Science sparks wonder at Quinn Elementary with visit from 'Wizard' Hagerman
A fireproof towel, floating beach balls, fog rings and a styrofoam goo-covered ball three decades old — these were just a few of the experiments that dazzled Quinn Elementary School students Monday, June 2 during a visit from Hagerman the Wizard.
Sponsored by the school’s PTO, the show blended illusion with science in a high-energy performance that had students clapping, gasping and cheering throughout.
“Technically, I’m a modern-day wizard, but instead of using spells, I use science to create wonder,” Hagerman said, emphasizing his mission to make STEM, science, technology, engineering and math, exciting for young learners.
The Emmy-nominated performer, whose resume includes appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and work with NASA, has spent more than 25 years visiting schools across the country. On Monday, his stop in Dartmouth featured a series of interactive demonstrations that combined chemistry, physics and a little humor.
A blow dryer sent two beach balls hovering in midair, teaching about air pressure and force. A student stood still as a static electricity generator made her hair rise toward the ceiling. A Styrofoam cup appeared to disappear before students’ eyes after being dipped in a mysterious chemical.
And then there was the ball — a large, gooey sphere that Hagerman said contains the remnants of every cup he’s melted throughout his decades-long career.
“It’s basically like a piece of every show he’s done,” said fifth grader Ava Southworth, 10, who especially enjoyed the electricity and vortex fog rings.
“I learned that science, if used in the proper ways, can be really fun if you know how to do it,” she said.
For many students, the takeaway wasn’t just the spectacle, it was a new outlook on science.
“I think the show was really great,” said Stella Callahan, 11. “My favorite part was where the vortex would come at our faces.”
She added, “I learned that science, even if in class it can be really boring, with science you could also make it really fun and enjoyable.”
Rowen Medeiros, also 11, said he enjoyed watching the Styrofoam cup melt and learning about lab safety. “Science is not always dangerous,” he said, “but you do have to be careful around it.”
Sadie Thomas, 7, said her favorite moment was the electricity demonstration.
Throughout the performance, Hagerman emphasized safety and curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions, take precautions and most importantly, keep wondering.
“By the time it’s over, they’ve learned a lot without even realizing it,” he said.