Science Mom

Math Dad

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Math Dad (Serge Ballif) brings math to life with clarity, humor, and hands-on challenges that get kids thinking. A Ph.D. mathematician and beloved part of the Science Mom teaching duo, Math Dad offers self-paced and guided math classes that help students master everything from fractions to Algebra using interactive lessons, Desmos activities, and real-world problem-solving. Whether your child loves math or struggles with it, Math Dad’s programs are known for building confidence and making abstract concepts click—without relying on rote drills or screens. Ideal for homeschoolers looking for secular, flexible math instruction that still feels personal and fun.

Recommended Ages

3rd-10th Grade Math

Style
Video-BasedOnlineTeensSelf-Paced

Math Dad prioritizes conceptual mastery over memorization. The curriculum—aligned with Common Core—uses interactive tools (like Desmos) to make abstract ideas tangible. For example, students manipulate variables in real time to see how equations change or slice shapes to understand fractions visually. Courses scaffold skills progressively, from foundational (Grade 6 Math) to advanced (Algebra 1).

At its core, Math Dad believes children learn mathematics best through discovery and meaningful context rather than memorization. The program builds mathematical understanding in three layers: concrete (manipulating physical objects), pictorial (visual representations), and finally abstract (symbols and algorithms). This approach, inspired by Singapore math and Montessori methods, ensures students develop deep conceptual foundations. Lessons emphasize multiple solution strategies, encouraging creative problem-solving over formulaic thinking. Real-world applications show students the purpose behind each skill, from calculating restaurant tips to understanding sports statistics. The tone is consistently encouraging, normalizing mistakes as part of the learning process. By making math visual, tactile, and relevant, Math Dad helps students overcome anxiety and build genuine competence.

Self-Direction
E means highly structured. A is basically unschooled, completely self-guided.
How much do students guide their own learning in this course?
A
B
C
D
E
Course
Regular price $190.00 USD
Math Dad
From $15.00 USD

Skills

What kids will learn

Our mission

The mission of Science Mom is to make science and math learning engaging, accessible, and inspiring for families everywhere. Through self-paced, secular, and visually rich video courses paired with interactive doodle notes, polls, quizzes, and hands-on projects, they aim to empower learners to explore core concepts with confidence and curiosity. By keeping prep minimal and content lively, their goal is to support diverse learning styles and bring joyful, real-world education into homes and classrooms, fostering a lifelong love of discovery.

Our story

Science Mom (Jenny Ballif) and Math Dad (Serge Ballif) began their journey when Jenny, a plant science expert, started bringing weekly science demos to her son’s second-grade class in 2013, where she earned the nickname “Science Mom.” Wanting to make science fun and accessible for more families, she teamed up with Serge, a math Ph.D. and former college instructor, to create engaging, educational YouTube videos. Their channel grew quickly, especially during the pandemic, leading to the development of full self-paced, secular courses in biology, chemistry, and math. These courses blend entertaining video lessons with doodle notes, quizzes, polls, and hands-on projects, all designed to require minimal prep while deeply engaging learners. What started as classroom demos evolved into a global resource for joyful, real-world science and math learning at home.

Watch a demo lesson

Get a taste of Science Mom

FAQ: Additional Details about Math Dad

Math Dad's lessons blend video instruction with hands-on activities, making math engaging and interactive. In full-semester courses like Algebra 1 or Grade 6 Math, students tackle concepts through Desmos-based explorations—graphing linear equations, solving real-world problems with ratios, or analyzing geometric transformations. The Fraction Ninja Bootcamps take a playful approach, using visual models and games to master fraction basics through operations. Every lesson includes guided examples, practice problems, and optional challenges to deepen understanding.

Courses are self-paced, with pre-recorded 45-minute lessons designed for independent learning. Students watch Math Dad’s videos (hosted on YouTube) while completing complementary activities on Desmos or worksheets. The Fraction Ninja Bootcamps focus on bite-sized, skill-specific drills. All courses include Discord access for community support, and full-semester options offer quizzes/tests. Families can purchase individual semesters (e.g., *Pre-Algebra Semester 1*) or bundles for savings.

