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What? I Can't Believe My Eyes! Caren McCarter/Lynne Smith-Mills
What? I Can't Believe My Eyes! Caren McCarter/Lynne Smith-Mills
What? I Can't Believe My Eyes! Caren McCarter/Lynne Smith-Mills
http://whaticantbelievemyeyes.weebly.com
Lesson #1 ~ Eye-Openers!
Lesson #2 ~ Tricks or Truths?
Lesson #3 ~ Do My Eyes Deceive Me?
Lesson #4 ~ The Final Reveal!
Unit Blurb
Abstract
How does our brain decode visual information? How do light, colors, and patterns that we see everyday
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and
Protagorus
Epicharmus believed
had
different
views
of
optical
illusions.
information appropriately. Protagorus on the other hand, did not agree with
this thinking. He thought the senses were all working together correctly, and
the cause for illusions was due to the environment. Then around 350 B.C.,
Aristotle, a Greek philosopher and scientist, believed that both Epicharmus
and Protagorus were correct. Aristotles theory was the senses worked fine,
but could misinterpret information. Other philosophers such as Plato, clarified
all the previous ideas and explained that the brain and the eyes must work
together to determine what is real and what is an illusion. It was not until
1826, Johannes Mueller, a psychologist, wrote several books explaining a
visual distortion or visual illusion. He is credited for the term visual illusions
or distortions. After Muellers works, J.J. Oppel, created a set of line illusions
known as the Mueller-Lyer Illusions (Nakate, 2011).
The eyes and brain, and their interaction, causes the trick of illusion.
The interaction between the two can cause us to see correctly or perceive
incorrectly. The parts of the eye include the cornea, lens, pupil, retina, and
iris. Light travels through all these parts for vision to occur (Simon, 1998).
Light rays reflect from the object through the cornea, the pupil, and arrive at
the retina. The retina acts as a screen to project the picture. The retina
contains the rods and the cones. These are light sensitive cells. They
determine shading, outline, color, and detail. The rods and cones cover the
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References
Brandreth, G., DiSpezio, M., Joyce, K., Kay, K., & Paraquin, C. (2003). Optical illusions. New York:
Main Street: A Division of Sterling Publishing, Inc.
Marinez-Conde, S. & Macknik, S. (2013, September 12). The neuroscience of illusion how tricking the
eye reveals the inner workings of the brain. Scientific American. Retrieved from
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-neuroscience-of-illusion/
Nakate, S. (2011, June 9). History of optical illusions. Retrieved from
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/history-of-optical-illusions.html
Patane, D. (2011, June 8). Types of optical illusions. Retrieved from
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-illusions.html
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Expert Information-Bio
David Madigan is our expert for the optical illusions topic. He is an art teacher at
DH Conley High School in Pitt County. He teaches AP Art History, Art I, II, III and IV. Mr.
Madigan has been teaching art for 11 years at the high school level, grades 9-12. He
began his teaching career in Edgecombe County, and later transferred to Pitt County.
He has shared his knowledge and love of art not only in the classroom, but also in
various summer programs through the art museum in Nash County.
Mr. Madigan is a veteran art teacher, and has great knowledge and teaching
experience with how artists use optical illusions in their artwork. He teaches his students
about the importance of perspective in art design, and how famous artists use
perspective in their work. He shared how other professions benefit from an
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Annotated Bibliography
Brandreth, G., DiSpezio, M., Joyce, K., Kay, K., & Paraquin, C. (2003). Optical illusions. New York: Main Street:
A Division of Sterling Publishing, Inc.
This book includes many examples of astounding optical illusions. These illusions will challenge and test
visual thinking skills. This source includes and illustrates all the many categories of optical illusions. This
book is kid friendly and will provide many examples of optical illusions.
Kay, K. (2007). Optical Illusions. New York: Main Street: A Division of Sterling Publishing, Inc.
This book contains excellent examples of optical illusions using different perspectives, and everyday
objects. This resource will be a valuable teaching tool for students.
Kistler, M. (2002) Dare to draw in 3D gadgets and gizmos. Scholastic. Inc.
This book contains step-by-step instructions and tips to follow to draw 3D robots, spaceships and other
gadgets and gizmos. This book offers drawing strategies and techniques for kids to expand their
knowledge of 3D art.
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Xtreme Illusions. (2012). National Geographic Kids. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society.
