Math & Magic

"Experience the Magic" offers classroom presentations, blending the fields of math and magic. Although the presentations have been designed for middle school students (7th & 8th), grades 5-6, 9-10 can benefit from this program as well.

The presentations are intended to demonstrate the very real need for math in the "world of magic", revealing how dependent magic is upon it. Numbers, and principles of mathematics, are used to demonstate math's power behind much of todays magic -- both illusion and mentalism! "Key" learning points, like the need to double check one's homework, are also reinforced.

For more information and comments, feel free to review some of our recommendations below. Then call us at (616) 646-3227 for additional questions, and to schedule your program. Or, email us today.

Letters of Recommendation

Mr Jim,

Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation connecting mathematics and magic in the classroom. The students were fascinated and intrigued beyond belief! This was a very age appropriate presentation for my 7th and 8th grade, and would also work down as far as 4th grade.

Students were extremely attentive and eagerly participated in your presentation. You did a great job of encouraging the unsure student as well as controlling the over enthusiastic student.

I very much appreciate your time in preparing this presentation and the quality of the program you provide.

Thank you!

Tally Orange -- Marcellus Middle School

"Mr. Jim" Merrills,

Thank you so much for your outstanding magic presentation! My 8th grade students were fascinated and shocked to see a connection between math and magic. It was great to have an "outsider" reinforce the idea that math is important in other places besides a classroom. You held the attention of eight grade students, which is no easy feat.

I have enclosed a number of letters my students wrote so they could let you know how much they learned and enjoyed your presentation.

In closing, I would like to also thank Chili's for their sponsorship. The students appreciated earning the gifts for their participation.

Thanks a lot!

Dan Blair -- Three Rivers Middle School

"Mr-Jim",

Thank you! An excellent blend of humor, magic, and educational lessons. It was great to hear you reinforcing many of the points that I make to my students.

Students were so impressed that they were "a buzz" for several days following. I had many positive comments from other teachers, as some students shared what they learned while attending other classes.

Many have asked when you will return. Truly, you had a positive influence on them. Perhaps something can be worked out for next school year.

Llyod Smith -- Bellevue Middle School (Battle Creek)

Sample Student Letters

"You taught me that we need math in everything we do, including magic. It's amazing that even the most complicated tricks are made up of small math problems. We knew that you care." Shantelle

"It was interesting to see how some of these tricks that were so complicated were actually real easy with just using a little math. I wanted to say, 'Thank you.' It was a pleasure to be able to see a real magician live, instead of on T.V." Kevin

"It was really neat the way that you mixed the magic and mathematics. In the future, that may be a whole new way of teaching math...seemed more fun." Casandra

"I was very amazed. It really shocked me to learn that every job in the world deals with math, and I need to know math to get a good job in the world."

"I never realized how much math you need in this world. I never thought a magician would ever use math." Joslynn

"It was fascinating and stimulating. I had no idea how much math was involved in magic." Carrie

"I wish we could have had all day for you to teach us! I learned that if you put a little math into it, then you can do a lot of things." Janelle

"I tried some of the tricks on my parents (even though I messed them up!). Please come back." Andrea

"I never really thought about how much math is involved in magic. I like knowing details." Amy

"It was fun and educational. It is wierd how we don't realize the most obvious things." Rachel

"The tricks you showed us were really great! I'm going to practice them on my little cousins when I babysit. (P.S.: When you asked my friend Amy if she could read minds, I couldn't stop laughing!)" Rachel

"I had a great time learning about math from you. Actually I was surprised that it [magic] had so much about math. I used the card trick on my entire family, and they had no idea how I did it. It was pretty cool!" Mike

"Thank you! It's not everyday that we get to have a guest speaker like you. I appreciate your kindness and patience with some of our 'knuckle-heads'. You made it very clear how there are so many things in life that relate to math. (P.S.: I most of all, out of everything you did, respect the fact that you don't just inform us not to do drugs, but that you yourself don't do drugs to be an example to your kids and other teenagers.)" Gloria

"My favorite part was when you demonstrated mind reading by chosing a teen number. I was amazed when I found out that you knew what was written on MY paper! I was able to try some of these tricks on my family. Thank you for making education more fun." Amber

"I think that if I did learn to do what you do, I could understand math better. If you can come back, please do." Holly

"My favorite trick was the coin trick. That night I tried it on my family and they were very impressed with it!" Kim

"One of the things I like about yoiu is that you don't do any 'cheesy' acts. All of your stuff was fresh and new to me. Another thing I like is how you get your audience involved" Kaylie

"The number problems you showed us were very fun! All the problems you showed were related to math and had patterns...the strategies were great." Kevin

"Thank you very much. I tried the 'Bermuda Square' on my family and fooled them all!" Brandy

"...I also learned that math would be greatly required in my chosen career, as magic was yours." Emily

If this is an "experience" your students need, please contact us to arrange a date for your school or math classes. Our telephone number is, (616) 646-3227.