Where research meets real classrooms
Bringing the research behind learning into everyday math instruction.
The Science of Math Project exists to help elementary teachers align their instruction with how students actually learn. We seek out cognitive science, evidence-based practices, and classroom-tested strategies with the goal of translating research into practical tools teachers can use tomorrow.
We believe every child deserves math instruction built on clarity, coherence, and deep understanding — not trends, not guesswork, not overwhelm.
Why the Science of Math?
For years, reading instruction has been transformed by research-informed practice — often referred to as the Science of Reading. Math deserves the same clarity.
The Science of Math Project focuses on what research tells us about:
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How working memory impacts problem solving
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How knowledge builds over time
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Why explicit instruction matters
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How fluency supports higher-level thinking
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How cognitive load affects learning
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Why conceptual understanding and procedural skill must develop together
When instruction aligns with how the brain learns, students don’t just “do math.”