The “Magic” String

by: Todd F. Hoover

The “Magic” String is a discrepant event that includes a canister with what appears to be the end of two strings protruding from opposite sides of it. Due to the way the strings are attached inside the canister, it appears as if the strings can magically switch the way they are connected. When one string end is pulled, the observer’s expectation is challenged when an opposite end they do not expect is the one that moves. This article describes how the author uses the “Magic” String to teach students about differentiating the science process skills of observing and making inferences.

Details

Type Journal ArticlePub Date 10/1/2010Stock # sc10_048_02_32Volume 048Issue 02

Community Reviews

Visit the Forums

Betty Paulsell (Kansas City, MO)
Betty Paulsell (Kansas City, MO)

Observation & Inference

The author of this article uses a classic discrepant event to start a discussion of observation vs. inference. The discrepant event is the string in a can and when you pull one of the top s... See More

Adah (San Antonio, TX)
Adah (San Antonio, TX)

Is it an Obserevation or An Inference?

Discrepant events are great to focus student interests. They can also be used to discriminate between an observation and an inference. This article explains how to make a magic string cont... See More

NSTA Press produces classroom-ready activities, hands-on approaches to inquiry, relevant professional development, the latest scientific education news and research, assessment and standards-based instruction.

Learn More