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    Home » Early Years Science » Understanding of the World » Make an optical illusion

    Make an optical illusion

    October 18, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 17 Comments

    This super simple optical illusion lets you turn two pictures into one! Did you know your brain uses short cuts in order to process all the millions of things we see at any one time. An optical illusion “tricks” your eyes and brain.

    When you spin the pencil your brain sees one image first and then the second image before it finishes processing the first, so you see two images at the same time.

    This effect is called persistence of vision.

    What you need:

    • White cardboard
    • Pencils or colouring pens
    • Straw or pencil
    • Scissors
    • Glue/tape

    How to make an optical illusion

    • Cut out two squares from a sheet of white cardboard.
    • You can draw anything, but part of the picture needs to be on one square of card and the other part on the second piece of card. It can be a bit tricky to get the positioning right, so keep it simple.
    • Glue or sellotape a pencil in between the two pictures.
    • Hold the pencil between your palms and rub your hands to make the picture spin around.
    Fish tank optical illusion
    easy cardboard optical illusion

    This activity is also part of my Tray a Day science series, which is full of science activities you can fit in a tray!

    Tray a Day - easy optical illusion

    Grab the experiment instructions from the image below!

    Simple science experiment - optical illusion instructions

    If you liked this you might like my other science experiments using paper or super simple science tricks!

    Easy optical illusions with a pencil and cardboard. Make the fish appear inside the fish tank

    Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « How strong is a conker?
    Another Firework in a Glass »

    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

    Comments

    1. Not Yet a Yummy Mummy

      August 09, 2011 at 8:55 pm

      Oh fantastic, simple but know William will loveit!

      Reply
    2. Ross Mannell

      August 09, 2011 at 11:20 pm

      This is an old favourite. When the flicker rate is high enough, the brain starts to blend the two images so we see the bird in the cage. Wonderful. How sad it would be if this were not so. Seeing a movie would become a series of still images.
      Ross Mannell (teacher)
      Australia

      Reply
    3. Karima

      September 06, 2011 at 9:36 am

      Hi saw you on linky party, what a great project for the kids! Now google following, would love it if you popped by, Karima 🙂 http://www.karimascrafts.com

      Reply
    4. Robin

      September 07, 2011 at 6:09 pm

      Interesting. Thank you so much for linking up to Upcycled Awesome at http://www.thetshirtdiaries.com

      Reply
    5. Kim S.

      September 09, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      Kids love this one! Thanks for sharing. Saw you at For the Kids Fridays.

      Reply
    6. Discovering Montessori

      September 11, 2011 at 3:01 pm

      Totally doing this one! I want to do this myself. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 14, 2011 at 10:11 pm

        So glad you liked it! x

        Reply
    7. Phyllis at All Things Beautiful

      September 11, 2011 at 3:02 pm

      Great fun! Love it when science and play go together.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        September 14, 2011 at 10:11 pm

        Thank you. x

        Reply
    8. Aimee

      September 15, 2011 at 12:38 am

      You have such fascinating ideas! Thank you for sharing this on The Sunday Showcase!

      Reply
    9. creativejewishmom/sara

      September 15, 2011 at 6:16 am

      thanks for bringing back memories of childhood science projects! my boys will LOVE this one, and I’m quite sure will run to school with it! thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday!

      Reply
    10. cathy at nurturestore

      September 15, 2011 at 10:58 am

      Thanks for sharing this with the Play Academy – great to see the video showing how it really works.

      Reply
    11. Debs

      October 24, 2013 at 8:05 am

      What a simple yet fun activity for kids. We’ll definitely be having a go. Thanks so much for sharing it. Pinned! 🙂

      Reply
    12. Natalie F

      October 24, 2013 at 6:53 pm

      Great experiment to explain optical illusions! Thanks for sharing it with Afterschool!

      Reply
    13. [email protected] Measured Mom

      October 25, 2013 at 8:41 pm

      I remember how fun these were to make as a kid. Thanks so much for sharing at After School!

      Reply
    14. Give Glory to God

      November 14, 2017 at 11:45 am

      That is so cool! God has made our brains with such skill and design!

      Reply
    15. FirstAshli

      December 04, 2017 at 6:31 pm

      I see you don’t monetize your site, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn extra bucks every month because you’ve got hi quality content.
      If you want to know how to make extra bucks, search
      for: Boorfe’s tips best adsense alternative

      Reply

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