Using Harry Potter to Bridge Higher Dimensionality in Mathematics and High‐Interest Literature
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy
Published online on August 31, 2016
Abstract
The Harry Potter series is a favorite for out‐of‐school reading and has been used in school, largely as an object of study in language arts. Using a content analysis to highlight the ways in which J.K. Rowling's work could be used to teach higher dimensionality in math, the authors argues that the content is sufficient in such books to engage the interest of students who may be negatively predisposed toward mathematics but are very enthusiastic about Harry Potter books, and vice versa. The article illustrates and explains three‐dimensional objects in two‐dimensional space, pocket dimensions, three‐dimensional movement through two‐dimensional space, and higher dimensional movement through examples and descriptions from scenes in the Harry Potter series and suggests ways in which similar analyses could be performed on other high‐interest texts, helping students forge new insights about mathematics literacy.