Talking About and Doing Magic in Science Class

If a science teacher talks about evolution in the classroom, this can cause controversy because of the conflicting theories such as "intelligent design" promoted by some others. There are several theories about the development of life on the Earth. In a similar way when a teacher brings magic into the classroom similar conflicts can happen. Some parents would for example object to the "Harry Potter" books because of the use of magic. In my classroom I always tried to explain that magic was a trick even when it was based on some scientific principles. I used it to stress observational skills and to compare how scientists try to remain open minded and form hypotheses about events.

I have heard a story about Columbus in which he landed on some islands near the main coast of North America and was running out of food and fresh fruits and vegetables. He tried to get the natives to give him some, but they refused. He had a book with him that predicted a solar eclipse would be visible in a few days and he told the natives that he would come out on the beach and would turn off the sun on a set date and time. Of course he made a big thing of this and his great powers. This would seem magical to the natives and would be scientific to Columbus. He caused the natives to be afraid of his power and so he got his fresh fruits and vegetables. Although I have not been able to find this story again, it makes a good story. It shows how knowledge of science can seem magical to others.

Most of the magic I would do in class the children would know right away that it was a trick and so there was no fear that I was teaching some kind of occult methods. One of my favorite tricks was to use a special pan I had purchased from a magic shop. It had two bottom pans and one could be hidden inside the top pan. I would fill the top pan with individually wrapped candy and snap it into the lid which was then placed on my desk. Now during class I would ask the children to observe the magical process. I would crack and egg and then hold it high in the air above the main pan and let it ooze into the pan, then I would throw the egg shells into the same pan. The children often would gasp. I would then put a bit of paper in the pan and light it with a match. (works better when the lights are dimmed). and then I would put the lid on the pan. The lid would release the hidden pan and at the same time put out any flames. I would tap the pan lid and say some made up magical words and when I lifted the lid there would be the candy.

Everyone knew what had really happened, but they now wanted the candy and they also wanted to get a good look at the magical pans. Observation is a key component of science and they were certainly being observant. The pan had cost me about $30.00 and I had used it virtually every year for 27 years. Not a bad investment for something that really "gains attention". I purchased a lot of other magical equipment over the years and my son actually started to do some magic shows because of this. I actually still do some of these "demonstrations" in my college classes. It is fun! Just be careful to point out exactly what it is - a trick.

Students have a natural curiosity and demonstrations can bring out this curiosity. You can stay clear of the controversy if you present the material correctly. I used professional magic equipment when possible to provide the best visual effect and also so it would last many years. This has been well worth the expense. I still have the magic pan, it is a bit scorched on the bottom pan these days, but I still get to use it every so often.