Catch up on your math here:
What About Math – Games
What About Math – Books
Just about every day Newt and I engage in the following ritual exchange.
Newt: Mama, can I watch tv?
Me: Is it a school day? Not until after dinner.
Newt: [sigh]

Every once in awhile, when the wind changes or the moon is just right in conjunction with Saturn*, I like to mess with her head and say yes.
That’s my prerogative as a mother, right?
I’m not talking about vegging out in front of endless episodes of Zach and Cody [shudder]. We can save them for Saturday (I suppose). Since this is a school day, let’s look for something a bit more educational, but still fun, shall we?

Here area some of our favorite math shows, DVDs and videos:

Cyberchase
Newt’s getting older, but she hasn’t quite outgrown Cyberchase. I find that it is a great way to either introduce or review a mathematical concept. She just thinks it’s fun.
A lot of educational television gets on my nerves (I was so relieved when Newt got too old for Dora). Cyberchase doesn’t for one reason: Hacker is voiced by Christopher “Great Scott!” Lloyd. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
Many episodes can be found streaming on Netflix or on youtube.

The Story of 1
Roman Numerals, Fibonacci numbers, the invention of zero and binary – these are just a few of the concepts covered in this short history of mathematics.
A history and math DVD? Wouldn’t that be boring?
Not when it stars Monty Python’s Terry Jones. It’s funny and interesting. We’ve watched it several times and learned something new with each viewing.
Available streaming on Netflix.

Donald in Mathmagic Land
This classic Disney film places Donald Duck in a Mathematical adventure. It is a great one for going beyond basic operations and showing how math is integral to art, music, architecture and sports. It just might help your kids become interested in math and improve their pool game.
Donald in Mathmagic land is not available on netflix, but we were able to borrow a copy from our local library five or six times. And used copies on Amazon are reasonably priced.

You Tube also has some great mathematical offerings. We are huge fans of Vi Hart. Quite often neither Newt or I have any idea what she is talking about, but she makes us want to.
See for yourself with some of our favorite videos:

What did I miss? Do you have any favorite math shows, videos or DVDs? Do tell.

*Astronomy nerds: Is the moon ever in conjunction with Saturn? What does that even mean? Can you recommend a good DVD to explain it to me? Thanks!

Amazon affiliate links are being used.