Rich Tasks and Tricks: Educational Magic at Work
Last time, I discussed how with some creativity you can use magic to teach about a variety of topics. In this article, I want to share with you more examples of educational magic and further demonstrate how we can create rich tasks from tricks.
But first, what is a rich task? It’s a project that connects different subjects (interdisciplinary) and involves a variety of teaching and learning methods. Rich tasks should promote active learning and allow students to display their knowledge and understanding throughout the task and relate it to real-life applications.
For an example, check out this simple self-working card trick called Square of Fortune.
When performing this trick for my workshops, I change the presentation into a game of Deal or No Deal. (For those who are not familiar with it, Deal or No Deal is a popular TV game show where a contestant chooses one briefcase and eliminates others in the hopes of winning loads of money.)
Rather than using playing cards, I use 16 red envelopes. On one side I stick a question mark, and on the other side a money value. The idea is I would have four spectators select an envelope each while the other 12 will be discarded. The selected envelopes are then turned around to reveal their hidden values and these are added together to come up with the total amount of money selected.
If the total were equal to the money in the prediction envelope, then unfortunately for our volunteers, they would only get a round of applause. If on the other hand it were a different value, then the prize would be shared amongst the lucky winners. Thankfully this banker has never had to shell out any winnings!
After performing the effect, I give the students time to reflect and discuss possible solutions. I facilitate the discussion, providing clues and further information until we have the mathematics solved.
The students are then provided with grids so that they can create their own Square of Fortune. I encourage them to try different number combinations. (The beauty of this trick is that if you do not have the maths correct, then the trick will not work.) The students will then design, build (using paper) and perform their own version of the Square of Fortune. What better way to prove understanding of math principles than performing a great trick!
Now how do we apply this to real-life applications?
I love to use this workshop to introduce—guess what—spreadsheets. Yes, spreadsheets.
Once the students have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the math principle behind the trick by presenting their own trick successfully, we can now get them started on creating the spreadsheet version (a wonderful introduction to an otherwise rather dull subject to teach). They have to convert their sums into a formula to create their own digital Spreadsheet of Fortune.
To find the full details on how to do this, get the teaching resource at www.flummix.com.
From a computer science point of view, this trick links beautifully to an amazing scanning technology used by doctors called tomography.
To get the workshop resource for full technical insights, go to www.flummix.com.
All things considered, what we have here are maths, design and performance. The rich task engages the students and shows them how the principles can be applied to real life and computer science. Rich tricks are terrific!
Can you think of other rich tasks you can create from this trick? I would love to hear your creative ideas. Post them in the comments below or contact me anytime to discuss any ideas that you may have.
Best wishes,
Jody
P.S.
Want more posts on educational magic? Check out my other articles:
Why Educational Magic Is Perfect for the 21st-Century Classroom and Entertainer
