The Power of Perspective: Seeing Math Through Different Eyes
Perspective changes everything — in math and in life! This week’s Talking Math invites families to play with how we see size and space. From silly camera tricks to artistic vanishing points, it’s all about noticing how your view changes what you see.
Math in… Ranked Choice Voting
Seattle's general election was held last Tuesday! There weren't any races with more than two candidates, so most decisions probably weren't too tough. Ranked choice voting is coming in 2027 to help you make easier decisions in crowded primaries.
From Mini to Massive: Exploring Scale, Models, and Maps with Your Kids
Ever look at a tiny model house and think, "Whoa, how does that little thing represent something so HUGE?" That's scale: a sneaky little math concept that pops up in the most unexpected places. It's the secret bridge between the real world and the mini-worlds we create to understand it.
Math Chat: Routes, Rates, and Spooky Skeletons
This week, mathematician and mom Amy Gonzalez shares ways to explore the math concept of rates of change. From spooky commutes to candy distribution, you can empower your kids to find the math in everything Halloween-related. Click the link to learn how to find math in your own fall fun 🎃🍬🦇
Math Chat: Going the Distance
When educator and mom Amy Gonzalez was a child, she devoured stories where heroes sailed on pirate ships or rode in giant peaches. Real-life methods of travel may not feel as epic, but you can still make your daily commute exciting for your kids with a little imagination—and a little math, too.
Math in… Data Compression
This looks like an MIRL. I can tell from some of the pixels and from seeing quite a few MIRLs in my time. Click to learn how math is used to make big files small 📁
Math Chat: Show Me the Money!
Teaching kids about money doesn't have to be complicated. Even everyday errands can turn into fun math lessons! From scanning groceries at the self-checkout to playing shop, you can help your little ones build essential financial literacy skills in no time.
Cracking the Calendar Code
On September 16, 2025, math left us a little puzzle gift. Want to play? Maybe it’s not an official holiday, but in my opinion it should be.
Math in… Misleading Graphs
They say 'numbers don't lie,' but people can certainly use them to craft some whoppers or false impressions! This week's MIRL: When graphing goes wrong.
Math in… Gerrymandering
The mathematics of gerrymandering are certainly sociological, but it ain't gobbledygook! How can math detect malpractice in electoral districting? Click to read more ✍️👀
Math Chat: Baking Up Fractions
Baking together with your kid is a great way to teach life skills, but it’s also a very practical application of mathematics. This week, SUMM educator Amy Gonzalez gives tips to teach fractions and units through baking delicious recipes!
Math Chat: Building a Real-World Understanding
Struggling to make estimation fun and easy for your kid? In this week’s Math Chat, SUMM educator and mom Amy Gonzalez discusses simple, playful methods to boost spatial reasoning and comparison skills.
Math in… Campfires
This week's MIRL is positively radiant! Click to learn how math can geometry help us understand physical laws 🏕️🔥