This book contains a mind-bending collection of visual puzzles. Xtreme Illusions features every kind of
visual trick and deceptive image presented in a unique style. The views are instantly engaging.
http://www.optics4kids.org/
This fantastic website was created by The Optical Society (OSA). This website provides Quality
information and inspiring interactions that power achievements in the science of light. The Kid section
offers activities, celebrities and information about optics.
http://slodive.com/inspiration/optical-illusions-for-kids/
This website offers 25 brilliant optical illusions for kids. These optical illusions for kids help them in
increasing concentration power and sharpen their focus. The website will motivate and engage gifted
learners.
http://www.eyedidntknowthat.info/for-kids/optical-illusions/
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http://www.visualillusion.net/Intro/Page02.php
This website is a direct link to the revision of the book written by Michael Luckieshs, Visual Illusions,
published in 1922. It is a report on the applied science of optical illusions or visual illusions as they were
called then. Matthew Luckiesh was the Director of Applied Science, NELA Research Laboratories,
National Lamp Works of General Electric Co. This book explains the process of vision and optical
illusions in a easy format.
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Rationale of Technology
A huge part of teaching gifted students is giving them guidance, but letting them
investigate and learn on their own. As the teachers, we need to facilitate and direct learning. The
students need to be allowed to reach the highest level of thinking through creating, discussing,
and giving input as to how and why they are learning and understanding. We feel the technology
we have chosen to use will not only provide rigor in our lessons, but also allow students the
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LESSON #1
Eye Openers!
I. DEFINE OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT
The students will be able to explain the history of optical illusions.
LESSON
The students will understand and describe how the eyes and brain
OBJECTIVE
interact to cause optical illusions.
Slide 5
Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others. ~ Jonathan
POINT TO
Swift
PONDER
Slide 4
ESSENTIAL
Which influences your perspective moreyour eyes or your brain?
QUESTION
Slide 3
CONTENT
I. Optical Illusions
Outline the contentB. Definitions of optical illusions
you will teach in
1. According to Martinez- Conde, visual illusions are the
this lesson.
dissociation between the
physical reality and the subjective perception of an object
or event.
2. Optical illusions occur due to the arrangement of colors,
light, and angles
3. Illusions are image perceptions that do not show true
reality
B. History of Optical Illusions
1. Epicharus, a Greek Philosopher and dramatist, believed
that all the senses
were not working together to interpret information
correctly
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II. PRE-PLANNING
The students will recall and state the history of optical illusions.
This will include definitions of optical illusions, important figures
instrumental in introducing and explaining optical illusions to the
world. The definition of perspective will be introduced and
illustrated. The students will be able to understand the parts of the
eye, how the process of vision works, and how optical illusions
occur between the eyes and the brain. Essential questions will be
answered by completing this lesson.
The students will be able to define perspective and optical
illusions. The students will be able to summarize the history of
optical illusions. The students will be able to explain the parts of
the eye, how the process of vision works, and how optical illusions
occur between the eyes and the brain.
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laptop
projector
Google Slide presentation (Slides numbers are listed in the instructional outline)
Brochure (for each student)
BROCHURE Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/at0oksw17z2evgu/Ecu
%20brochure%20-%203.docx?dl=0
Drawing paper
rulers
pencils
markers
ipads/ipods
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mini flashlights
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Ipad/ipod LESSON #2
Tricks or Truths?
LESSON
OBJECTIVE
POINT TO
PONDER
ESSENTIAL
QUESTION
CONTENT
Outline the content
you will teach in
this lesson.
II. PRE-PLANNING
The students will be able to describe the 3 major types of illusions.
The students will identify optical illusions after each type has been
defined and they have viewed examples of each type. Upon
completion, the students will be able to answer the essential
questions. They will also be able to describe how their perspective
changes when viewing images.
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TIME: 10 minutes
The students will be given a bag of materials and asked to make an
Arrow Optical Illusion. The materials will be prepared and instruction
supplied. (Directions for this activity are linked in Slide 2)
This activity will help the students understand that optical illusions are
made when our brain tries to make sense of the information our eyes
send to it. Examples in Part 1 will be discussed and then the pipe
cleaner activity will be completed
http://www.mrsec.psu.edu/education/nanoactivities/vision/optical_illusions/make_your_own_optical_illusions.pd
f
INSTRUCTION
Explain Stepby-step what
you will do in
this lesson. Be
explicit about
ties to Points to
Ponder,
Essential
Question, and
Interactions
here. Include
ALL support
and teaching
materials with
your unit.
ASSESSMENT
(Performance
Task) What will
the students DO
to demonstrate
that they have
mastered the
Slide 2
This will lead into the content being presented in Lesson #2 Tricks
or Truths?
TIME: 50 min. Upon arrival, students will be given the materials to
complete the Hook Activity (Arrow Optical Illusion). This activity will
lead directly into the lesson discussion and information for the lesson.
