Maths in TV & Film

A fun way to encourage a love of maths is by introducing children to maths through television shows and movies. Below we have rounded up some suggestions for different age groups. We have included the aged rating where available. The selected shows and movies should all be easily available to stream or rent online.

TV Shows

  • Numberblocks (U) - recommended for age 2+ | available on BBC iPlayer
  • Word Party Presents: Math! - recommended for age 2+ | available on Netflix
  • Sesame Street - recommended for age 2+ | available on YouTube
  • Team Umizoomi - recommended for age 3+ | available on Paramount+
  • Peg + Cat - recommended for age 3+ | available on YouTube
  • Monster Math Squad - recommended for age 4+ | available on YouTube
  • Numberjacks - recommended for age 4 to 6 | available on Amazon Prime
  • The Odd Squad (U) - recommended for age 5 to 8 | available on BBC iPlayer

Short Films

  • Eustice Solves a Problem (no rating available) - short film available to watch for free on Vimeo | ca. 12 min

Animated Films

  • Donald in Mathemagic Land (no rating available) - animated movie available on YouTube | ca. 27 min
  • Flatland: The Movie (no rating available) - animated movie available on rent via Vimeo | 35 mins

Movies based on true stories

  • Queen of Katwe (PG) - recommended for 10+ | 2 hr 4 min
  • October Sky (PG) - recommended for 10+ | 1 hr 48 min
  • The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (PG) - recommended for 10+ | 1 hr 53 min
  • Hidden Figures (PG) - recommended for 12+ | 2 hr 7 min
  • Stand & Deliver (PG) - recommended for 12+ | 1 hr 43 min
  • A Beautiful Mind (12) - 2 hr 15 min
  • Jerry & Marge Go Large (12) - 1 hr 36 min
  • X + Y (12A) - also released under "A Brilliant Young Mind" | 1 hr 51 min
  • The Imitation Game (12A) - 1 hr 53 min
  • The Man Who Knew Infinity (12A) - 1 hr 48 min
  • Moneyball (12A) - 2 hr 6 min
  • 21 (12A) - 2 hr 3 min

Fictional movies

  • Ice Princess (U) - 1 hr 38 min
  • Matilda (PG) - 1 hr 38 min
  • Back to the Future (PG) - recommended for 10+ | 1 hr 51 min
  • Mean Girls (12) - 1 hr 37 min
  • Sneakers (12) - 2 hr 5 min
  • Proof (12A) - 1 hr 39 min
  • The Martian (12A) - 2 hr 21 min
  • Gifted (12A) - 1 hr 41 min
  • Good Will Hunting (15) - 2 hr 7 min | Note: Contains a lot of strong language and swearing, best suited for Senior Phase.

Latest News and Events

News

Maths Week 2024 - Tales Highlights

We have enjoyed seeing what everyone got up to for Maths Week Scotland this year, in particular the different ways everyone was inspired by this year's theme of 'Maths Tales'. We've picked out a few highlights to share.

News

Scottish Museums Day 2024

For Scottish Museums Day (3 October) we’ve rounded up some of our favourite activities from museums from across the country, from this year's Maths Week Scotland.

7th Nov
Event

Escape Room Live Lesson: Find the Secret Lair!

Online (MS Teams) | | Free

Join us for this interactive online live lesson event aimed at upper primary and lower secondary students, hosted by Data Education in Schools at the University of Edinburgh.