187. How to Make Math Meaningful ft. Ki Karou of MIND Education

Show Summary:Have you used ST Math in your classroom? In today’s episode of The STEM Space, Natasha chats with Ki Karou, Senior Director of Product at MIND Education, creators of this game-based math program. Their goal is to challenge students through active, visual learning and critical thinking that teaches students not only to learn math, but how to think. Tune in on a great conversation including how Ki believes we should shift from “real-world” problem solving to “meaningful” problem-solving.About Ki Karou:Ki Karou, senior director of product at MIND Education, overseeing an entire team that is all about practical, low-lift strategies for sparking meaningful math conversations in any classroom—no extra prep, no fancy materials needed. It’s super actionable stuff for teachers who want to make math more collaborative and engaging without blowing up their lesson plans.About Mind Education: MIND Education is transforming math learning with neuroscience-driven, game-based programs like ST Math, designed to make math visual, intuitive, and accessible. With over 25 years of research-backed solutions, they empower students to develop deep conceptual understanding and build confidence in problem-solving. Their mission is simple: help students think, not just memorize, creating meaningful learning experiences that change how math is taught and understood.Links from the Show:Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 180. The Secret to Loving Math ft. Nichole Austion of the National Math and Science Initiative179. Seeing Students as Mathematicians ft. Cherelle McKnight of Illustrative MathematicsIs Teaching Engineering Bad? - Part 1 and Part 2Vivify STEM Blog Posts How to Teach Growth Mindset and Failing ForwardNot all STEM is Equal: 3 Stages of STEM EducationClaire: I Didn't Always Want to be an Engineer Vivify STEM LessonsAstronaut Training: 4 Cs of STEM - Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical ThinkingFREE! - Using Geometry to Build a Safe Shelter!Paper Football Math ActivityHeart Rate Ratios & Graphing Activity FREE! - Add Math Practice to any Design Challenge using these Editable Budget SheetsOther STEM ResourcesKi Karou | LinkedInMIND EducationThe Game Believes in You: How Digital Play Can Make Our Kids Smarter book“And you think they’ll qualify for Bletchley because they’re good at crossword puzzles?” Imitation Game clipGain access to our 200+ Lessons (& growing) STEM Space Library!THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTESTHE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUPVIVIFY INSTAGRAMVIVIFY FACEBOOKVIVIFY XVIVIFY TIKTOKVIVIFY YOUTUBEVIVIFY BLUESKY