The brochure for note taking will be redistributed. Literal illusions,
cognitive illusions, and physiological illusions will be defined and
examples of each will be given through Google Slides. Each slide will
contain the definition of the type of illusion and links to examples will
be used to illustrate each type. Slides 6-11
To further engage the students, they will complete a Scavenger QR
Code activity. Twelve QR codes will be posted in the room and the
students will choose six to investigate. They will determine and
record the answer on the activity sheet; to the question that
corresponds to the QR code selected. Slide 12 Responses will be
shared. Slide 13 The final activity for the day will be to Capture the
Illusions. Students will use devices to take pictures of sights around
campus that appear to be optical illusions. These pictures will be
used in their Google Slide presentations at the end of the week
during The Final Reveal. They will email the pictures to their Google
drive for storage.
Slide 14
TIME: 10 min.
The Exit ticket for this lesson will be to answer the essential
questions using Google Classroom. Instructions to log into site will be
given and students will respond and send to teacher.
1. Why would you recommend a company use an optical illusion to
sell their product? (Think about your STRIDE marketing unit)
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laptop
projector
Google Slide presentation (Slides numbers are listed in the instructional outline)
Per student for Arrow optical illusion:
2 long pipe cleaners of equal length and color
2 long pipe cleaners of equal length but different colors (1 purple,
1gree)
scissors
paper
glue
12 QR codes with links to Optical Illusion examples (See below)
Answer sheets for QR code activity
pencils
markers
ipads/ipods
Chromebooks
Brochure (for each student)
Hand 3D Art from Day 1
https://drive.google.com/a/lenoir.k12.nc.us/file/d/0B4lusVyeDElmM3paYnR5TkY5
NTg/view
Optical Illusion #2
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https://www.dropbox.com/s/ojg1brlmxn6ir9u/rotating-facemask.mp4?dl=0
Optical Illusion #3
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h46nhs9p511wex8/anbiguous%20face%202.png?
dl=0
Optical Illusion #4
https://drive.google.com/a/lenoir.k12.nc.us/file/d/0B4lusVyeDElmY1lUZElzNURB
QWs/view
Optical Illusion #5
https://drive.google.com/a/lenoir.k12.nc.us/file/d/0B4lusVyeDElmTXR6Y1g1THZk
TTQ/view
Optical Illusion #6
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f2h5k4rfxgd9ikp/Optical%20Illusion%20%236.jpeg?
dl=0
Optical Illusion #7
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i053vx25s4n6xbd/escher-style-optical-illusion-6.gif?
dl=0
Optical Illusion #8
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rotdfe1x3e78r7f/room_oneReverseMasked.mp4?dl=0
Optical Illusion #9
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3c4ysqlrt06th7o/Optical%20Illusion%20%233.jpg?
dl=0
Optical Illusion #10
https://www.dropbox.com/s/e928vohzpq1ji9t/optical%20illusion%205.jpg?dl=0
Optical Illusion #11
https://drive.google.com/a/lenoir.k12.nc.us/file/d/0B4lusVyeDElmMHdBclM1R3A
wNnM/view
Optical Illusion #12
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k6nrr7gt2x7vzca/2015-03-19%2016.14.52.jpg?dl=0
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Optical Illusions
1. What is wrong with the cubes?
______________________________________
What type of illusion is this example?
______________________________________
2.What type of optical illusion is the rotating face?
__________________________________
3. What do you see in Optical Illusion 3#?
__________________________________________
What type of optical illusion? __________________
4. Is one key bigger than the other? Can you explain?
___________________________________
5. Which pair of notes is unlike the other six pairs?
____________________________________________
6. Which side of the picture is higher, the right or the left?
_________________________________________________
7. What type of optical illusion is shown by this picture?
__________________________________________________
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Students will learn how optical illusions influence our daily lives, by
seeing and creating examples like an architect/artist/designer
would.
From our expert, students will understand the following:
how artists use perspective to create depth, how
architects/designers use perspective to create 3-D visuals when
planning ideas, and how artists use anamorphic perspective to
add mystery and hidden symbols in their work.
Students will:
Be able to recognize and create visual illusions using atmospheric
perspective.
Be able to recognize and create visual illusions using linear
perspective.
Be able to recognize and create visual illusions using anamorphic
perspective.
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TIME: 5 min.
