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How do magicians trick people?
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How do magicians trick people?
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Image & Video Credits

Mystery Science respects the intellectual property rights of the owners of visual assets. We make every effort to use images and videos under appropriate licenses from the owner or by reaching out to the owner to get explicit permission. If you are the owner of a visual and believe we are using it without permission, please contact us—we will reply promptly and make things right.

Exploration
7 Simple Magic Tricks with Household Items by TheDanocracy
Coin change trick in front of a Lamborghini by Jibrizy Magic
Easy magic trick for kids - Floating Ketchup Trick by maryjlockwood
Holiday Jubliee provides fun for all ages with magicians by Lance Cpl. Scott Whiting , used under Public Domain
How to Levitate by Howcast
Military children at Jeff Jones magic show by Pfc. Joshua Grant , used under Public Domain
Mr. Sucro’s Removable Finger Triack by Mike Levin, SEO in NYC
Credits

Featured Reviews

“Students loved tricking their friends and families.”
· Ronell · Teacher
“My students were so engaged. ”
· Sarah · Teacher
“The children really had a good time. It was successful and very doable!”
· Tiffany · Teacher
“A handful of students really like magic and were going to go home and practice. I could not think of a better way to have EL students practice telling a story. Thank you!”
· Antonetta · Teacher
“My students loved it! Your directions for the activities are so well done - thank you!”
· Rob · Admin
“The students loved this and can't wait to go home to share the story with their family!!”
· Heather · Teacher
“Being able to see the kids light up when they realized they too can do magic was the best part of the whole lesson!”
· Courtney · Teacher
“The kids loved the video and were excited about the activity! Fun! Fun!”
· Janet · Teacher
“Fun and great speech practice as an added benefit.”
· Janet · Teacher
“Easy instructions to follow and the kids loved telling the story and performing the trick!”
· Michaela · Homeschooler
“Engaging lesson content. Really easy to follow directions and include all learners.”
· Jessica · Teacher
“My students loved trying the trick out and are learning the story to go with it so they can trick their friends. ”
· Janet · Teacher
“the students LOVED learning what to look for in tricks - and that they were able to play one on their friends and family! LOVE the hands-on components...as always”
· Julie · Teacher
“I liked how it gave time for the kids to practice each part. It's great for learning to speak in front of others. ”
· · Teacher
“My students loved making the gold finder. They feel like real magicians!”
· Kimberly · Teacher

Grades K-5

Current Events And Trending Topics

Observation

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this mini-lesson, students discover that making close observations like a scientist can help them figure out how magic tricks work. In the activity, The Gold Finder, students build a trick prop and practice performing for their friends.
Preview activity
Great Gold Finder printout Print 15 copies
Magician’s Secret Story printout Print 30 copies
Glue Sticks
30
Scissors
30
Prep Instructions

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Prepare the Great Gold Finders

The Great Gold Finder will print with two copies of the template on each sheet. Older students will cut these in half during the activity. If you work with younger grades, you may want to pre-cut these to save time. Make sure to cut along the thick black line!

Note About the Video

All step-by-step videos show the Great Gold Finder with the arrow pointing toward the upper right at the start of the trick. While this is what the Magician will see from their perspective, their audience will see the arrow pointing to the lower left. The magic trick will work regardless, but some students may notice and ask you about it.

Grades K-5

Current Events And Trending Topics

Observation

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Discussions

Activity

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Credits
 
How do magicians trick people?

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