Al web Education in Chemistry s’hi acaba de publicar (gràcies @pquimic] un petit article titulat Magical demonstrations on es comenta com l’ús de tècniques que els mags fan servir als seus espectacles pot ajudar a millorar les demostracions de caire científic.
Science and magic don’t obviously have much in common. One is about the rational investigation of the physical world while the other is about dazzling people with trickery and, for no obvious reason, pulling birds, handkerchiefs and other items out of thin air. However, as most science teachers know, even the most mundane classroom science demonstration has a little magical flair to it.
Ja fa temps que hem constatat que fer sessions màgiques i comunicar ciència tenen una forta interesecció, i que cada activitat pot aprofitar coses de l’altra. En tot cas, fer tallers i espectacles de màgia ajuda a comunicar millor – i a fer millor les classes i fer una millor docència. La qüestió és sorpendre, impactar… parlant de l’experiment del monstre del vàter (elephant’s toothpaste), diu
The elephant’s toothpaste, the most classic of all chemistry demonstrations, wouldn’t be as exciting if the bubbles didn’t keep coming out to ridiculous proportions. The fact that it’s unexpected is what makes it impressive.
Perquè encara que estiguem en un àmbit educatiu, no podem olvidar la passió i el fet de meravellar-se pels experiments científics:
Although we’re used to thinking of science demonstrations as educational, they’re also introductions to the wonder and excitement of science – similar to real discoveries. Demos are the best tool we have for grabbing attention and creating a sense of curiosity and fascination, all while explaining complicated concepts. The bigger the impact a demonstration has, the more likely your students are going to want to know more.
A l’article es parla de set punts clau que una demostració científica por extreure d’una sessió de màgia. M’agraden tots set. Perquè en el fons, es tracte que el públic que assisteix a una demostració, taller o xerrada sobre ciència hi trobi la màgia:
There are many lessons that can be learned from magic, theatre and other creative industries, and these are just some of techniques you can use to enhance your classroom demonstrations. Ultimately, none of these should supplant the teaching of concepts, but a demo is not just about communicating an idea, it’s about conveying the sense of awe and wonder that should always accompany observing the world as a scientist. In the end, it’s all about finding the magic.
M’agraden molt les il.lustracions d’aquest article, per cert (de Dan Bright/Lost Studio)