Science of Magic

Explore the science behind some amazing magic tricks and put on a show!

Explore:

  • Static Electricity
  • Science of Illusions
  • Optical Illusion Art

About This Crate: Amazing Illusions

  1. The lines aren’t moving! It’s just your brain tricking you. Photo by BP Miller on Unsplash

    1. Did you know? Our brains often trick our eyes into seeing things that aren’t real. Try scrolling up and down as you stare at the picture. Do the lines seem to flicker? That’s your tricky brain at work!
    2. When a dry road looks wet on a hot day, you’re seeing an optical illusion! The road just seems wet because of how light bends as it goes from the cooler air above to the hot air near the road.
    3. Some famous magicians like Harry Houdini and Adelaide Herrmann didn’t approve of performers who pretended magic couldn’t be explained by science. They’d figure out their tricks and then expose the science behind them!

Repurpose your crate

Materials

  • Kiwi Crate box
  • Extra cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Markers (like the ones from your crate)
  • Black paint
  • Clear tape
  • Black string or yarn
  • 4 bottle caps (all the same height)
  • Glue

Directions

  1. To make a hidden panel for your trunk, grab some cardboard and trace around the base of your Kiwi Crate box. Cut out the shape, then trim it to make a rectangle that fits snugly when you push it flat into the bottom of the box.
  2. Take the panel out of the box and paint it black. Paint the inside of the box black, too. Then let everything dry completely.
  3. When the paint is all dry, glue a bottle cap in each corner inside the base of the box. The caps will raise the panel up a little so you can fit things under it.
  4. Tape a loop of black string or yarn to one side of the panel. You’ll use this loop to open the secret hiding spot, so make sure it’s long enough to grab when the panel is in place.
  5. Decorate the outside of your Kiwi Crate box to make it look like a magician’s trunk. Tip: Use the metallic markers from your crate to add locks, stars, and more.
  6. When you’re ready to use the secret hiding spot, put some small, flat objects (like coins or cards) in the bottom of the trunk. Then place the panel down on top of the bottle caps. Make sure the loop sticks up so it’s easy to grab later.
  7. Use the top section of the trunk to hold your magic show gear. When you want to reveal what’s underneath, just lift up the panel by the loop — and presto! Watch your secret stash appear.

What’s Going On? Painting the box and panel black and using black string makes the secret harder to spot. If someone looks inside quickly, they won’t expect to see a hidden compartment, so their brain will make them think they’re seeing the actual bottom!

Try these at home