Synthesizing - Using a Magical Illusion for infering and research/Train Escape

TEACHER INFORMATION
PURPOSE: This activity combines the mystery and intrigue of an amazing illusion and students ability to synthesize new information. Students have a hard time understanding the process of synthesis. This very engaging activity will have students go through the process of synthesis by combining information presented in different media (media and text) to develop a better understanding of the topic, and draw evidence from informational text to support analysis, reflection, and research.

GOALS: Make inferences using details from the clip as to how the magic trick was done.
Research on the internet to find evidence to either support your inferences, or modify your thinking.
Write a summary describing how your thinking changed from after the trick, and when you were able to gather evidence and facts from research.

COMMON CORE STANDARDS
RI.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.6.7 Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
W.6.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
SL.6.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.