CINEMA AS A MATHEMATICAL DIDACTIC RESOURCE

Mathematics can become difficult and therefore boring sometime and teachers choose to modify the way they teach key concepts or reduce the number of homework. However, when they do not know how modify their methodology or they do not have enough time to develop a different class, they prefer to follow a traditional methodology. So, why not integrate new elements into the math classes that promote a meaningful learning in students?

From my point of view, I would like to propose a resource that it is used in the school as a way to fill empty time spaces and sometimes teachers do not get the most educational benefit from this. This educational resource is the cinema. Films have an unbelievable educative value and according to Edgar Dale (1932) the cinema is really useful resource to memorise new information and to work more deeply on the acquired knowledge. For this reason, I would like to give several films in which appear mathematical and geometric contents that can help students to understand difficult key concepts and at the same time, to fall in love with them.

For children (6 to 10 years old)

Donald in Mathmagic Land

Donald Duck, holding a hunting rifle, passes through a doorway to find that he has entered Mathmagic Land. This "mighty strange" fantasy land contains trees with square roots and a stream flowing with numbers.

Donald is initially not interested in exploring Mathmagic Land, believing that math is just for "eggheads". However, when he decides to explore it, he discorvers a wonderful world that is formed by mathematics. Donald Duck deals with the Golden ratio, Pythagoras, geometrical shapes (spiral, polygons, sphere, cone and so on) and different aspects of the daily life that are quite related with the mathematics and geometry.

Flatland: The Movie

Based on Edwin Abott's book "Flatland", this is an animated film about geometric characters (polygons) living in a two-dimensional world. When a young girl named "Hex" decides to "think outside the box" (in a world where such thought is forbidden), her life becomes in danger and it is up to her grandfather to save her life. 

For children (10 to 12 years old)

Agora 

Hypatia teaches astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Hypatia has no interest in faith; she's concerned about the movement of celestial bodies and "the brotherhood of all". Although her former slave doesn't see it that way and it will be a problem along the film. 

From my point of view, this film is really interesting to integrate the concept of women mathematicians because the students are used to study male historical figures and female students can identify an important historical female figure in which they can be seen reflected. Apart from the mathematical content, students can watch the film from a historical point of view and they can use the information to advance in Social Sciences subject. 

La habitación de Fermat

"La habitación de Fermat" is a Spanish film that treats on four people who are mathematics fans and they are invited by an unknown host to a mysterious evening. To attend the event they have to solve an enigma and, once in the meeting place, they do not have to reveal to anyone their identity. Once there, the characters will face a succession of riddles that they have to solve if they do not want to die.

Due to this last line, I would not recommend this film for young students but the teacher can orientate the riddles from a didactic point of view and also to make them see that if we do not confront with mathematical vision the challenges, we will be defeated.