Science can be full of mysteries. But it can also be lots of fun! Now we are going to do a few magic tricks based on science. In the tricks the mystery and fun both get together.

The Sticky Card

This is a really old trick but it always fools your audience. Get a playing card and tell your friends to stick it to the wall. It must stay on the wall when you let go. They will not be able to do it. Then take the card and stick the card to the wall. It will stick for you. The trick is when you walk to the wall drag your feet and build up static electricity. For this trick leather soled shoes work the best. It does not work well in hot or wet weather. 

Amazing Matches

This trick only takes a few seconds. Ask a friend to drop a box of matches so that it stands up. It should be dropped from 4 or 5 inches high. They won't be able to meet the challenge. But when you try, you will amaze everyone. When you try it, you cover up the box with your palm and slide open the drawer with your thumb. Why does the drawer keep the box from falling over? When your audience dropped the box the insides and the outer part of the box hit at the same time causing the box to fall over. When you drop the box the outer part touched the ground first. The drawer slides down slowly. Because of the friction, it stops the box from bouncing and falling over.  

 Air Pressure Magic

Amazing!  A full glass of water held upside down without losing a drop of water!  Fill a glass to the top with water.  Place a piece of paper on top of the glass.  Flip the glass upside down really fast and let go of the paper.  The water is pushing the paper down but the air around the paper is pushing it up with a stronger force.  You can help it by pushing the paper firmly on top of the glass so that no water leaks out.  Construction paper works best.  Have fun!