From the Science of Magic to the Magic of Science

The Project

Miquel DURAN and Fernando Blasco@miquelduran @fblascoxyz

Project MagSci - http://magsci.eu

Introduction

Our Science Communication team is involved in a variety of projects funded by various research agencies, within the overall theme of "From the Magic of Science to the Science of Magic".

In this presentation we provide information about the main topics we cover, and suggest different activities to be held in any spot, city or organization for outreach activities involving Public Awareness of Science, Public Understanding of Science, or Science Education.

Our main topics

The areas of knowledge we have most been involved in are:

The Magic of the Periodic Table

The Magic of Food

Science Based Magic

For each topic we showcase a few images and a relevant quote.

The Magic of the Periodic Table

Here we review the elements of periodic table of elements with simple but intriguing and seductive magic tricks, which they are completed with spectacular and quick chemistry experiments. Using the historical relationship between magic and science, we mix enjoyment with increasing the scientific culture of the viewer. We take advantage that the periodic table is an example place where natural numbers appear, so we can translate classical mathematical tricks to a chemistry framework.

The Magic of Food

We use magic and illusionism in an interactive activity entitled "The Magic of Food", which is quite attractive and interesting for both children and youngsters. It is also relevant towards promoting a healthy nutrition. We try to educate in science while eating, i.e., to promote a healthy nutrition via magic and illusionism. The purpose of this activity is promoting that children and youngsters know about the most basic concepts of healthy nutrition, and that the learn the basic nutritional strategies. For younger children, we will carry out a qualitative approximation to nutritional components, while for teenagers and grown-ups we will use a more quantitative approach.

Science Based Magic

Sometimes a magic trick relies on a scientific fact. It can be a

physical law such as magnetism or electricity, a chemical one

like a reaction or a change of colour or a mathematical one, as

it happens with some properties of shuffles or number facts.

Here the scientific concepts are presented in a theatrical way,

as in a real magic show, with the aim of attracting people into

Science. Cards, ropes or mirrors are the lab tools used in this

presentation.

Our expertise on public outreach activities

For the last years we have gained expertise in a variety of activities, including a MOOC on Magic and Science, or the academic interplay between Magic, Science and Education.

For any city or organization program, we think of four possible types of activities

Science and magic in the pubScientific-magic itineraryScience and magic demonstrations in a standScience and magic performances on a stageMassive Online Open Course

For each activity, we provide a few images and a quote

Science and magic in the pub

This format allows to present scientific tricks in a

close-up setting. It is very good for a small audience up

to 50 people. They can interact with the magician and

feel the magic of science in their hands. The three

main topics listed are suitable for this format.

Scientific-magic itinerary

We have developed a collection of tricks that can be

adapted to common places in a city. The length is

variable and allows to walk around the city, stop in

certain places and make a science based magic trick

related with the the things that can be observed in

that area. Is a funny and different way for showing

science in the city

Science and magic demonstrations in a stand

We are prepared for the usual format of Science Faires

where visitors stop at some stands and see what is

offered in every place. The three topics can be shown

in this format.

Science and magic performances on a stage

Currently we have stage performances for 'The Magic of

the Periodic Table' and 'Science Based Magic'. They

have been represented in different places, changing

the contents and the show extension (usually 1 hour)

depending on the people attending the show. They are

magic shows with participation of people.

The MOOC “Magia, Ciencia y SecretosConfesables)

To be followed in the MiriadaX Platform, starting September 22th, 2016

http://magcimooc.net

In practise… a few examples

Magic-Scientific Itinerary around a city or area

Magic-Scientific Itinerary: starting from a given spot or venue, any area provides a wealth of opportunities. Provided that we may receive help from a local scientist who knows well the city or area, we will design an itnerary that consists of a series of spots where magic tricks are related intimately to them (a clock, a wall, a geometrical figure, numbers, physics, metals, chemistry, a biological or geological ocurrence… )

People become easily engaged in such an itinerary, because it combines the atractive of visiting a City of area in a different way, the relevance of learning/acquiring new scientific concepts, and enjoying Magic.

Magic and Science at a local Pub

Magic and Science at the Pub: surely a favourite with any event.

A proper Pub should be designated so could attend it. Fernando Blascoand Miquel Duran would be joined for sure by other scientific magicians attending the same event of working closely. Proper advertising would be done from the first moment.

Stand and Stage activities - Fair and street

Stand and Stage:

If a Fair with tents and stands is organized during any event, our activities are very well suited because we can attend many visitors at the same time, either by short magic play or by longer activities.

We would be also available for 10-, 20- or 30-min stage shows either in open space, or in a close indoor facility.

If a Fair is organized with concentrated stands, we could be there for a a short number of days. Otherwise, we could be in any city corner or designated spot.

References: Participation in international-level activitiesStand and stage:

Science & You, City Auditorium, Nancy (F) 2015

Science on Stage, London, Queen Mary Univ., 2015

Mathsweek, Dublin (IRL), 2008-2015

Stand:

Science Piknik, Warsaw, 2016

European Researchers' Night, Girona, Spain, last Fri Sep, 2007-2015

European Researchers' Night 10th anniversary, Brussels, 2015

References: magic + science shows

Science & You 2015: http://www.science-and-you.com/fr/forum/spectacles

Science on Stage 2015: http://collaborated.org.uk/science-on-stage-2015-day-2/

Magic Fun with Science concepts, Miquel Duran at TEDxBarcelonaED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw09DgqMLfU

Performing a Magic Square trick in front of an audience, F. Blasco, at #ecme15, Girona TBD

European Researchers' Night 10th Anniversary video, Science is Wonder-Ful, 23 Sep 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkc78cGcmt0

Maths in the pub, F. Blasco at Alchemist’s caféhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RerXQYKPwKI

Press review and main project website

El Norte de Castilla, Valladolid 2015 http://www.elnortedecastilla.es/fotos/culturas/201504/18/aula-cultura-norte-museo-30103697930120-mm.html

Diario de Sevilla, Sevilla 2015 http://www.diariodesevilla.es/article/opinion/1919642/la/magia/la/ciencia.html

Project website: http://magsci.eu

Poster on Innovation in

Science Education

Science on StageLondon 2015

http://goo.gl/vhq1QU

Academic PPT presentations on Magic and Science:

See http://slideshare.net/quelgir

From the Magic of Science to the Science of Magic