Activities and opportunities to collaborate with a project in the interphase of Science, Magic, and Education

1. From the Science of Magic
to the Magic of Science
The Project
Miquel DURAN and Fernando Blasco
@miquelduran @fblascoxyz
Project MagSci - http://magsci.eu

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 pub
Scientific-magic itinerary
Science and magic demonstrations in a stand
Science and magic performances on a stage
Massive Online Open Course
For each activity, we provide a few images and a quote

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. The MOOC “Magia, Ciencia y Secretos
Confesables)
To be followed in the MiriadaX Platform, starting September 22th, 2016
http://magcimooc.net

13. In practise… a few examples

14. 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.

15. 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 Blasco
and 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.

16. 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.

17. References: Participation in international-level
activities
Stand 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

18. 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 café
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RerXQYKPwKI

19. 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/cien
cia.html
Project website: http://magsci.eu

20. Poster on
Innovation in
Science
Education
Science on Stage
London 2015
http://goo.gl/vhq1QU

21. Academic PPT presentations on Magic and Science:
See http://slideshare.net/quelgir

22. From the Magic of Science
to the Science of Magic