TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO MAGIC PART 2

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #36 – January 16, 2010

In the previous posting we looked at the value of adding a bit of magic to your teaching repertoire. The example given was a card trick, (used to teach a simple Algebraic formula), which is a sure fire way to grab anyone’s attention, especially a classroom full of curious children. When you have students focused, magic becomes an excellent vehicle that can be used to teach a wide variety of subjects. This week, I would like to feature a gentleman whose use of magic, sparks great enthusiasm and interest in learning science.

Alan McCormack, a San Diego State University professor teaches the principles of convection currents, static electricity, basic chemistry and engineering to elementary school science classes using magic, and has mentored student teachers in his methods.

Recently, Professor McCormack watched as three elementary school students poured vials of colored liquid labeled “stink of a thousand frogs,” “kisses of a princess giant,” and “tears of a unicorn” into a black caldron. Then, McCormack himself added the final ingredient – a pinch of “ground dragon’s bones.”

Next, McCormack covered the caldron with a plate, turned it upside down and set it on top of a student’s head. When he slid out the plate, the caldron was empty.
“We made a nothing potion,” the professor told 75 third, fourth and fifth graders, seated on mats on the floor of the school auditorium. (The magic used in this trick will be explained at the end)…

McCormack calls his presentation, “Science of the Magic from Hogwart’s Academy,” cleverly based on the Harry Potter novels. He gives these performances at schools and science fairs both locally and nationally.

The Professor has been honing his sleight-of-hand skills for several decades. As a former junior high teacher, he tried everything to engage his students, including playing the banjo, singing and drama. He makes many of his own props. He is happy to have finally discovered what he considers to be perhaps the greatest “hook,” magic.

Many kids think science is kind of boring. When the Harry Potter phenomenon entered the scene, McCormack blended its story into his show. McCormack’s techniques enhance the joy of learning about science both for students and teachers.

At the end of his magic and science show, McCormack explains that the powder he sprinkled into the caldron was actually sodium polyacrylate, a substance used in disposable diapers, which sucked up the liquid and adhered to the inside of the caldron.

Just think of all the other scientific principles that can be taught with such “charm.” Once you have the students’ attention totally focused on you, the possibilities of what they can learn are endless. Try using a little magic in your classroom. It will open new windows of wonder for your students.

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Roald Dahl - Author