MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

Creative Classrooms: Teaching Years 9-10 using AMSI’s new ICE-EM maths textbooks

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne continues the conversation about using textbooks creatively, moving from Years 7 and 8 into the more complex terrain of Years 9 and 10.
While many of the same principles still apply; conceptual understanding, mathematical language, structured lessons and exercises used for thinking rather than just completion, Years 9 and 10 bring their own challenges. Students are working with more demanding content, wider gaps in assumed knowledge, more entrenched mathematical identities, and a stronger need to see relevance in what they are learning.
This episode explores how teachers can use a resource such as the AMSI ICE-EM books to support both students who need consolidation and students who are ready for greater challenge. It considers how textbook exercises can be used to reveal structure, diagnose misconceptions, support mathematical communication, and keep mixed-ability classes working around the same important mathematical ideas.
In this episode
Leanne discusses:
why Years 9 and 10 are not simply “harder Years 7 and 8”
how older misconceptions can affect the learning of more demanding content
the importance of mathematical language, reasoning and explanation
how to use textbook exercises for thinking, not just completion
why relevance becomes more important in Years 9 and 10
ways to support mixed-ability classes without watering down the mathematics
how anxiety, disengagement and behaviour can be connected to students’ mathematical histories
five planning questions teachers can use when working from the textbook
Reflection questions for teachers
When planning from the textbook, consider:
What is the core mathematical idea?
What prior knowledge is being assumed?
What misconceptions or avoidance patterns am I likely to meet?
Which parts of the textbook sequence matter most?
How can I preserve common mathematical access while supporting a wide range of learners?
Links and resources
AMSI ICE-EM Mathematics Textbookshttps://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/AMSI’s ICE-EM Mathematics series covers Years 5–10 and is designed to develop mathematical ideas with depth, support and challenge. (AMSI Schools)
Texas Instruments Australia Teacher Resource Centrehttps://education.ti.com/en-au/teachersFree professional learning and Australian curriculum-aligned resources for classroom technology. (education.ti.com)
Australian Curriculum: Mathematicshttps://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/curriculum-information/understand-this-learning-area/mathematics/Useful for considering the role of reasoning, problem-solving, fluency, understanding and mathematical communication across F–10. (Australian Curriculum)
AMSI Careershttps://careers.amsi.org.au/Resources for helping students see where mathematics can lead, including career profiles, videos and real-world applications. (AMSI Careers)
Open Middlehttps://www.openmiddle.com/Problems with a shared starting point and answer, but multiple possible strategies and pathways. (Open Middle® |)
Illustrative Mathematics Taskshttps://tasks.illustrativemathematics.org/A searchable collection of standards-based mathematical tasks, including middle and high school content. (Illustrative Mathematics)
NRICH Secondary Teacher Resourceshttps://nrich.maths.org/teachers/secondaryRich problem-solving tasks and teacher resources organised by topic and age group. (NRICH)
reSolve Mathshttps://resolve.edu.au/Free Australian mathematics resources designed to support inquiry, reasoning and rich mathematical thinking. (reSolve)
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Texas Instruments Australia. Explore tools, lessons, professional learning and classroom resources at:https://education.ti.com/australia

