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 to 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.
To celebrate World Book Day, we’re thrilled to welcome back award-winning Glasgow-based author Maisie Chan. Last year, Maisie joined our Maths Tales programme to discuss her novel Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths and answer questions from enthusiastic pupils. We’ve followed up with Maisie for an exclusive interview, perfect for those who missed the session or had more burning questions.
