In this episode, Kyle and Jon speak with James Tanton, Mathematician-at-Large for the Mathematical Association of America and Founder of the Global Math Project and Ted Coe, NWEA’s Director of Content Advocacy and Design. 

James and Ted hop on the show today to dig into the collective work of a group of mathematics education leaders involving one of the most important yet misunderstood concepts in mathematics: Proportional Relationships.

Stick around as we dig into ideas around proportionality and what we can do to help declutter this crucial middle school math concept. 

You’ll Learn: 

• How so much of the mathematics we explore in school is cluttered and what we can do to declutter your proportional relationship unit;
• How math is not just about the act of doing, but also the act of thinking and habits of thinking; 
• About James’ fascination with emu eggs; 
• Why you want to start with the most difficult problem first; and, 
• Why we should be thinking about the words we use and say in math class. 

Resources: 

• Episode 6: Looking for Joy in Mathematics: An Interview with James Tanton [Podcast]
• Episode #45 – Global Math Week, Exploding Dots, and James Tanton [Podcast]
• Proportional Relationships Decluttered - At Last!
• Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
• CCSS Progressions Documents
• Stacking Paper Problem Based Math Unit

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Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.