STEM | How to make a Thaumatrope (optical illusion toy)

A thaumatrope is an optical illusion toy that was popular in the 19th century. It was invented in 1826 by a British doctor, John Ayrton Paris. This toy comprises of a small disc with a different image on each side - the images are related (e.g. a bird on one side, and a bird cage on the other). The disc is attached to 2 strings. When the strings are twirled quickly between the fingers the 2 pictures appear to merge or blend into one due to the Persistence of Vision. Peristence of Vision is the eye’s ability to keep seeing an image of an object for a fraction of a second after the object has disappeared from view. Persistence of Vision allows us to see motion pictures and animated cartoons. Thaumatrope comes from the Greek words: Thauma, meaning ’wonder’ and, Tropos, meaning ’turn’. So, thaumatrope means ’wonder turn’. Click on the link below to download the free template: