WOW, is all I can say. Put 3000 of the best 6th graders in Central Ohio into the Schottenstein Center and WOW! This was the first I had been asked to be the Motivational Entertainer /Keynote for a group of middle school students and...WOW! They were amazing! We combined the message of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) with the Science of Magic to create a truly unique presentation that left them guessing while encouraging them to ‘figure out the magic' just as we are challenged to figure out science - as their must be answer. Special thank you's to all the Central Ohio 6th graders, COSI, the Ohio State Athletic Department, John Page - Page Tech Ltd and of course Nancy and Dave from Ohio State. Look forward to seeing you next year.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Magic is just science....did you know that?
It's funny how things come along and how they effect you. Recently two such events came up, the first for Columbus City Schools and the second for a school district on a suburb.
The first was attended by just over 3000 enthusiastic 6th graders just a few days ago. I was tasked to engage these 3000 kids into a message on their benefits of STEM (That would be Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for those of us who have not been around the educational market as of late). I setout to learn and I really enjoyed the process. With the help of Shawn Harper (ex NFL player who is now an inspirational speaker for schools and church groups) and the great team of Jen Snively's at COSI (one the coolest hands-on science museums in the world!) I started plugging some pieces of this relatively short program together. The result, was one of the most fun programs I've had the opportunity of presenting.
Did YOU know that magic is just like science? I didn't. But the more I read and investigated the greater the connection became clear. Science is solving a mystery and finding out why something happens, what something is or how something happens. When you watch magic, doesn't your brain go into the "how can that happen" mode? How is that possible? But, unlike science class, your brain also rests on the fact that "of course he can do it, Jon Petz is a magician."
I had the chance to share with these impressionable kids that I was just like them, that the illusions and tricks they had just seen on stage were through no special powers but through engineering, physics and calculations. I challenged them to NOT believe what they saw on stage, but to discuss it on the bus, back in the classroom, with their teachers etc. But to FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY SAW. Yes, I challenged them to find the secret to my magic - and I felt GREAT about it. I truly hope they were in complex discussions of how the money ended up inside the lemon.....it's NOT possible.....but it happened.....now HOW did it happen? I hope some of them tried the levitation (through physics) and even the magic number we demonstrated on stage (a basic algebraic equation).
During my research for the event I had learned from them that if you asked Columbus City School 6th graders 'IF' they plan to attend college, over 90% of them will raise their hands in agreement. However, just two short years later when asked the same question they lose over 40% of those same hands that were raised just a short time ago. Why is this? What is happening during these critical years in middle school when these great kids lose the belief that THEY belong in college? Unfortunately, it's an answer that I don't have in it's entirety, nor does the school system. But at least the superintendent, Dr. Harris, along with the Ohio State University is doing something about it. I hope that my short message encouraged them to continue their study's, plans and dreams and allows them to Reach Higher!
I thank Dr. Harris, David Hoover, Nancy Nestor-Baker and the Athletic Department of the Ohio State University for allowing me to be the keynote speaker for such an amazing event. I was touched and enjoyed the experience.
The first was attended by just over 3000 enthusiastic 6th graders just a few days ago. I was tasked to engage these 3000 kids into a message on their benefits of STEM (That would be Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for those of us who have not been around the educational market as of late). I setout to learn and I really enjoyed the process. With the help of Shawn Harper (ex NFL player who is now an inspirational speaker for schools and church groups) and the great team of Jen Snively's at COSI (one the coolest hands-on science museums in the world!) I started plugging some pieces of this relatively short program together. The result, was one of the most fun programs I've had the opportunity of presenting.
Did YOU know that magic is just like science? I didn't. But the more I read and investigated the greater the connection became clear. Science is solving a mystery and finding out why something happens, what something is or how something happens. When you watch magic, doesn't your brain go into the "how can that happen" mode? How is that possible? But, unlike science class, your brain also rests on the fact that "of course he can do it, Jon Petz is a magician."
