Pickles, Puzzles, and Board Games in Elementary School Math (Dr. Gordon Hamilton, MathPickle.com)

STEM Lab

Dr. Gordon Hamilton, Director of MathPickle.com, wants to revolutionize elementary school math education. This episode spotlights the Canadian mathematician’s unique puzzle-based teaching method. Discover how board games and scalable 'infinite pickle' puzzles entice young minds into complex problem-solving, fostering an inquiry-driven classroom where teachers and students unravel mathematical mysteries together. Emphasizing curiosity over rote answers, Dr. Hamilton's approach demystifies math, instilling confidence and joy in learners. He describes how teachers can help students forget ego and learn without fear. Gordon is an inspiration to STEM educators seeking to invigorate their teaching with creativity and engagement.

STEM Lab

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Pickles, Puzzles, and Board Games in Elementary School Math (Dr. Gordon Hamilton, MathPickle.com)

South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

• Nicole Kroeger, PhD | SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics - Cohost and Interviewer. Nicole Kroeger is the manager of the online diploma program at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, one of the United States' top public STEM schools. Nicole also teaches mathematics courses at GSSM including calculus, precalculus, and upper level math electives. Nicole earned her PhD in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 2014 and started teaching at GSSM in August 2014. During her time at GSSM, she served as mathematics department chair for 4 years and currently manages one of GSSM's virtual programs.
• Michael Newsome, PhD | SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics - STEM Lab Host. E-mail: [e-mail] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelanewsome Michael A Newsome is the Vice President of Academics at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, one of the United States' top public STEM schools. Michael oversees curriculum and instruction in the school’s three residential and online academic programs that serve the most talented and motivated students from across the state of South Carolina. Michael manages the operations of the school's faculty and academic service offices such as the registrar, research and inquiry, college counseling, student success, and academic teams and competitions. Michael also teaches economics, finance, and entrepreneurship. Before coming to the Governor’s School in 2016, Michael was a tenured Full Professor of Economics at Marshall University. There, Michael taught undergraduate, masters, and doctoral classes and worked as MBA Director. Michael has taught economics at universities and secondary institutions around the world and has published research in several sub-disciplines of economics. Michael’s primary professional specialty is the management of institutional change, with a particular focus on designing, piloting, and implementing new and efficient value-adding policies and programs.
• About MathPickle | MathPickle - Dr. Gordon Hamilton is Director of the website.
• Dr. Gordon Hamilton - Guest.

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