You are right and for some reason Word wont let me use the shortcut for Superscript either. Click on the equation button on the far right. You can insert Equation numbers from the References tab as shown in the video after the to get automatically updating numbers.
Then find Ink Equation button at the left side of the Equation Tools Design tab to invoke the handwriting window.
In Word place the insertion point where you want the math symbol or template to appear From the Insert menu select Object. For example you can type gamma hit the space bar and then the equation will actually change to showing the gamma symbol. The handwriting board will display on the page of Word simply drag the mouse to write math equation. Insert a check mark or other symbol.