The Science behind Magic
Overview
Spectacular science demonstrations and magic illusions have many things in common. They involve practice, showmanship, audience interaction and suspense followed by a moment of astonishment.
Magic "tricks" which are in fact demonstrations of hidden science. They can be used as introductions to topics or simply as puzzles for students to solve. It is important, as in all science, to observe carefully and ask the right questions if you want the correct answers! Warning: some secrets are revealed!
In this teaching material you find experiments for different age groups which encourage students to engage with science on a different level and introduce a sense of wonder.
Teaching Materials
The Science behind Magic
Download FileThe authors
Adrian Allan is a chemistry teacher who currently teaches in a secondary school in Scotland. He is a keen magician who combines his hobby of performing close-up and stage magic illusions with teaching science. He has presented magic workshops among others in Scotland, Ireland and at the 2022 Science on Stage festival in Prague, Czech Republic.
David Featonby is a board member of Science on Stage and an ex secondary teacher who since retirement has had a wide experience presenting to both secondary and primary students and teachers throughout Europe. He believes that science can be very relevant and accessible to all levels and ages of students. David worked for over 35 years in a large English comprehensive school teaching all abilities. On his retirement he worked for the Institute of Physics as a Network Coordinator in the North East and latterly has participated in several Science on Stage festivals.
Paul has been involved in physics education for over 20 years. In Ireland, he supports other science teachers through his work with the Institute of Physics in Ireland (IOPI) and the National Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST). He is co-chair of the Irish Science on Stage NSC and a board member of Science on Stage Europe.
Rute Oliveira is passionate about learning and science, that is why she has been teaching physics and chemistry for over 20 years in the south of Portugal. Over the years she has performed science shows at school where she always tries to introduce some magic. She has attended Science on Stage webinars where she met David, Adrian and Paul and it is from them that she has been learning more about the science behind magic.
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