33: Show Your Work

AMDG. Kolbe mathematics chair Kelly Powers joins the conversation today to share the awesomeness of mathematics and the awesomeness of God. On the math side, she talks about how she reassures parents who say they can’t teach math, the tricky middle school years’ developmental stage where students most resist showing their work, and the art of judicious calculator use. On the faith side, she talks about the importance of being around people who lead us to our vocations and how living out your vocation involves passion, love, joy, and the opportunity to lead by example. We also discuss “learning in the extra moments,” the benefits of playing board games, the necessity of strong reading and writing skills for STEM students, and the overarching idea that mistakes make you much stronger if you give yourself the opportunity to grow and build on them. Mrs. Powers brings it home with enthusiasm about all of the coolness that mathematics has to show – it is out there, and if you let it find and amaze you, it’ll win you over. 

 

Kelly Powers and Jordan Almanzar discussing distance education 

“Slow and Steady Wins the Race” by Kelly Powers on the Kolbe blog 

Mandelbrot set 

Homeschool math helps: 

• Azul board game
• Skyjocard game 
• Catan
• Monopoly
• Ticket to Ride
• any game with money 

Have a question or suggestion for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player for effortless episode delivery.