Ready to blow your students' minds with a bit of mathematical magic? The Mind Reading 37 trick is a fun, engaging way to introduce probability and psychology. Let's dive in and learn how to perform this clever illusion!
Setting the Stage
1
Create Anticipation
Begin with a mysterious air. Tell your class you've developed mind-reading powers!
2
The Task
Ask students to think of a two-digit number between 1 and 100 where both digits are odd and different from each other. They have to concentrate on the number.
3
Build Excitement
Pause dramatically. Let the suspense build as they choose their numbers.
The Big Reveal
1
Dramatic Pause
Create suspense by closing your eyes and touching your temples. Act as if you're concentrating intensely.
2
Confident Prediction
Announce with certainty: "You're thinking of the number 37!" Watch their jaws drop in amazement.
3
Reaction Time
Enjoy the gasps and wide-eyed looks as students realise you've guessed correctly.
Handling Misses
1
Keep it Light
If a group of students chose a different number, respond with humour. Laugh it off cheerfully. Focus on the number of students that chose 37.
2
Blame the 'Static'
Joke about mind-reading interference. Pretend to adjust your 'psychic antenna' for laughs.
3
Encourage Sharing
Ask what number they chose. Use it as a learning opportunity to talk about 'Chance'.
The Psychology Behind the Magic
Illusion of Choice
Students feel they have free will, but their options are subtly limited.
Middle Ground Bias
People tend to choose numbers in the middle of a range.
Familiarity Effect
3 and 7 are common 'random' choices, making 37 a likely pick.
The Maths Behind the Magic
Extending the Learning
Discussion on 'chance'
Have students calculate the odds of guessing correctly. Introduce basic probability concepts. The maths probability was 1/20 or 5%. Calculate the results for the class and compare.
Psychology Discussion
Explore why certain numbers feel more 'random' than others. Discuss cognitive biases.
Create New Tricks
Challenge students to invent their own maths-based magic tricks. Encourage creativity.
Bringing Maths to Life
1
Real-World Connections
Discuss how probability & chance affects daily life, from weather forecasts to game shows.
2
Interactive Learning
Use online simulations to visualise probability concepts. Make abstract ideas concrete.
3
Cross-Curricular Links
Connect the trick to psychology, statistics, and even marketing. Show maths' broad applications.
The Magic of Maths
Spark Curiosity
Use this trick as a gateway to deeper mathematical exploration. Ignite students' passion for numbers.
Build Confidence
Show that maths can be fun and accessible. Boost students' belief in their abilities.
Foster Wonder
Encourage students to see the beauty in numbers. Maths is full of surprises!