When we think of pop culture, we usually think of blockbuster movies, binge-worthy TV shows, chart-topping music, or video games that transport us to other worlds. But math? That’s not usually the first thing that comes to mind. Once you start looking closely, though, you’ll notice that math has quietly woven itself into the fabric of pop culture in surprising ways.

For math educators, this connection presents a fun opportunity: linking math and pop culture to make it more relatable. So, let’s explore where math hides in plain sight in pop culture and how educators can bring these connections into the classroom.

Math at the Movies

Math is no stranger to the silver screen. Films like Hidden Figures spotlight the genius of mathematicians whose calculations changed the course of history, while A Beautiful Mind explores the life and work of John Nash, a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician. These films not only inspire but also introduce concepts like trajectory calculations and game theory in accessible ways.

Then there are movies like The Martian, where Matt Damon’s character uses math to calculate everything from food supply to escape velocities. It’s survival math at its finest. Using clips or scenarios from these films, you can challenge students with questions to make math feel relevant like:

• How would you calculate the amount of food needed to last a specific number of days on Mars?
• What does Nash equilibrium mean in a real-world context?

TV Shows That Crunch the Numbers

Crime dramas like NUMB3RS make math a main character. The show follows a mathematician who helps solve crimes using probability, statistics, and algorithms. While the scenarios are dramatized for TV, they’re rooted in real mathematical principles. This show can be a great way to introduce students to how math is used in fields like forensics or data analysis. Check out this post on how math can help solve crimes with forensic science and fingerprint analysis.

Even in less obvious places, math sneaks in. In The Simpsons, there’s a surprising number of episodes packed with mathematical references—thanks to the fact that several of the writers have math degrees. From Fermat’s Last Theorem to Euler’s Identity, the show drops nuggets that can lead to classroom discussions.

Gamifying Math

Video games are packed with mathematical applications. Strategy games like Civilization require players to think critically about resource management and probability, while puzzle games like Tetris engage spatial reasoning and geometry skills. Even newer games like Kerbal Space Program 2 take math to new levels, as players use orbital mechanics and fuel calculations to launch rockets and build space stations.

Math can be found in games that seem fairly simple. Minecraft is a great example. Building structures requires understanding coordinates, symmetry, and ratios. Teachers can leverage these games by creating assignments where students calculate the materials needed for a build or analyze the probability of encountering rare resources.

This approach doesn’t just make math fun; it shows students how these concepts play out in real-world scenarios they care about.

The Harmony of Music and Math

Math and music have a long-standing relationship. From the patterns in rhythm to the ratios in harmony, math is at the heart of what makes music work. For example, the Fibonacci sequence appears in the compositions of classical pieces, and modern-day producers often rely on mathematical patterns to create catchy beats.

A fascinating example is Queen's Brian May, who not only rocked the world as a legendary guitarist but also earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics. In the iconic song "We Will Rock You," May applied his knowledge of sound waves and prime numbers to design the famous "stomp stomp clap" section. 

Teachers can dive into this connection by analyzing song structures or exploring how math influences musical scales. Activities like measuring beats per minute or creating music using fractions can make abstract concepts more tangible.

How to Bring Pop Culture Math Into Your Classroom

Here are a few ideas for how you can merge math and pop culture for your students:

• Start with What They Love: Survey your students about their favorite shows, movies, or games. Then, find ways to connect those interests to math concepts – or challenge them to find the math within.
• Use Clips and Scenarios: Show short clips from movies like The Martian or Hidden Figures and frame them as math challenges.
• Gamify the Lessons: Incorporate elements from video games or even have students design their own math-based games.
• Try Interdisciplinary Projects: Combine math with music, art, or science to create projects that span multiple subjects.

Math might not seem like a natural fit for pop culture at first glance, but it quietly drives the stories we love and the games we play. By pointing out these connections, you’re showing students how math is everywhere, making the world a little more relatable and a lot more fascinating.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out this list of math-inspired books!