Kim discuss the MathStratChat problem shared on social media on November 15, 2023.

Note: It’s more fun if you try to solve the problem, share it on social media, comment on others strategies, before you listen to Pam and Kim’s strategies.

Check out #MathStratChat on your favorite social media site and join in the conversation.

Twitter: @PWHarris

Instagram: Pam Harris_math

Facebook: Pam Harris, author, mathematics education

Want more? Check out the archive of all of our #MathStratChat posts!

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