Using magic to improve Physics classes

Abstract

The videos posted on YouTube can be very helpful to teach any subject in the classroom. In Physics, there is a wealth of material just waiting for the teachers to know what to do with them. In this study, we present a report on how we used videos of magic performances as a teaching aid to supplement Physics classes. Since the goal of magic is to challenge a principle or a natural law, it is interesting to use it in order to try to unravel its secret in a scientific way. To illustrate the application of this strategy, we used a performance of the magician Dynamo, held in London, where he quietly walks on the water of the River Thames. Having overcome the surprise of illusion, students are led by the teacher to try to get a physically plausible explanation for the secret of the magic. To carry out this task, we followed the paths of so-called scientific method in their traditionally defined form in schoolbooks. The results are very positive as and clearly point out the engagement of students in the search for the correct explanation. This strategy is recommended for use in high school Physics classes and in the initial semesters in College courses.