The first digit is the number you chose and the second digit is the number 2.Share the following 10 tricks with children and explain how they are done.Įncourage them to practise with family and friends but remember to tell them that a magician never reveals their secrets! THOANs are probably the easiest to start with ( THink Of A Number). You can introduce them as problem-solving tasks and challenge children to demystify them so they are valuable activities for developing critical thinking skills.

Maths magic tricks can energise any maths class and create a sense of wonder and curiosity about maths. I will tell you the number you have in your mind!įor example, if someone chooses the number 5 and they point to the two cards this appears on, simply look in the top left hand corner of the cards and add the numbers (4 +1). Select a number without telling me but point to the card or cards it appears on. Here’s a classic magic trick using binary arithmetic, the basis of all computer logic. It also elevates their playground status! Professor Wiseman’s study found that an hour’s lesson studying magic did more good for a group of 10 to 12-year-olds than their normal PSHE classes. Whilst it might be pushing the talents of most teachers to teach Harry Potter-style lessons, what they can do is teach some simple tricks that have the wow factor. Research by Richard Wiseman has found that teaching children magic can boost their self-discipline and social skills as well as develop their self-esteem, confidence, empathy and interaction. They have the power to motivate, inspire and amaze children, help children to understand maths concepts and develop their maths skills. Maths magic tricks are an underused slice of maths life yet they are an inventive, enjoyable and fascinating way of bringing numbers to life. Can there be anything more exciting than combining maths with magic? They are natural partners and go together like Ant and Dec, copy and paste, eggs and bacon, strawberries and cream.

Magic calculator formula