Using magic in the teaching of probability and statistics

Abstract

This paper explores the role magic tricks can play in the teaching of probability and statistics, especially for lectures in college courses. Demonstrations are described that illustrate a variety of probabilistic and statistical topics, including basic probability and combinatorics, probability and sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, and advanced topics such as Markov chains and Bayes' Theorem. In addition to magic tricks providing visual demonstrations to supplement traditional blackboard- based lectures and the opportunity to engage students in class-participatory activities, possible benefits include a focus on conceptual understanding, development of critical thinking, and an opportunity to reflect upon the role of assumptions and estimates of probabilities.