National Geographic is a renowned organization known for its dedication to exploration, education, and conservation of the natural world. In their efforts to spark curiosity and inspire young minds, National Geographic has created an advanced science magic set. This set combines the wonder of magic tricks with the principles of science to create an engaging and educational experience for children. The main idea of this advanced science magic set is to make learning science fun and interactive while fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery. By incorporating magic tricks, children are able to perform seemingly impossible feats while also learning the scientific principles behind them. The set includes a variety of tricks that cover different areas of science, such as chemistry, physics, and biology.
The set includes a variety of tricks that cover different areas of science, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. For example, one trick might involve creating a volcano eruption using a combination of chemicals, while another might demonstrate the principles of buoyancy and density. What sets this magic set apart from others is its focus on the educational aspect.
National Geographic advanced science magic set
Deep within the National Geographic Society’s archives, beyond the books and magazines shelved in the library, is the Rare Book Room. The temperature and humidity are carefully controlled to preserve the room’s collection of assorted treasures, among which sits a humble, leather-bound diary. It is one of the oldest artifacts from the Society’s early years. Inside the front cover, this inscription is penned in black ink: “With the I.C. Russell Mt. St. Elias Exploring Party. June 17th 1890.”
When expedition leader and geologist Israel Cook Russell—flanked by nine men and two dogs, Bud and Tweed—set out to survey the Alaskan wilderness, he and his team were on their way to making National Geographic history. In June 1890, they embarked on a grueling journey to map the St. Elias Mountains region, which spans hundreds of miles across Canada and the United States. The area was a maze of mountains and glaciers. The environment was harsh and hostile. Their most daunting charge was to climb Mount St. Elias, one of the highest peaks in North America at more than 18,000 feet.
In the Archives, a Leather-Bound Diary
William Lindsley, a member of the 1890 expedition party, documented the team's findings with copious notes, sketches, and photographs, including their harrowing attempts to summit Mount St. Elias. (Leather Diary, Photo by Mark Thiessen)
Mapping a Maze of Mountains
Explorer and expedition leader Israel Russell, pictured, and his team embarked on a grueling journey to map the St. Elias Mountains region, which spans hundreds of miles across Canada and the United States. The area was a maze of mountains and glaciers.
Into the Alaskan Wilderness
Explorer and expedition leader Israel Russell leads his team through Alaska. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.)
Climbing Mount St. Elias
Their most daunting charge was to climb Mount St. Elias, one of the highest peaks in North America at 18,000 feet.
This ambitious undertaking was the National Geographic Society's first scientific expedition.
Barely two years after the Society’s inception, during a time when large areas of the globe were still uncharted, National Geographic’s members were eager to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge. Twenty-seven donors contributed to the Mount St. Elias expedition, including a handful of figures crucial to our founding: the Society’s first president Gardiner Greene Hubbard, explorer John Wesley Powell, financier Charles Bell, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and Russell himself. The trek was co-sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Navy pledged a ship to transport them during the last leg of their ocean journey.
Despite several attempts, the team never reached the summit of the mighty mountain; snowstorms and avalanches thwarted their pursuit. But during the three-month expedition, they amassed and advanced scientific knowledge on a tremendous scale—extensively mapping the region’s geography, topography, geology, and glaciers, and providing an incredible lens on one of the continent’s most isolated terrains. The following year, National Geographic magazine published a first-person narrative of the journey, authored by Russell. His account comprised nearly the entire May 29, 1891, issue, which was circulated to roughly 400 members.
And so began our legacy of dauntless exploration—the first of thousands of intrepid Explorers funded by the National Geographic Society (NGS) who were driven by a determination to advance new knowledge about the world. In the century that followed Russell’s expedition, quests that once focused on geography, mapping, and geology gave way to Alexander Graham Bell’s expansive view that the Society would cover “the world and all that’s in it.”
Exploration in the 21st Century
Today, the Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission: to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, exploration, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.
In the depths of the ocean, Explorers reveal underwater worlds that sustain life on Earth. In subterranean caves, they investigate our ancient past and the very roots of humanity. At the edge of extinction, they courageously work to end wildlife trafficking and protect species at risk. On the frontlines of conservation, they help safeguard fragile ecosystems for future generations. Through their words and images, they document the great mysteries, triumphs, despair, and complexities of our time. With breakthrough technology, they open up unimaginable possibilities. And in classrooms and communities all over the world, educators immerse young people in the work of our Explorers, equipping them with the same critical-thinking skills to analyze and investigate real-world challenges. These learning experiences empower the next generation of Explorers, leaders, and solution seekers.
