Research shows that math is a key component of future academic and financial success. Incorporating small group activities into the curriculum can effectively transition students from traditional, non-contextual math worksheets to engaging, collaborative play. Math games, in particular, are excellent tools for fostering a deeper understanding of numbers. They provide a structured environment where children can engage in problem-solving to achieve specific goals. While reaching these goals may be challenging, it is precisely this challenge that makes game-playing enjoyable.  In a game setting, children have the autonomy to make their own decisions about the moves they will take, allowing them to experiment with different strategies through repeated play. Additionally, working in small groups encourages students to use essential math vocabulary, facilitating better communication of their ideas and enhancing their overall learning experience.

Differentiation in a STEM classroom with over 35 students, which is often the case in a public school, will involve many strategies to address all students' diverse learning needs, interests, and abilities. Planning for classroom management in such a setting would benefit from clear expectations, efficient space use, and effective collaboration in professional learning communities. These strategies can be applied to both math and science classrooms, or a collaboration between both. Teachers can establish and communicate clear expectations and routines to manage the flow of activities and transitions smoothly. They may also arrange the classroom to facilitate small group activities and ensure that all students have access to the needed materials. When professional learning opportunities are provided, teachers continually seek new differentiation strategies and best practices in collaboration with peers. In a math classroom, the teacher can provide several activities to scaffold levels on solving equations, gamify practice, and set up a station with real-life problem scenarios involving math applications. In a science classroom, students have their choices for the concept of the day to create models, write reports, or present the ideas using multimedia.