Gee Whiz: What's Going On After School? Wizard Invasion!

This article was reported and written by South Mountain Elementary students
Chibueze Achebe, Violet Christian, Hannah Jackson, and Aaron Saunders, aspiring journalists in the South Mountain After-School Scholars program.

Wingardium Leviosa!

Imagine a charm in a classroom where you make an object fly.

Impossible, you say?

It is possible when you enter the classroom of Professor Rodriquez and the After-School Scholars Wizards class.

Scholars journalism students got an inside look at just how the professor’s young wizards learned how to levitate a burning tea bag.

There were spells, potions, and charms, and lots of science behind it.

The lights were shut off, a spell over a cauldron was cast, a flame was lighted, and a tea bag flew like a bee. It was amazing.

“Wow,” the students gasped.

“Nicely done,” Professor Rodriquez told the students. “Five points for each of you.”

Why did it float in the first place?

It worked because of science (not really because of magic, even though that would have been fun). The tea bags levitated because hot air rises, and the air in the middle of the tea bag got hot, Professor Rodriquez explained.

The students had to obey some fire safety tips. They had to pull their long hair back, push up their sleeves, and stay seated.

“Have any of the schools where you performed this ever burned down?” one student asked.

"Of course, not," Professor Rodriquez said.

The students said they took the class because most are fans of Harry Potter.

“I think it’s fun because we get to experience what Harry Potter experienced,” said Olivia, a fourth-grade student.

“I took this class because I like Harry Potter,” Ethan, another 4th grader said. “And this class is based on Harry Potter.”

The wizards in training were really enjoying this After School Scholars class. Harry Potter would be so amazed to know he has new students in his midst.