Math on the Silver Screen: Analyzing Mathematical Concepts in Popular Media

We are always looking for ways to show students how math is used in the media.  Years ago, the series Numb3rs focused on using math to help solve crimes.  It came with lesson plans so all the teacher had to do was look for the math concept and you were set.  I used them in the past when I was out of school for classes or even days.   

Other popular movies and television shows often incorporate mathematical concepts, sometimes subtly and sometimes overtly.By analyzing these depictions, educators can create engaging and relevant lessons that connect mathematics to real-world contexts and inspire student interest.   Lets look at how to put together a lesson plan focusing on the math in a film or television show.

1. Film Selection:

• Choose films with clear mathematical content: Look for movies that explicitly feature mathematical concepts like:
  • Geometry: Inception (dream architecture), Star Wars (spaceship design)   
  • Probability and Statistics: Moneyball (predicting player performance), The Social Network (data analysis)   
  • Calculus: Apollo 13 (orbital mechanics), The Martian (resource management)
  • Cryptography: The Imitation Game (breaking the Enigma code)   
  • Game Theory: The Dark Knight (Batman's strategic decisions)
• Consider age-appropriateness: Select films suitable for the target audience and align with curriculum standards.

2. Film Clip Selection:

• Choose relevant and engaging clips: Select short, impactful clips that clearly demonstrate the mathematical concepts.
• Ensure clarity: Select clips with clear dialogue and visuals that are easy to understand.
• Keep it concise: Short clips (2-5 minutes) are generally more effective for classroom use.

3. Classroom Activities:

• Pre-viewing discussion: Introduce the mathematical concept and have students brainstorm real-world applications.
• Film clip viewing: Show the selected clip and have students observe and take notes on the mathematical aspects.
• Guided discussion: Facilitate a discussion about the mathematical concepts presented in the clip. Ask questions like:
  • "What mathematical concepts are being used?"
  • "How are these concepts applied in the film?"
  • "Are the mathematical representations accurate?"
  • "How could this concept be applied in a different scenario?"
• Hands-on activities:
  • Problem-solving: Design and solve problems related to the mathematical concepts in the film.
  • Modeling: Use physical models or simulations to recreate scenarios from the film.
  • Data analysis: Collect and analyze data related to the film's plot or characters.
  • Technology integration: Use graphing calculators, spreadsheets, or online simulations to explore the mathematical concepts.

4. Creating Worksheets:

• Pre-viewing worksheets:
  • Background knowledge: Assess prior knowledge of the mathematical concepts.
  • Prediction questions: Encourage students to predict the mathematical concepts that might be featured in the film.
• Post-viewing worksheets:
  • Comprehension questions: Assess student understanding of the film's plot and the mathematical concepts presented.
  • Application problems: Apply the mathematical concepts to new scenarios.
  • Critical thinking questions: Analyze the accuracy and effectiveness of the mathematical representations in the film.
  • Creative writing: Have students write stories or scripts that incorporate the mathematical concepts.

5. Assessment:

• Class participation: Observe student engagement and participation in discussions and activities.
• Worksheet completion: Assess student understanding through worksheet assignments.
• Projects: Evaluate student projects that apply the mathematical concepts learned from the film.
• Presentations: Have students present their findings and insights to the class.

Example: "The Martian"

• Mathematical Concept: Resource management, problem-solving, basic chemistry
• Clip: Show a clip where Mark Watney calculates the amount of water he can produce from the limited resources available on Mars.
• Classroom Activity: Have students work in groups to solve a similar resource allocation problem, such as planning a camping trip with limited supplies.
• Worksheet:
• Problem: "Given a limited amount of food and water, calculate the number of days a person can survive on Mars."
• Extension: "Design a plan to maximize the use of resources on a long-duration space mission."

Go ahead and use this popular form of media to help hook your students and get them involved in class.  If you get stuck or don't have as much time, do a web search for help.  You might even find information on CGI or other technologies used to create characters. Have fun. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.