Math-magical tricks at Bowling Green Elementary

Bowling Green Elementary School students learned about the history of math with the help of magician and educator Bradley Fields.

The children were treated to a special assembly, hosted by Fields, on Jan. 14. East Meadow School District officials said Fields captivated the audience with magical illustrations, educating students about the history of math.

Fields began his acclaimed career as and apprentice to actor-magician Jack Adams when he was only 14,performing in schools, nightclubs, theaters and on television. Using comedy, mime and characterization, Fields developed a style so original that he became the first magician to appear in rock concerts and at such legendary nightspots as New York's Gaslight, the Bitter End, Washington's Cellar Door and Chicago's Quiet Knight, according to his website.

After Fields became a father, he took some time off to teach in the New York City public school system. It was there that he conceived the idea of “MatheMagic!” — a show that uses magic to teach math. The show has been performed in more than 1,000 schools, theaters, and performing arts centers — including Bowling Green.

During his performance at the Stewart Avenue school, Fields “traveled back to Egypt,” introducing the history of numbers, counting and multiplication. Throughout his performance, district leaders said Fields incorporated mathematical skills such as adding, subtracting and multiplying into each trick.