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In this activity, learners construct three optical illusion toys to examine how our brains play tricks on what we see. Learners use simple materials to build a Circle Spinner, Thaumatrope, and Phenakistascope. Each project can be completed individually or as a set. This lesson guide includes background information about how these toys produce optical illusions as well as an explanation of how TVs and movies work. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 6 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Thin cardboard
- String - strong and thick
- White paper
- 1 Baseboard
- 1 Paint paddle
- 2 popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands, medium
- File Folder or thick paper
- 2in. 1x2 wood
- 8 in. dowel, 1/4 in.
- Patterns (page 8 of PDF or find your own online)
- Black paper
- Stapler
- Big cups for circle
- Markers
- Nail, small to balance Circle Spinner and poke holes
- Glue stick (not hot)
- Mirror
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
- Technology
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Body
- The Brain and Nervous System
-
Human Senses and Perception
- Vision
-
Human Body
-
Physical Sciences
- Vibration and Waves
- Motion and Forces
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
- Photography and Film/Video
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop, 2011