The science of magic is the subject of this book which also examines how to help children experience and describe the world, how to experiment and ask questions about it, and how to make decisions about what is true and what is not. Background information about the relationship between magic and science and the nature of effects and illusions are provided. Thoughts about pedagogical matters related to the use of magic with science in the classroom are discussed and contain dialogues on specific techniques. A section about the relationship between a science curriculum that employs a magic strand and meeting current national science education standards is also included. The lessons are organized into five parts: (1) the dialogue section; (2) the description; (3) the effects and illusions; (4) a closer inspection; and (5) questions to draw and write about. Specific explorations provide guidance in examining concepts such as the electrical forces responsible for surface tension; gases, atmospheric pressure, and the weight of air; solids, liquids, gases, mass, and density; the physical properties of giant molecules; and topology and chirality. All the effects and illusions described in the book, as well as the described materials are intended for use by children age eight and above. For younger children, the materials may be hazardous. (DDR)