Uncover the Mysteries of Science with the National Geographic Science Magic Activity Kit

The National Geographic Science Magic Activity Kit is an exciting learning tool for children interested in science and magic. This kit combines the wonder of magic tricks with the educational value of scientific principles. With this kit, children can explore and understand various scientific concepts through fun and interactive activities. The kit contains a wide range of materials and instructions for over 20 magic tricks. Each trick is designed to demonstrate a specific scientific concept, such as chemical reactions, magnetism, or optics. Through these tricks, children can learn about the principles behind each magic act and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying science.

I've only ever played a wizard once and for the most part I can't quite see what the difference between the two is . although I've had a few encounters of 'Sorcerers are just better'.

Eventually the wizard powers became the main thing but there were still those moments when another player would ask, Wait, the wizard can pick locks. Should the thief ever go and take a dip into wizard or otherwise acquire the knowledge feats needed to make it a magically useful item , he already has a spellbook prepared for his higher learning.

Through these tricks, children can learn about the principles behind each magic act and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying science. The National Geographic Science Magic Activity Kit also includes a detailed instruction booklet. This booklet provides step-by-step instructions for performing each trick and explains the scientific principles that are at work.

The straight dope: So whats the difference between Wizards and Sorcerers? (3.5) (1 Viewer)

I've only ever played a wizard once and for the most part I can't quite see what the difference between the two is . although I've had a few encounters of 'Sorcerers are just better'.

So can anyone explain to me whats supposed to be different about these classes? mechanically and RPwise?

I ask mostly because part of me wants to say "This setting just has Wizards . or just Sorcerers" but that seems abit extreme when I don't really know much about the differences.

SuperG

Validated User

I've only ever played a wizard once and for the most part I can't quite see what the difference between the two is . although I've had a few encounters of 'Sorcerers are just better'.

So can anyone explain to me whats supposed to be different about these classes? mechanically and RPwise?

I ask mostly because part of me wants to say "This setting just has Wizards . or just Sorcerers" but that seems abit extreme when I don't really know much about the differences.

Wizards get spells of higher level slightly faster, and get bonus feats 'n' stuff. Sorcerors get more spells per day. One keys off intelligence, the other off charisma. Fluffwise, Wizards learn magic and Sorcerors intuit it.

In practice, there's sweet f-all difference between the two, since they use the exact same spell list. Except the Wizard is more likely to have random obscure spell that complete bypasses the current problem if they just can rest for 8 hours.

Flawless Glory of Silence

0

Also, sorcerers know a fixed amount of spells, and can choose what they cast out of their X per day allotment on the fly. Wizards can potentially know gazillion of spells, but have to prepare them before hand. Tactical flexibility versus strategic.

Victim

Validated User

Sorcerers have an extremely limited set of spells, since they learn very few spells as they level and can get no more. Hence sorcerers tend to look for spells with some broad applications or that they'll want to cast many times a day. Wizards can learn an unlimited number of spells as long as they have the time and money, so it's very easy for them to have access to niche or situational spells.

Generally speaking, I'd say that Sorcerers aren't as good, but can require far less book keeping (sorcerers can go heavy into scroll use for their niche spells, which makes them about even with the wizard and almost as much work).

Wields-Rulebook-Heavily

Validated User

Technically, the idea is that Sorcerers have more spells to sling around and don't need to micromanage their spell selection on a per-day basis, but know very few spells compared to other casters. Wizards can know lots of spells but a) must prepare the ones they want to use in advance and b) get less per day.

In practice, the Wizard can have more spells and know more spells at the same time and gets better spells faster, plus they can just leave slots open and prepare whatever they need in fifteen minutes so they're actually flexible too. (A level 11 Sorcerer, not counting bonus spells for high stats, has 34 spells per day. An equal level Wizard who specializes and crafts Pearls of Power for every spell level has 35, and has access to an entire spell level the sorcerer doesn't get for another level. This trend continues for every odd level. Basically, an optimizer who isn't building to some kind of specific theme that requires Sorcerer will always choose Wizard.)

ezekiel

Follower of the Way

• Sorcerers can cast more spells, without the aid of exterior items/feats/whatever, than Wizards for almost all spell levels, and a level 20 Sorcerer has 2 more spell slots of every spell level. I say "almost all" because of the next line.
• Sorcerers gain higher spell slots one class level later than their Wizard counterparts, but always gain at least three slots initially. Wizards start with 1 spell of the new spell level, and gain linearly up to 4 from there. (Example: 3rd class level Wizard can cast 1 spell of spell level 2, whereas a 3rd level Sorcerer cannot cast any; at 4th class level, the Sorcerer has three spell slots of spell level 2, while the 4th level Wizard can cast 2 spells of that spell level.)
• Sorcerers can cast ANY spell they know of a given spell level, up to their total number of slots per day for that spell level. Wizards must prepare spells in advance and, barring particular feats, do not have the ability to change these spells without resting. Sorcerers can also sacrifice a higher-level spell slot to cast a spell beyond the normal limit; for example, if a Sorcerer has no more spell slots of spell level 2, but one more spell slot of spell level 3, he could cast Flaming Sphere using the spell level 3 slot, even though it is a spell of level 2.
• Sorcerers cannot ever learn more than a specified number of spells of any given spell level, based on their class level; an old spell must be replaced for a new one to be learned. Wizards, on the other hand, may know any number of spells. Formally speaking, apart from learning 2 new spells per level, the Wizard is only supposed to learn these spells from scrolls, but it seems as though this rule is rarely enforced (though perhaps I am mistaken--I haven't really seen that many 3.x/PF games).
• Wizards gain free feats, from a list, and have all Knowledge skills as class skills. Sorcerers, on the other hand, have slightly better weapon proficiencies, but fewer class skills.