Creative Classrooms: Teaching Years 7–8 using AMSI’s new ICE-EM maths textbooks

In this solo episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon explores how to use Textbooks creatively in Years 7 and 8, where students are moving from primary habits into more abstract secondary mathematics. The episode focuses on building precise mathematical language, identifying common transition misconceptions, using textbook exercises for concept development rather than simple practice, and structuring mixed-ability lessons around the same core task so all students can engage with the same important mathematics. It also argues for the central role of conceptual understanding in a book-based curriculum, and for teachers being deeply familiar with the curriculum so they can adapt, extend and refine tasks with confidence.
Resources mentioned in the episode include:
AMSI ICE-EM textbooks will be published by Cambridge later in the year https://schools.amsi.org.au/ice-em-mathematics-textbooks/ 
Texas Instruments Australia for teacher resources and professional learning (https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers?category=professional-development )
NRICH for rich tasks and problem-solving https://nrich.maths.org/ 
Compression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmaiaZZeW0 
youcubed for open and creative classroom tasks https://www.youcubed.org/ 
GeoGebra for interactive visual exploration https://www.geogebra.org/ 
Open Middle for challenging problems that unlock student thinking (Open Middle® |)
Illustrative Mathematics for problem-based middle years mathematics and collaborative reasoning routines (Illustrative Mathematics K–12 Math)
University of Melbourne’s decimal misconceptions site for insight into common misconceptions about decimal numbers (extranet.education.unimelb.edu.au)

MathsTalk 2026 - A preview

What's in store for the remainder of 2026? A plethora of exciting and engaging podcasts for you mathematical pleasure. Contact us for more ideas:
mathstalk@amsi.org.au

Calculators in years 7 & 8 (updated)

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon is joined by mathematics educator Nadia Abdelal to explore the role of calculators in Years 7–8. This re-released episode tackles a question many schools still debate: when do calculators support learning, and when do they risk getting in the way?
Leanne and Nadia discuss how calculators can reduce cognitive load, improve access to new concepts, and support students who are still building number sense.
They also highlight the importance of intervention, estimation, and equity — reminding us that calculators can help students engage in richer mathematical thinking, but should sit alongside strong teaching of foundational skills.
Relevant links
MathsTalk podcast: https://calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/ 
Texas Instruments Australia: https://education.ti.com/en-au/teachers?category=professional-development 
AMSI maths careers: https://careers.amsi.org.au/ 
AMSI Industry Day resources: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-industry-day-for-teachers/ 

Empowering Maths and STEM Educators: AMSI Industry Day 2025

In this episode of Maths Talk, we introduce an upcoming professional development event tailored for Maths and STEM teachers as well as career practitioners. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the AMSI Industry Day at Latrobe University, Bendigo, offers engaging sessions from university educators and industry professionals to bridge classroom teaching with real-world applications of mathematics. The event includes impactful talks, networking opportunities, and takeaway resources funded by the Invergowrie Foundation. Teachers will leave with practical examples and lesson plans to inspire students and connect curriculum topics with future careers. Register through the AMSI website and join us for a day of learning and connecting.
Registrations: https://tinyurl.com/AMSBendigoRego
TI Professional Learning:
https://education.ti.com/en-au/resources/getting-started-with-ti-technology
Previous Industry Days: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-industry-day-for-teachers/ (Click on relevant day)
Classroom resources: https://amsi.org.au/2024-teacher-professional-learning-in-industry-day/ 

First Nations Peoples’ mathematical thinking in the Australian Curriculum & AMSI ICE-EM textbooks

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne McMahon speaks with Dr Hong Xu, author of the Indigenous content for the upcoming AMSI textbook series, and Professor Rowena Ball, leader of the 'Mathematics Without Borders' initiative. Together, they discuss how and why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander insights into maths are being incorporated into the Australian Mathematics Curriculum, what that looks like in practice, and how teachers can confidently bring this content into their classrooms.
MathsTalk is proudly sponsored by Texas Instruments Australia. https://education.ti.com/en-au
 
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Xu, H., & Ball, R. (2024). Indigenous Mathematics: From Mainstream Misconceptions to Educational Enrichment. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 24(2), 160-175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42330-024-00321-5
- Mathematics Without Borders: https://www.anu.edu.au/research/research-initiatives/mathematics-without-borders
- AMSI Textbook Series: https://schools.amsi.org.au
Texas Instruments teacher professional learning: https://education.ti.com/en-au/professional-development/upcoming-pd
Texas Instruments website: https://education.ti.com/en-au/ 
- Australian Curriculum Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Histories & Cultures: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/curriculum-information/understand-this-cross-curriculum-priority/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures 

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.

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: Leanne@amsi.org.au