#128 My First Real-World Math Project Was a Mess—What I’d Do Differently Now (with AI Support)

Ever launch a project you were sure would be a hit… only for it to totally flop? In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my first real-world math project—a polished, professionally-designed activity that completely fell apart in the classroom. But that failure? It led to one of my most powerful, student-centered projects yet: Change My Mind. You’ll hear what went wrong, how I rebuilt from it, and how AI tools have made it 10x easier to plan projects that actually land—wit...
Ever launch a project you were sure would be a hit… only for it to totally flop?
In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of my first real-world math project—a polished, professionally-designed activity that completely fell apart in the classroom.
But that failure? It led to one of my most powerful, student-centered projects yet: Change My Mind.
You’ll hear what went wrong, how I rebuilt from it, and how AI tools have made it 10x easier to plan projects that actually land—without draining your soul.
✅ In this episode:
- The truth behind my failed “laser maze” project
- How I shifted from burnout to breakthrough with real-world relevance
- Why your projects need to connect to your students—not just the standards
- Simple ways AI can support your project planning process
- A free guide to help you map your first (or next!) student-centered task
🔗 Resources & Links:
📘 Grab the Project or Practice Expert Guide
→ https://moorethanjustx.com/guide
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: https://pod.link/1692336821
📢 Join our free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/modern-math-teacher
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Even great projects can flop if they don’t connect to your students.
- Real-world math becomes powerful when it’s personal and relevant.
- You don’t have to start from scratch—AI tools can help you scaffold faster and smarter.
- You’re not doing it wrong. You just need a better way.
Let’s talk. Send me a message with your email and I’ll get back to you!
This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.
Connect with Kristen:
- Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
- Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement
More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast
Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.
Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!
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