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Have you ever wondered how to make math education better? To make sure there's enough practice and practicality in math lessons?

By as early as first and second grade, nearly half of students report feeling ‘moderately nervous’ or more when doing math, and by grades 7–10, surveys find that 82% of U.S. students describe themselves as fearful of math.

During play, the brain’s prefrontal cortex — the center for reasoning and problem-solving — lights up more than during direct instruction. Play literally strengthens the pathways for persistence and flexible thinking. At MIND Education, they see math as more than a subject. It is a way of thinking, and every student is capable of developing deep mathematical understanding.

Brandon Smith is the President and Lead Mathematician/Product Director at MIND Education, and works to help educators better meet the needs of all their students. He has a bachelor's degree in math and two master's degrees in pure and applied mathematics, and enjoys piloting planes in his spare time.

Thanks for listening, and be sure to connect with Brandon in the links below:

Connect with Brandon & MIND Education:

• Website: mindeducation.org
• Brandon's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandon-smith-994a38ba/
• Brandon's Blog Posts: https://2024.mindresearch.org/speakers/brandon-smith

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast...Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

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Do you need some good ideas for building wonder? Do you want your students to be more creative? Do you just need some new ideas for your classroom?

Stephanie Higgs, best known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach in elementary. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, and passionate international professional development presenter who infuses a little sparkle and shine into educating all learners. Her ideas in this episode will help you be more prepared to get your students ready to learn & go above and "beyonder"

Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out Stephanie on the links below:

Connect with Stephanie:

• Website: stephaniehiggs.net
• Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091830352111
• Instagram: @littlemissgifted
• YouTube: @littlemissgiftedteacher

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast...Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Do you know who is the father of the nuclear navy and civilian nuclear power? And did you know he had an unrelenting pursuit of perfection?

Our world is in need of people who spark a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) — exactly what Admiral H. G. Rickover devoted his life to. Best known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy,” he believed America’s strength depended on cultivating young scientific minds.

Joann DiGennaro co‑founded the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) with Rickover in 1983. CEE’s alumni attend top universities and have become trailblazers in programming, engineering, data science, and medical research. You can find them working at places like Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Open AI, and SpaceX, among other top companies. Three former Presidents, Nixon, Ford, and Carter, served as Honorary Trustees of CEE's Board of Trustees, the only Board on which the three served together.

Joann has written a new biography, Rickover: Underway, My Way, which reveals how Admiral Rickover's leadership principles and educational vision still shape STEM talent today.

Thanks for listening, and be sure to get Joann's book and learn more about the opportunities for teachers and students through the CEE by clicking the links below:

Connect with Joann & CEE:

• Website: cee.org
• Get a copy of Joann's book: https://amzn.to/42yzVhr

Chris Woods is the host of the STEM Everyday Podcast...Connect with him:

• Website: dailystem.com
• Twitter/X: @dailystem
• Instagram: @dailystem
• YouTube: @dailystem

Get Chris's book Daily STEM on Amazon

Support the show