In the 1950’s, Walt Disney created a really educational film about something that a lot of us dread…mathematics. Released in 1959, “Donald in Mathemagic Land” has become one of those educational films that were really the first true educational film we ever saw as students. The story follows Donald Duck (Clarence “Ducky” Nash) embark on a journey through the world of mathematics with the help of the true spirit of adventure (Paul Frees).
Now, looking closely at this educational short, we get to see Donald Duck represent the student who despises math in any way, shape or form. In fact, the first conflict occurs when Donald views math as something for eggheads until the spirit takes him on a journey to ancient Greece to meet, Pythagoras, the father of mathematics and music. It’s here that we the viewer learn the importance of the pentagram, which Pythagoras and his fraternity of eggheads known as the Pythagorians, have on the palms of their hands at all times.
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Looking at this whole scene, you might be asking yourself the same question: did the spirit actually use a favorite activity of Donald’s to get him to learn? The answer, of course, would be yes. Many neurodivergent students and even neurotypical students will often view math as a complete waste of time when in reality, it’s an important fact of life. The trick is to get the student to learn and be involved by any means necessary.
You can also get the student to be involved by allowing them to be creative with the lesson as demonstrated when Donald joins the jam session by playing drums using a wine jar. By allowing the student to get involved in the lesson in their own way, you are not only allowing them to build their talents and strengths, but you are also helping them get involved in something that they would otherwise hate.
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Next, Donald also learns that mathematics can also come from games as well and it’s here that we get to see Donald become Alice in Wonderland, a baseball player, a football player, a basketball player, a young kid playing hopscotch and finally a billards player.
This to me, is sort of sentimental, because when I was in middle school, I did play a lot of board games while in my home base. However, I never really understood the importance of mathematics in the games. Still, the goal of getting someone like me engaged was accomplished by my middle school mentor and the other aides in the classroom.
The truth of the matter is when we look at this part, we often ask ourselves the same question: is Donald a reflection of me being Alice in Wonderland on a chessboard surrounded by chess pieces who view me as a pawn. In fact, this scene also resonates with those who are often viewed as pawns by others because they are so clouded in judgment.
So, in a sense, it’s a two for one approach to the situation.
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In conclusion, I think “Donald in Mathemagic Land” (1959) is one of those educational cartoons that is not meant to bore anyone, but to get them engaged and involved in something that holds nothing but complete value for the students. Studying mathematics is essential to a complete education, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. You can take something dreadful and turn it upside down to meet the student’s needs and “Donald Duck in Mathemagic Land” (1959) might be the ticket for your classroom.
Plus, the short ends with a really fascinating quote from Galileo which translated from Italian to English is:
“Mathematics is the alphabet of which God has created the universe.”
-Galileo Galilei
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Catch you all later!!
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