• Sorcerers are not always draconic in origin--PF Sorcerers have a "bloodline" which gives them a variety of benefits, including particular (bonus) spells known.
• Sorcerers do not gain familiars, unless they have the Arcane bloodline. Wizards still gain one normally.
• Sorcerer spell exchange is very slightly less restrictive than it was in 3.5.
• Both classes have slightly higher hit dice (d6 instead of d4), and both have more class skills, some of them skills new to Pathfinder and others not.

A level 11 Sorcerer, not counting bonus spells for high stats, has 34 spells per day. An equal level Wizard who specializes and crafts Pearls of Power for every spell level has 35, and has access to an entire spell level the sorcerer doesn't get for another level. This trend continues for every odd level. Basically, an optimizer who isn't building to some kind of specific theme that requires Sorcerer will always choose Wizard.)

Be aware that, while this is true, it requires an enormous investment of money. At level 11, Wizards can cast spells of spell level 1-6. In 3.5e, crafting a single-spell Pearl costs gold equal to 500g*(spell level) 2 , so that means the Wizard in question would have to spend:
500*(1 2 +2 2 +3 2 +4 2 +5 2 +6 2 ) = 1000*(1+4+9+16+25+36) = 46,500g
This is a reasonable amount of money for a character to possess at level 11, but by that same token, the Sorcerer is free to spend that money on other things like Ioun stones, cloaks of charisma, or some kind of defensive gear. Furthermore, the Wizard has to use up one of his feat slots in order to craft these items at all (Craft Wondrous Item), and if using 3.5, must lose 1/25th of the item's gold cost in XP (3,640 XP). That's a pretty serious investment in order to exceed the Sorcerer by 1 spell per day--an advantage that disappears at the next level, and costs another 24,500g to do it again at level 13, more than half as much as the Wizard had already spent just to get there.

There's also two additional problems: the Wizard had to, effectively, "give up" two spell schools to do this, and one of his extra-bonus spells is a 0th-level spell, which while not useless is far less important on the whole. Additionally, this doesn't work the same way for players using Pathfinder--Sorcerers can use any Cantrips (0th-level spells) at will without expending slots, whereas Wizards may only prepare 4 Cantrips max (though these four are also not expended when used). Due to the quadratic growth of pearl costs, this "one-upmanship" becomes very expensive as the characters approach max level.

I'll freely admit that an optimizer, wanting to squeeze every last drop out of each new level ASAP, will always choose Wizard instead of Sorcerer. However, I'd also say that if I were DMing a 3.5/PF game and the Wizard were trying this sort of stuff, I'd consider houserules to curb the impulse. For example, a limit on the number of Pearls of Power that a character may possess at any one time, or a limit on the number that may be used in one day (perhaps based on character level).

In the end, if you're using the Pathfinder rules, I'd say the two classes come out very roughly on an even keel with each other. As others have said up-thread, the Wizard will be better for highly focused, "strategic" play (looking over the 'long haul' of the day and planning things out carefully, as well as doing well with Knowledge checks), while the Sorcerer will be better for "tactical" play (being able to cast "on demand," and doing well with social skills). Whichever you prefer to play is up to you.

Then, just start at wizard from level 1, with a good Dexterity stat, probably.

It also includes additional information and facts about each scientific concept, allowing children to expand their knowledge beyond the magic tricks themselves. One of the key features of this kit is its hands-on approach to learning. Children are encouraged to actively participate in the experiments and tricks, which helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The kit also promotes creativity, as children can personalize and adapt the tricks based on their own ideas and interests. In addition to the educational benefits, the National Geographic Science Magic Activity Kit offers a fun and engaging experience for children. The magic tricks are designed to captivate and entertain, while also sparking curiosity and a love for science. This kit can be enjoyed by children of various ages and is an excellent tool for both individual play and group activities. Overall, the National Geographic Science Magic Activity Kit is a wonderful resource for children interested in science and magic. It combines the excitement of magic tricks with the educational value of scientific principles, providing a unique and effective learning experience. This kit is sure to inspire young minds and ignite a lifelong passion for science..

Reviews for "Step into the World of Physics with the National Geographic Science Magic Activity Kit"

1. John - 1/5 stars - This science magic activity kit from National Geographic was a huge disappointment. The activities were incredibly basic and lackluster. The instructions were unclear and poorly written, making it difficult to understand what exactly we were supposed to do. The materials provided were also of poor quality and did not hold up well during the experiments. Overall, I would not recommend this kit to anyone looking for an engaging and educational science experience.

2. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to try out the National Geographic science magic activity kit, but it ended up being a letdown. The activities were repetitive and did not offer anything new or unique. The materials provided were also lacking, and I found myself having to supplement with additional supplies from my own home. The instructions were vague and confusing, making it frustrating to complete the experiments properly. Save your money and look for a better science activity kit elsewhere.

3. Robert - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with the National Geographic science magic activity kit. The activities were incredibly boring and did not spark any excitement or curiosity in my child. The materials provided were cheaply made and did not withstand repeated use. The instructions were also poorly written and difficult to follow, which made the whole experience frustrating rather than enjoyable. I would not recommend this kit to anyone who is looking for a fun and educational science activity.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild with the National Geographic Science Magic Activity Kit