• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Science Facts
  • Science Questions
  • About
    • Emma Vanstone
    • About Science Sparks
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
    • STEM Challenges
    • FREE STEM Challenge Templates
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
  • FREE Science Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
  • Science Resources for Home and School

×
Home » Holiday Science » Valentine's Day Science » Love Monster Valentine Thaumatrope

Love Monster Valentine Thaumatrope

Published: Feb 13, 2025 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Valentine’s Day is a time for hearts, love, friendship and……optical illusions? Thaumatropes are one the earliest forms of animation and were once a popular toy. They work by creating an optical illusion of one image made from two! As well as a fun science craft activity, this simple STEM challenge is a great way to learn about the persistence of vision and how our brains process visual information. Get ready to create your own Valentine thaumatrope and discover the magic of science!

My handy thaumatrope template is free to download, or you can draw your own!

You’ll need

White card
Felt tip pens
Tape or glue
Scissors
Hole punch
2 elastic bands

Valentine Love Monster Thaumatrope Template
Thaumatrope template

Instructions

Draw two identical circles on the card ( or use my handy template ).

Draw a different image on each circle.

Glue the circles together with the images on the outside. For them to merge correctly, one image needs to be upside down.

Punch a hole in each side of the circle.

Loop an elastic band through each hole.

Hold the rubber bands between your thumb and first finger and twist them.

As the circles of card rotate, the two drawings merge, so they look like one image.

Valentine thaumatrope STEM Challenge

Why does it work?


The two images merge because your brain sees one image first and the second image before it finishes processing the first, so you see two images simultaneously.

This effect is called the persistence of vision.

More science activities for Valentine’s Day

  • Valentine's Day STEM Challenges
    Last Minute Valentine STEM Challenges
  • Collage of Valentine's Day themed science experiments
    Valentine’s Day Science Experiments and Activities for Kids
  • love bug drawing robot made with a paper cup, motor and felt tip pens.
    Love Bug Drawing Robot STEM Challenge
  • Colour Changing Valentine's Potions
    Chemistry Potions for Valentine’s Day
Love Monster thaumatrope STEM activity

Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Emma Vanstone

More Valentine's Day Science

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Imagine a world where science education is accessible to everyone and is all about hands-on, exciting discoveries. That’s the world I want to create.

More about me

Around the World in 50 Experiments

50 experiments about countries of the world

Footer

↑ back to top

Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Services
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd