MathsTalk by AMSI Schools podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 64

Pi Day 2025 - A Feast of Pi
In this special Pi Day episode of MathsTalk, host Leanne McMahon, AMSI’s school maths advisor, takes listeners on an engaging journey into the world of Pi. She explains what Pi is and how it is used in basic geometry, explores its irrational and transcendental nature, and discusses its importance in both mathematics and real-world applications. Leanne also shares fun facts about Pi—from ancient approximations to modern Pi recitation contests—and offers a variety of creative activities for teachers and parents to celebrate Pi Day in the classroom.
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12:26
The State of the Mathematical Sciences in Australia 2024
In this episode of MathsTalk, host Sarah Ramantanis welcomes Leanne McMahon to discuss the newly released AMSI Discipline Report 2024. Leanne highlights key findings, including declining student engagement in mathematics, the critical shortage of qualified maths teachers, and the significant equity gaps affecting disadvantaged and regional schools. We discuss actionable steps for educators, such as fostering real-world relevance in maths, up-skilling teachers through professional development, and promoting higher-level maths participation to prepare students for STEM careers. Leanne also emphasises the role of parents and schools in creating a supportive mathematical culture. Tune in for practical insights, inspiring solutions, and a roadmap to improve maths education across Australia. Discipline Report: https://amsi.org.au/resources/reports/ (Includes all AMSI reports) Out of Field teaching report (and others): https://schools.amsi.org.au/publications-and-reports/ Maths lessons including career context: https://calculate.org.au/industry-day/ EM Maths Consulting: https://www.emmaths.com.au/ Sheila Griffin Maths: https://sheilagriffinmaths.com.au/ Contact Leanne: [email protected]
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21:56
AMSI Textbook update with Michael Evans
In this episode, host Leanne McMahon sits down with Michael Evans, a renowned figure in mathematics education, to discuss the AMSI ICE-EM textbooks and their evolution. Michael provides an insightful look into the history of these textbooks, which have been instrumental in Australian classrooms for over 20 years. He highlights their unique development process, the collaborative efforts behind them, and their focus on deep understanding rather than rote learning. The episode also delves into the exciting updates coming with the incorporation of the Australian Curriculum Version 9, including algorithmic thinking, Indigenous perspectives, and enhanced online resources. With a strong emphasis on support for teachers, this episode is a must-listen for educators looking to maximize the potential of these innovative textbooks in their classrooms. Resources: Textbook information: https://schools.amsi.org.au/publications_category/publications/textbooks/ Textbook samples and ordering: https://cambridge.edu.au/iceem AMSI online resources: Calculate: https://calculate.org.au/ AMSI student and teacher modules: https://calculate.org.au/amsi-modules/ Classroom resources: Number and algebra: https://calculate.org.au/number-and-algebra/ Measurement and Geometry: https://calculate.org.au/measurement-and-geometry/ Units of work: https://calculate.org.au/units-of-work/ Games: https://calculate.org.au/games/
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20:03
Identifying Quality Maths Resources
In this episode of MathsTalk, Host, Leanne McMahon speaks with Cass Lowry, a PhD candidate researching the identification of high-quality mathematics resources. Cass shares her experiences at major conferences and discusses the need for a framework to help teachers discern effective math resources in the rapidly expanding online space. She highlights the importance of balancing problem-solving and explicit teaching and mentions her current research efforts, including a survey for Australian teachers. Cass also shares her top three maths websites, books and hands-on resources, : Please help Cass by completing her survey: https://uninewcastle.questionpro.com.au/QMR-survey 2024 MANSW Annual Conference 3-day event: 30 September - 2 October Twin Towns Tweed Heads Theme: Teaching for, about and through problem solving Keynote: Amie Albrecht https://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/events/category/2024-mansw-annual-conference Websites: Steve Wyborney's blog https://www.stevewyborney.com LoveMaths by Michael Minas: http://www.lovemaths.com.au OpenMiddle by Robert Kaplinsky. https://www.openmiddle.com Books: Mathematics Assessment for Learning: Rich tasks and Work Samples by Ann Downton, Rose Knight, Doug Clarke and Gerard Lewis Rosenshine's Principles in Action by Tom Sherington Chasing Rabbits: A Curious Guide to a Lifetime of Mathematical Wellness by Sunil Singh Teaching Mathematics through Story Books byt Sheila Griffin and Dr Paul Swan https://drpaulswan.com.au/shop/teaching-mathematics-through-story-books-1-f-1/ EMMaths Virtual Summit: https://www.emmaths.com.au/events Amplify Polypad: https://polypad.amplify.com/ Cass's Pattern blocks presentation: https://bit.ly/ICME-15
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30:32
The Value of Maths PhD Internships
An APR Intern Special Guest Host, Sarah Ramantanis discusses the positive impact of AMSI’s Australian Postgraduate Research Internship program - APR.Intern, Australia’s only national PhD and Masters by Research internship program spanning all sectors and disciplines. APR.Intern is the industry engagement arm of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), and connects postgraduate research students with industry through short-term placements, empowering students to thrive in a practical research environment. For businesses, APR.Intern is a platform to access Australia’s brightest emerging research talent and accelerate innovation. Today we are joined by APR Intern Alejandro Casar Berazaluce and Angus Maiden, Data Scientist Technical Lead, StrongRoom AI. This episode takes a deep dive into the Alex’s APR internship at Strongroom Ai and discusses the broader impact of completing a PhD internship in mathematical sciences ecosystem. This episode explores mathematics Careers at Strongroom AI for mathematics students, the benefits of a PhD internship and the current state of the Mathematical Sciences Industry.
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17:15