The illusion of Movement
Animation and cinema are made possible by a property of the eye:
It was discovered in the 19th century, and explains how the brain holds on to an image even as it is perceiving another image. The Victorians were fascinated by this phenomenon and created many optical toys.
How to make a flip book
Making a flip book will give you a chance to see your pictures move.
Materials
1.- A thick pad of paper.
2.- A pencil.
3.- A fine point marker.
4.- Colored markers.
First you have to work out a simple animation sequence or use the one provided here.
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How to make it
1.Start on the back page with drawing 1 of the sequence, and work towards the front of the book.
2.The images must be in the same place on each page.
3.Leave a space on your right hand side to flip the book easily.
4.Make a master copy and use it to draw the outlines on every page. You can trace it using carbon paper.
5.Once the drawings are ready, you can color them. Do this before you complete the black outline.
6.To see your animation come to life hold the book in your left hand and flip with your right.
This was one of the first optical toys. It was invented in 1825. It demonstrates how the eyes retain the image of an object after it has disappeared. Have fun making one, and see how your eyes work.
Materials
Board
Pencil
Colored markers
Scissors
Glue
Two pieces of string
How to make it
1.Cut two pieces of board into circles of about 2 inches radius.
2.Draw the design illustrated here onto each circle. The second picture is always upside down.
3.Glue the back side of the two pieces together, and color them.
4.Pierce holes in the positions marked by the dots.
5.Cut two pieces of string (about 20 inches long). Thread one piece through one side, and the other through the other. Knot both ends.
6.Wind up the disc and spin it rapidly between your fingers and now...
the cowboy is riding the horse.
