Posted by Introduction
Have you ever thought how it is possible that Hagrid in Harry Potter is larger than in real life? How does it happen that hobbits are smaller in relation to Gandalf in Lord of the Rings? This time we will play with optical illusion. How many of you heard about Ames room illusion? Let’s start!
Optical illusion definition
Following Oxford dictionary definition optical illusion is something that deceives the eye by appearing to be other than it is. In other words optical illusion causes an experience of seeming to see something which does not exist or is other than it appears.
This is a theory and in practice it can cause either a lot of troubles or a lot of fun. We will focus on the second part and will have some fun.
Ames room definition
Simply, an Ames room is a distorted room that creates an optical illusion. It has been invented by American scientist Adelbert Ames, Jr. in 1946.
Going into details Ames room has a unique shape. The room looks like an ordinary rectangular cuboid, however, it is not true. The room is a six-sided convex polyhedron. One corner of the Ames room is further from an observer than the other. Additionally, the critical element of this experiment is a fact that the observer looks through the peephole. It is crucial as it prevents the observer from getting any information about the real shape of the room from stereopsis that requires two eyes. The best way to explain it is to show it. Below you will find a diagram that explains the shape.
Experiment execution
Optical illusions for kids make them happy. We have decided to visit a theme park where Ames room is already built and ready to use. So the preparations did not take long.
However to not leave you with nothing, we prepared a high resolution Ames room template, which you can print and cut out. Glue it and have fun! How to make an ames room? Download the template below and have fun!
Interesting facts
Optical illusions are harmless to your eyes and there is no need to worry. According to the Mayo Clinic, viewing optical illusions will not hurt your vision. Just avoid spending long time staring at an image on the computer screen to not develop eye strain.
Optical Illusions can use light, patterns and colors to create images that can be deceptive or misleading to your brains. The information gathered by the eye is processed by the brain, creating a perception that in reality, does not match the true image.
Visual illusions occur due to properties of the visual areas of the brain and the way the brain processes information. Your perception of an illusion has more to do with how your brain works and less to do with the optics of your eye.
Summary
Please leave the comment below. We are curious what are your suggestions and results. Let other people know if you manage to create your Ames room using our template.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!