Early motion devices continue to be a constant as a foundation for our exploration into the world of visuals and learning about the evolution of visual technology. We make thaumatropes, zoetropes, phenakistascopes, and flipbooks. We generally introduce thaumatropes first followed by the other three. Concurrently we learn about light through various science experiments. Thaumatropes The goal of the thaumatrope project is to learn that the eye can retain information creating the impression you are seeing images from both sides at once.
Students use math and estimating skills for placement.
An initial thaumatrope design includes various colors on one side and a distinct pattern on the other side. The colors would include two not used on the first side. A distinct pattern could be a lightning bolt. Once the students understand the two sides working together we move onto using both sides while understanding top and bottom. Drawings, collage, or both work well.