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Opt: An Illusionary Tale

Language: English

A magical tale of optical illusions, in which objects seem to shift color and size while images appear and disappear. Seeing is not always believing, especially when you are looking at an optical illusion. Join LeVar as he introduces the audience to a talented trompe l’oeil painter who specializes in art that tricks the eye, shows how special effects are created for the camera, and teases viewers with samples of optical illusion camouflage found in nature.

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Disappearing Coin Trick

You will need:

  • two identical sheets of construction paper
  • a clear plastic glass
  • pencil
  • a coin
  • scissors
  • glue
  • a scarf
  1. Beforehand, use a pencil to trace around the open end of the glass on one sheet of construction paper. Cut out the circle, and glue it to the rim of the glass.
  2. On a table, place the glass, rim-side down on the other sheet of construction paper. Place the coin a few inches away.
  3. In front of your audience, cover the glass with a scarf, say some magic words while quickly placing the glass over the coin.
  4. Remove the scarf and the coin has disappeared!
  5. Put the scarf back over the glass, say your magic words, and lift the glass again. Remove the scarf, and the coin is back!

Magical Words

The first ingredient for performing magic tricks is to learn the right magic word to say. Here are some your family can practice saying. Then each one can choose his or her favorite:


Abracadabra!
Presto!
Voila!
Alakazam!
Presto, Change-o!
Bibbity, bobbity, Boo!
Imscray, Amscray!

Now you are ready to learn how to do some tricks!

  

Coin-In-The-Ear-Trick

 

  1. Hold the coin between your first and second fingers. It should not show from the palm side of you hand.
  2. Then ask a friend a question using a nonsense word: Would you like to eat some itcheekaboolah?
  3. When your friend says, “What?” you say, “No wonder you can’t hear. There’s a coin in your ear!”
  4. Show your friend only the palm side of your hand. When your hand is next to your friend’s ear, bend you fingers forward so you can pull the coin into your hand with your thumb. Then show the coin to your friend.

Disappearing Objects

You will need:

  • handkerchief
  • a small object
  • a secret helper
  • Take a small object and hold it under a handkerchief.
  • Ask members of the audience to make sure it is there by feeling it.
  • The last person to check is your secret helper, who secretly slips the object in his or her hand.
  • Then you say your magic word and reveal that the object is no longer there.

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • Lenses! Take A Closer Look by Siegfried Aust
  • Hide And Seek edited by Jennifer Coldrey and Karen Goldie-Morrison
  • If At First You Do Not See by Ruth Brown

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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