Perfect for students who thrive with flexibility and hands-on learning. Self-motivated kids who enjoy puzzles, visual models, and exploring "why" behind math rules will excel. The Fraction Ninja Bootcamps suit struggling learners needing targeted practice, while full-semester courses cater to homeschoolers or students supplementing schoolwork.

Traditional learners who prefer textbooks or live teacher interaction may find the format challenging. Students with significant gaps (e.g., lacking multiplication fluency for Grade 6 Math) should shore up basics first. Those needing accredited courses should verify local requirements.

Math Dad's multi-sensory approach makes it particularly effective for neurodivergent learners. Students with dyslexia benefit from the visual models and minimal text-based instruction. Those with dyscalculia gain from the concrete, hands-on activities that build number sense physically before moving to abstract concepts. Autistic learners appreciate the predictable lesson structure and clear, consistent teaching methods. The program's flexibility allows for pacing adjustments and repeated exposure to challenging topics, though students with severe learning disabilities may need additional specialized support alongside this curriculum.

Science Mom and Math Dad very well for gifted and 2e learners, offering engaging, rigorous science exploration with flexibility to differentiate. For profoundly gifted kids, it’s a strong starter—pair with deeper extracurricular projects or independent research to meet their advanced needs.

Gifted learners appreciate the in-depth explanations and real-world science, which are great for skill-building like note-taking even when content isn’t fully new.

Twice-exceptional (2e) or accelerated students can still benefit, especially when pairing familiar topics with scaffolded academic techniques.

Profoundly gifted students seeking autonomy and depth will find the self-paced, inquiry-driven structure supportive; however, they may need more complexity or opportunities for independent extension beyond the provided material.

The program starts with third grade fractions and goes through High School Algebra. Prerequisite skills vary by specific Math Dad course, with most requiring only basic number sense foundations. The foundational courses assume knowledge of counting and place value concepts, while intermediate levels expect readiness for single-digit operations. More advanced courses like fraction or pre-algebra studies don't assume prior knowledge in those specific domains but build on general arithmetic competence. Detailed placement guides are available to help families identify the most appropriate starting point for each student's current level of mathematical understanding.

Minimal oversight required. Parents should check progress weekly, provide tech support (e.g., dual screens for Desmos), and encourage "teaching back" concepts. Answer keys simplify grading.

To get the most from the Math Dad program, families should establish a consistent math routine of four to five sessions weekly. Creating a dedicated math kit with frequently used supplies helps minimize preparation time and maintain momentum. Taking advantage of the program's built-in reviews and assessments ensures concepts are mastered before moving forward. Intentionally connecting lessons to daily life activities like cooking, shopping, or travel reinforces learning in meaningful contexts. Implementing a visible reward system to celebrate progress and maintaining a math journal for reflections and discoveries further enhances the learning experience.

Contact form

Meet Jenny and Serge

Science Mom has an M.S. in Plant Science from Utah State University. Math Dad has a Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University. We run the Science Mom YouTube channel where we create educational content for kids.

Science Mom and Math Dad teach self-paced courses using a secular curriculum. Each course uses an open-and-go design that requires minimal preparation and supervision. In our science courses, each lesson has follow-along notes, interactive comprehension questions, and quizzes. Students can participate in polls while watching the recorded lessons. There are science and art projects for deeper dives. Our math courses use the interactive Desmos curriculum. Each video lesson has an exploratory activity and practice material to complete after the lesson.

Modulo's thoughts

Our learning specialists give their honest evaluation
ManishaCEO and Founder

Science Mom and Math Dad is hands-down the most beloved STEM program for middle schoolers. Jenny and Serge are highly engaging teachers that share concepts in a compelling and engaging way.

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