In this session we talk about thin-slicing for middle and high school math topics in general, and about some of the unexpected ways in which we approach certain topics in particular. Join us for insights into math, thin-slicing, and the pursuit of getting students to think. The examples will intertwine with, and make extensive references to, the recently published book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classrooms: Grades 6-12.

Peter Liljedahl

Professor, Author, Simon Fraser University

Author: Building Thinking Classrooms

Dr. Peter Liljedahl is a professor of mathematics education in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University and author of the best-selling book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K–12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. Peter is a former high school mathematics teacher who has kept his research interests and activities close to the classroom. With a passion for fostering deep mathematical thinking and problem solving skills, Peter has dedicated his career to reshaping classroom environments. His work emphasizes thinking, collaborative learning, and problem-solving, leading to more effective and meaningful mathematics education experiences for students of all ages. Through his research-based innovative teaching methods, Peter continues to inspire educators worldwide to create dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces. He consults regularly with teachers, schools, school districts, ministries, and departments of education on issues of teaching and learning, problem-solving, assessment, numeracy, and building thinking classrooms.

Kyle Webb

Education Consultant, Building Thinking Classrooms

Kyle Webb is a teacher, learning consultant, and professional development leader based in Saskatchewan, dedicated to improving learning experiences for all students. Drawing on his experience teaching grades 6-12, as a teacher coach, and a school division math consultant, Kyle works to improve classrooms by spearheading the implementation of Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) and modern assessment practices. He is also a co-author of “Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classrooms: Grades 6-12,” and has directly supported hundreds of teachers in adopting BTC. Kyle leads workshops and hosts the Think Thank Thunk podcast, extending the reach of effective teaching practices across Canada and beyond.

Here are all the resource links that appear in the transcript, with a short summary of each:

1. Tactiq (meeting transcription extension)

• Link: https://tactiq.io/r/transcribing
• Summary: A Tactiq page promoting its AI meeting transcription tools (commonly used as a Chrome extension) for capturing live transcripts and generating summaries/action items. Tactiq+1

2. Wipebook “Partnerships” / donation program signup

• Link (as shared): https://wipebook.com/pages/partnerships?utm_source=MMM&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MMM_donation_program&utm_content=2025_MMM_post_pd_emails
• Summary: Wipebook’s partnerships / donation-program page for PD/workshops—used to request Wipebooks for events (with program requirements and periodic form availability). Wipebook

3. Geometry Labs PDF (Angles & Ratios/trig entry)

• Link: https://www.mathed.page/geometry-labs/gl/gl-11.pdf
• Summary: A PDF lesson section (“Angles and Ratios”) designed as an accessible introduction/entry to trigonometry (right-triangle trig and unit-circle ideas) for middle-to-high school. mathed.page

4. HMH blog: Just-in-time vs just-in-case scaffolding

• Link: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/just-in-time-vs-just-in-case-scaffolding-how-to-foster-productive-perseverance?srsltid=AfmBOooLPamZGlTVemox6q_6dWCCuz33MIYYlNY-29W6mV-AFgja0bKg
• Summary: An HMH article explaining “just-in-time” scaffolding (support provided at the moment of need) vs “just-in-case” scaffolding, with an emphasis on building productive perseverance. hmhco.com

5. Amazon listing: Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades 6–12 (Liljedahl & Webb)

• Link (as shared): https://www.amazon.ca/Mathematics-Tasks-Thinking-Classroom-Grades/dp/1071877216/ref=asc_df_1071877216?mcid=931a7f98ea4e3b14a7a3406f8e8c61d9&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=756588763377&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11592134634104804962&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000828&hvtargid=pla-2437197392582&psc=1&hvocijid=11592134634104804962-1071877216-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1
• Summary: The product page for the Grades 6–12 “Thinking Classroom” tasks book; the listing highlights that it supports building BTC-style classrooms and mentions companion/extra downloadable materials. amazon.ca

6. Math Assessment Project (MAP / “MARS” mentioned in chat)

• Link: https://www.map.mathshell.org/
• Summary: The Mathematics Assessment Project site, hosting a large collection of formative assessment lessons (“Classroom Challenges”), tasks, and related resources aligned to math standards. map.mathshell.org+1