The Magician's Apprentice

 

Teaching the skill of following directions requires a little hocus-pocus in this lesson. Students follow informational directions to re-create magic tricks, use a rubric to evaluate the clarity of the instructions, and summarize and rewrite the instructions on index cards in order to teach an apprentice how to perform a trick. 

Weblink address (URL): 
The Magician's Apprentice

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students:

  • follow directions to perform a magic trick
  • assess the quality of the instructions with a rubric
  • teach a partner how to perform the magic trick.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Creating
Extension suggestions: 

MysteryNet Kids Mysteries offers three Magician's Rules:

  • Keep the secret a secret.
  • Do the trick only once.
  • Practice before you perform.

Based on their experience, ask the students to explain why magicians often follow these rules.

Assume the role of Melmoe the Magnificent and choose three outstanding sets of instructions created by students. Use the instructions and cue cards to perform the magic tricks for your class. Afterward, explain each trick with the students' directions, and have the students tell why these directions work so well.

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • index cards
  • paper
  • pencils
  • Internet access (optional)

If using the online magic tricks cited, the following materials will be needed:

  • coins
  • handkerchiefs
  • straws
  • decks of cards
  • clear plastic tumblers
  • construction paper
  • pencils
  • scissors
  • glue
  • carrots
  • toothpicks

References

Contributors: 
Paula Cox
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation