What we can learn from Life is Strange

Recently I completed the game, Life is Strange. It is one of the most empathetic and emotional stories ever experienced.

Taking the role of teenager Max, you have to come to terms with your time-travelling powers to reconnect with your long-lost friend Chloe. In a consequence-free environment (you can reverse time if you dislike an outcome), Max will mature from an unsure, demure girl to a confident, heroic teenager by the end of the game.

What I enjoyed was that it lectures adults (like myself) on the struggles of being a teenager. Often I (as a teacher) will dismiss teenage complaints as simple angst, instead of addressing the major issues bubbling underneath. For instance, a school bully acts aggressively towards everyone is just regarded as being a simple jerk. Through much probing, you find out that the bully has a dysfunctional family.

Episode 1 of Life is Strange is free on Steam. If you like the pilot, you should purchase the other 4 episodes.

Use of magic in lessons

Magic

Recently, I have been using card tricks as a primer for our lessons. I have covered evolutionary theory, birthday paradox and even memory techniques using cards.

In this post I will examine the advantages of using magic tricks in class.

Magic as science undiscovered

When students observe magic, they are interested as what they see seemingly what they understand from the natural world. This gives us opportunities to explain how we use science to masquerade as a trick.

Magic as character building
Furthermore, some magic works by illusion and distractions, which allow us to explain the importance confidence and discernment.

Conclusion
Why not learn a few magic tricks to supplement your lessons?