Students will view the Apple Perspective video on You Tube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ1SDXbij8Y
Following video, perspective will be demonstrated. The students
will participate in the Hallway Perspective activity. One student will
walk 10 feet away to the middle of the hallway and stop. The other
students will discuss how the change in distance affects the
appearance of that student. (Perspective) The student will then
walk 10 more feet away and student will discuss how this again
changes the perspective. This will provide a concrete example how
the perspective changes as the distances of an object change.
Slide 2
INSTRUCTION
TIME: 60 min
Explain Step-byAfter introduction of Mr. David Madigan, Art Teacher from DH
step what you will Conley, he will begin facilitating the Perspective lesson and the use
do in this lesson.
of optical illusions. He will discuss three key questions when
Be explicit about
creating perspective in art. The first problem is using value in art
ties to Points to
(referred to as atmospheric perspective); adding darks and lights to
Ponder, Essential a flat object to give the appearance of form. He will give examples
Question, and
and the students will use their sketchbooks to draw examples. The
Interactions here. second problem is using lines in art. He will discuss how lines and
Include ALL
space create a visual illusion. Again he will show examples, and the
support and
students will continue to use their sketchbooks to create examples.
teaching materials The final problem is demonstrating how artist distort projection or
with your unit.
perspective (referred to as anamorphic perspective). Examples will
be given and students will try it out.
Slides 7-17
Students will continue to take photos and add to their collection of
pictures to use in the Final Reveal project. Again, they will email the
pictures to their Google drive to be used as resources/example in
The Final Reveal.
ASSESSMENT
TIME: 5 min.
(Performance
The Exit ticket for this lesson will be to answer the essential
Task) What will
questions using Google Classroom. Instructions to log into site
the students DO
have been given and students will respond and send to teacher.
to demonstrate
that they have
1. As an artist, how would you use one of your sketches created
mastered the
today to persuade consumers to buy your artwork?
content? Be
Slide 18
specific and
include actual
assessment with
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laptop
projector
document camera (Ladybug)
Google Slide presentation (Slides numbers are listed in the instructional outline)
Brochure (for each student)
Drawing paper
rulers
pencils
markers
ipads/ipods
Chromebooks
3D Hand Art
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LESSON #4
The Final Reveal
LESSON
OBJECTIVE
POINT TO
PONDER
ESSENTIAL
QUESTION
CONTENT
Outline the
content you will
teach in this
lesson.
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II. PRE-PLANNING
As a result of this lesson, students will be able to describe how
optical illusions and perspective are used in real world careers and
situations. They will be able to describe the uses of optical
illusions and how they connect to the real world.
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TIME: 6 min
Students will view the YouTube video, Mobius Animation 5 (1min)
https://youte.be/Eb-Fi8GI6PE
The students will brainstorm the following question: Where would
you use or find a Mobius strip? Possible answers: video games,
rollercoaster designs, and special effects in movies. Following
discussion, students will be given the materials to create a Mobius
strip design. (5min)
Slide 2
INSTRUCTION
Explain Step-bystep what you will
do in this lesson.
Be explicit about
ties to Points to
Ponder, Essential
Question, and
Interactions here.
Include ALL
support and
teaching materials
with your unit.
TIME: 15
Students will think -pair share titles video games, movies and
virtual reality devices that use optical illusions and 3D imagery.
http://mathforum.org/workshops/sum98/participants/sanders/
Using the information and examples provided in the website above,
students will explore how optical illusions are connected to real
world careers in architecture, entertainment and the art world.
Examples of how architects design buildings incorporating 3D
shapes and perspectives will be given.
Slide 6
ACTIVITY:
Student will assume the role of an architect. Students will be given
3D shapes (cube, cone, cylinder, prism) and challenged to create
their own 3D castle design.
Slide 7
As a wrap up to the weeks content, students will view Why Do We
See Illusions, Ted Ed video. (10 min)
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-do-we-see-illusions-mark-changizi
As a whole class, students will discuss the questions that follow the
TEDEd video.
Student will view student examples of optical illusions as a review.
Slide 8
Students will complete the session by preparing a Google Slide
presentation that will persuade an audience that optical illusions
serve a purpose other than just for fun. A checklist will be provided
to ensure that the students understand what content should be
included in the presentation.
Students will then share their projects with the group.
Slide 10
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TIME: 15 min
Following instructions on Kahoot!, (Can You Believe Your Eyes?)
laptop
projector
strips of paper
tape
scissors
3D shapes/nets
Google Slide presentation (Slides numbers are listed in the instructional outline)
pencils
markers
iPads/iPods
Chromebooks
Brochure (for each student)
Hand 3D Art from Day 1
Google Slide Checklist for students
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_____________________________________________________________
Chromebooks
Ipad/iPod
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