STEM & STEAM
How is Magic STEAM related?
Scientific Method
After a new trick is presented, students hypothesize how a trick is done. Then observe it being performed again. Once they are ready, they receive the trick to attempt to figure it out. (Some will discover the secret.) Once they are given the secret, it is their turn to experiment with handling the trick, create a routine and discover what works for their performance.
Critical Thinking
Part of the fun of magic is trying to figure out how tricks are done. Some tricks can be presented using various methods and in that case we show often the easiest method for kids, but encourage them to discover various methods for same trick or create their own tricks.
Creative Thinking
Students are given a chance to create a character and style of performing. They are encouraged to come up with their own stories and routines to make their trick entertaining as they discover the true secrets to a good magic trick is often how it is presented.
Collaboration
Students work in rotating pairs sharing, assisting, and learning from one another and are encouraged to give positive feedback as they build their self-esteem.
Hands on Learning
Magic is an art that comes from creating muscle memory. You have to perform the same trick over and over again so you are comfortable with it and the routine becomes natural for you. They get plenty of time for practice the maneuvers of the magic tricks in class through individual practice before they dive into partner practice.
No Judgment Zone
Kids are free to experiment and share their ideas without fear of criticism. They also learn how to cover mistakes if they make one because they are prepared.
(Little Secret, all magicians make mistakes and that's okay; learning from them builds confidence along the way.)
Art
Magic is a performing art. Kids learn to communicate, socialize and express themselves. They learn to put their personality into their performance styles and get comfortable around people. Some kids will also get very comfortable performing for their peers.
Science
♦ Many magic tricks are based on scientific principals.
♦ Some of the tricks involve Physics, Chemistry, Inertia, Gravity, Equilibrium, or Optical Illusions.
♦ Students use the scientific method to learn a new tricks. Once they know the secret, they have a hypothesis of what they think should happen, they experiment multiple times, observe and make conclusions on their performance until they are ready to perform.
Technology
♦ In Magic, Technology is applying logic & critical thinking to discover how magic fools the brain. Often the most logical explanation is the secret and magic forces students to think about how they view the world.
♦ At the end of the course students get a secret code to review the tricks they learned and unlock bonus tricks on our secret website for young magicians. This gives them a safe place to learn more magic.
Engineering
♦ Many magic tricks are engineered in a way to look like magic.
♦ Students are encouraged to come up with their own delivery of the trick and that can include changing the method or engineering of it.
♦ Once they learn the secrets, they are reprogramming their brains to think outside the box to contemplate how the tricks can be engineered to fool an audience.
Math
♦ In some magic tricks, the secret is Geometry or Arithmetic.
♦ Math is the logical section of our brain as we calculate, contemplate and discover the secrets of magic.
♦ Many aspects of our lives involve Math, including spacial relations. Handling some tricks involves learning your angles. Where is your audience? What can they see? Will my performance angle reveal the secret?