Teaching notes
How to use this resource
The Richard Wiseman interview forms part of Science talk, a web-based resource which aims to inspire students and promote the opportunities science, technology and maths-based careers can offer.
This section contains video segments in which psychologist, magician and ‘quirkologist’ Professor Richard Wiseman talks about the link between magic tricks and psychology; why people believe things even if there’s no proof or evidence to support their beliefs; what we can learn about love, laughter and lying; and what should inspire young people to learn science. As an added bonus, he shows and explains some clever magic tricks. The video has a series of questions or comments for students to consider and discuss.
Students can develop an awareness of the impact of the psychology of deception on our daily lives and the role of psychology in understanding human behaviour by:
- drawing conclusions based on critically evaluated evidence (4.19 science)
- using creativity to explore human behaviour in a scientific way (4.21 science)
- considering how areas of current research may affect everyday life (5.5 science)
- assessing how accuracy and reliability can be improved in investigations in human behaviour (H12 biology).
NSW Board of Studies syllabuses for Stages 4 and 5 science and Stage 6 physics can be found at: www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au
Teachers may find it useful to combine this resource with others listed in the Related resources section to enhance students’ learning.
Quality teaching
This resource provides opportunities to incorporate the following elements of Quality teaching in NSW public schools by:
- giving students an opportunity to develop ideas about issues that may confront them in the future (Deep knowledge, Problematic knowledge)
- encouraging students to be critical of information that seems plausible (Problematic knowledge, Higher-order thinking)
- highlighting how contributions to the body of scientific knowledge are built on creative problem solving (Knowledge integration, Problematic knowledge)
- stimulating thought about how our beliefs can influence our future choices (Connectedness, Deep understanding, Higher-order thinking).