Well over a century after our founding, National Geographic continues to reach and resonate with millions of people worldwide. How has our organization stood the test of time? We’ve stayed true to our original mission to pursue and celebrate exploration, scientific excellence, education, and unforgettable storytelling while simultaneously evolving with nimbleness and fortitude in a rapidly changing world. We embraced innovation and intentionally adapted, thoughtfully expanding our business model, global reach, and DEI efforts. In doing so, we have remained a vibrant, relevant, world-class brand at the forefront of exploration and knowledge
Explorers John Craighead, Barbara Washburn, Willi Unsoeld and Thomas F. Hornbein, Thandiwe Mweetwa, and KM Reyes are pictured left to right. (Photos, left to right, by Frank and John Craighead, Bradford Washburn, Barry Bishop, Martin Edström, Kyle Venturillo)
Our Organizational Evolution
National Geographic has long told the story of our human journey, and that must include shining a light on our own past. This means facing up to our history of colonialism, racism, and sexism—including who was allowed to be an Explorer, who was able to tell stories, and whose stories were told. For much of our past, we primarily funded white American men who set out to “discover” the world. These parts of our own history are incredibly painful, but it’s critical that we reckon with our past to more effectively and equitably launch into the future.
We took it upon ourselves to look inwardly and intentionally improve how we live our core values to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is woven into everything we do. Today, nearly half of our Explorers are women and 65 percent have conducted fieldwork in their home countries and across all seven continents. We’ve also accelerated our efforts to identify, support, and elevate the work and voices of Explorers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC).
To give two examples, we launched the Second Assistant Program in 2017 to increase access and learning opportunities for promising photographers from underrepresented groups. In 2020, we announced the selection of four Black storytelling fellows, whose projects elevate stories of resilience, power, and injustice among Black Americans. We enlisted the help of C. Daniel Dawson, an adjunct professor at Columbia University, to curate and elevate these important—and necessary—stories so that we can advance meaningful change within our organization and among the communities we support.
As a global organization, we not only have the opportunity to drive systemic change at National Geographic, we have a responsibility to do it. When I joined the Society in 2020, I made a commitment to advance the organization’s work around DEI. This commitment was grounded in our core values: We believe we can only achieve our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world when people of every race, identity, experience, and ability have a role in our work.
My appointment as the first woman to serve as CEO in the Society’s 133-year history signals where we’re headed—and that’s toward a more inclusive and accountable workplace and community. Although we have much more work to do, the Society has made strides to achieve and maintain equity. Society staff is currently 63 percent women and 31 percent BIPoC. Today, our executive team is 64 percent women and 36 percent BIPoC, including a Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer to ensure we have the organizational expertise to drive our DEI work forward. We will continue to learn from our past, examine our present, and build a better, more inclusive future in support of our mission.
Explorer and expedition leader Israel Russell leads his team through Alaska. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.)
Each trick is accompanied by detailed instructions and explanations, allowing children to understand the science behind the illusions they are performing. This not only provides a hands-on learning experience but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the set includes a guidebook that explains the scientific concepts in an age-appropriate and easy-to-understand manner. This allows children to deepen their understanding and expand their knowledge beyond the tricks themselves. Overall, the National Geographic advanced science magic set offers a unique and engaging way for children to explore the world of science. By combining magic tricks with scientific principles, children are able to learn while having fun, fostering a lifelong love for learning and discovery..
Reviews for "Dive into a World of Wonder and Discovery with the National Geographic Advanced Science Magic Kit"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the National Geographic Advanced Science Magic Set. The instructions were not clear at all and did not provide enough information to perform the magic tricks. I purchased this set for my son who loves magic and science, but we ended up feeling frustrated and confused. The quality of the materials was also poor, as some of the props broke after just a few uses. Overall, I would not recommend this set for anyone interested in performing science-based magic tricks.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I regret purchasing the National Geographic Advanced Science Magic Set. The tricks were not as exciting as I expected and the educational component was lacking. The set claims to bring together science and magic, but it failed to deliver on that promise. Additionally, the props provided were flimsy and poorly made. My children quickly lost interest and we ended up throwing the set away. Save your money and find a better magic set for your aspiring scientists.
3. Mike - 2/5 stars - I found the National Geographic Advanced Science Magic Set to be underwhelming. The tricks were too basic and did not provide the level of advanced science I was expecting. The set seemed more suitable for younger children and lacked the depth and complexity I was hoping for. The instructions could have been more detailed and the props were not durable. Unfortunately, this set did not meet my expectations and I would recommend looking for a different science magic set for older kids or adults.