Psyche, Science, and Society

Teacher fired for making toothpick dissappear

May 12th, 2008

American education at its best. Apparently a substitute teacher in Land O’ Laked Florida was fired for showing his students a magic trick in which he made a toothpick disappear. It seems a student, and the School District, thought he was exhibiting wizardry!

The trick requires a toothpick and transparent tape. A sleight-of-hand maneuver causes the toothpick to disappear then reappear. At least, so it seems. In reality, the toothpick hides behind the performer’s thumb, held in place by the tape.

“The whole thing lasted 45 seconds,” Piculas said.

He said the students liked the trick. He showed them how to do it so they could perform it at home.

One student in the Rushe Middle class apparently took the trick the wrong way, Piculas said. He said he was told the student became so traumatized that the student’s father complained.

Glad to hear that Florida school districts are protecting our students from the evils of magic.

Entry Filed under: Education, Religion