I had the chance to share with these impressionable kids that I was just like them, that the illusions and tricks they had just seen on stage were through no special powers but through engineering, physics and calculations. I challenged them to NOT believe what they saw on stage, but to discuss it on the bus, back in the classroom, with their teachers etc. But to FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY SAW. Yes, I challenged them to find the secret to my magic - and I felt GREAT about it. I truly hope they were in complex discussions of how the money ended up inside the lemon.....it's NOT possible.....but it happened.....now HOW did it happen? I hope some of them tried the levitation (through physics) and even the magic number we demonstrated on stage (a basic algebraic equation).
During my research for the event I had learned from them that if you asked Columbus City School 6th graders 'IF' they plan to attend college, over 90% of them will raise their hands in agreement. However, just two short years later when asked the same question they lose over 40% of those same hands that were raised just a short time ago. Why is this? What is happening during these critical years in middle school when these great kids lose the belief that THEY belong in college? Unfortunately, it's an answer that I don't have in it's entirety, nor does the school system. But at least the superintendent, Dr. Harris, along with the Ohio State University is doing something about it. I hope that my short message encouraged them to continue their study's, plans and dreams and allows them to Reach Higher!
I thank Dr. Harris, David Hoover, Nancy Nestor-Baker and the Athletic Department of the Ohio State University for allowing me to be the keynote speaker for such an amazing event. I was touched and enjoyed the experience.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
It's SNOWING in Dallas?.......Yes it is !
Yes it did as a matter of fact. In the Hyatt Regency Reunion last week (photo to follow shortly). To kick off the huge 4th quarter sales initiative for T-Mobile I was asked to host their awards ceremony as well as create the largest snowstorm I have ever done. It was breathtaking to see this massive ballroom filled with snow falling remarkably from the "sky". The special effect begins with a small amount of confetti but then truly takes on the form of 'snow' as the flakes that are falling evaporate as they fall and melt once they hit you. (The hotel was more than happy to hear that when discussing clean-up).
How'd we do it? Firstly, An incredible production team that arrived on Saturday and Sunday to begin setup (the event was Wednesday). My tech man in charge: Adam Cope, who became known as "Snowman" throughout the other production team members and hotel staff. Hat's off to you Adam for all your efforts and success. Others credits go to the event producer: Patrick Wall, Tech Director Jan Zabinski and Stage Manager Jim. Additional thanks to coordinators Chris Curry, Rebecca Garforth and Joe Cloud.
Thanks to T-Mobile as well for the opportunity to meet 1200 of your best sales team members and share with them Energy, Entertainment & Inspiration!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Miracles & Magic Welcomes Dayton, Ohio
Thank you Adventures For Wish Kids for another tremendous weekend in which myself and our production team are able to create and witness true magic. We were able to take this fast growing event to a new city with the hope of continuing our goal or allowing children with life threatening illnesses the opportunity to take part in a grand-illusion, comedy, magic and juggling show. Along with me for this show in Dayton, Ohio were the incredible talents of David Kaplan (The Great Kaplan) with his internationally known one man variety show and the high energy comedy juggling show and nationally touring artist Matt Jergens. Thank you both for what you do for the kids.
About Miracles & Magic
Since 2002, Jon and Stacey Petz have created a special event for children with life threatening illnesses and provided them a day away from treatments, hospital beds and stresses of their daily lives. This variety-style comedy, magic, illusion and juggling show has featured local, national and international performers who come to take part in this annual show and provide the best medicine possible…laughter! Since 2002 the event has raised over $350,000 to continue to support Adventures For Wish Kids, an organization that provides hope, fun and networking with other children and their families in similar situations. In addition, we have provided over 1500 tickets to these children and their family members at no cost to come and experience the magic. Learn more at www.MiraclesAndMagic.com
About Miracles & Magic
Since 2002, Jon and Stacey Petz have created a special event for children with life threatening illnesses and provided them a day away from treatments, hospital beds and stresses of their daily lives. This variety-style comedy, magic, illusion and juggling show has featured local, national and international performers who come to take part in this annual show and provide the best medicine possible…laughter! Since 2002 the event has raised over $350,000 to continue to support Adventures For Wish Kids, an organization that provides hope, fun and networking with other children and their families in similar situations. In addition, we have provided over 1500 tickets to these children and their family members at no cost to come and experience the magic. Learn more at www.MiraclesAndMagic.com
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