Each year, International Magic Week is celebrated from October 25-31. Of course Halloween falls on October 31st, but this date is also the death anniversary of one of the greatest magicians of all time – Harry Houdini. Teachers can use this week to take a magical approach to the way they present mathematics.
What is Math Magic?
Quite simply, math magic is any magic trick that uses mathematical principles and concepts to create the illusion of magic. The late Harry Blackstone, Jr., a stage magician made regular appearances on PBS’s Square One, a television show teaching math concepts to young children. Almost daily he would present mathematics in a magical form to his viewers. Viewing old episodes of this show should be required viewing for every educator of mathematics.