Linked Paper Rings Trick

This magic trick is spectacular and fun and uses materials you may already have around your home.
Remember, it's always a good idea to practice at home first!

Suggested Materials:

* 1 x sheet of standard office paper
* Ruler
* Pencil
* Scissors
* Sticky tape

Suggested Instructions:

Step 1: At home, rule and cut your piece of paper into 3 long strips each about 5cm wide. (Note: the width of the strips does not need to be exact. Wide strips simply make it easier for a child to cut with scissors later on in this magic trick).

Step 2: Lay your 3 strips on a table, end-to-end, so that they form one long straight line. Overlap the ends of your first 2 strips and join them with sticky tape. Join your third strip in the same way so that you have one long, flat strip of paper.

Step 3: Now lift your long strip of paper by each end to form a circle shape in front of you. Before you join your circle, take the end of the paper in your right hand and turn it over twice. Now join your circle with sticky tape to form a loop.

Step 4: Show your "audience" your paper loop. Ask them what they think will happen if you cut your loop in half all the way around. Will it make 2 separate rings? It should, shouldn't it?

Step 5: Now carefully poke your scissors through the middle of the width of your loop (ask an adult for help with this). Then cut your loop along an imaginary centre line all the way around until your loop is completely cut in half.

Step 6: Lift up your paper to reveal 2 interlocking rings. Amazing!

Step 7: Practice this trick at home before trying it at school.

Step 8: At school, repeat Step 4 to Step 6.