The key to the Ames room illusion is to produce a large room with a prominent trapezoid shape. The sharper the trapezoid is, the more effective the illusion will be. However, if the shape is sharp but the room is small, the illusion won't be effective.
Ensure your room is big enough to pull off the full effect of the Ames room illusion, and wow your friends and family with your clever creation.
To make an Ames room, you will first need the appropriate cutout. An image of the cutout can be found in Google images by entering 'Ames room cutout' into the search engine. Draw the shape on a piece of A3 card and cut round it with scissors.
Next, fold the cutout into a room. A trapezoid shape should be produced. Cut out some windows in the side opposing the slanted side of the trapezoid. These will be used to view the optical illusion.
Moving objects such as miniature people and playing cards from one side of the room to the other gives the impression that the object is shrinking and growing. The optical illusion can be seen through the room windows - you will need someone else to hold the objects and move them along the room.
The illusion takes place due to the slated 'wall' at the back of the room, which is why the trapezoid shape is essential. When the object is on the close side of the slant, it appears to be proportionally large. When it moves to the far side of the slant, it begins to shrink.
The Ames illusion room is fun and simple to make. It is a fantastic task to complete with children. They can be creative whilst designing the room, and will be thrilled with the final illusion result.
Ensure your room is big enough to pull off the full effect of the Ames room illusion, and wow your friends and family with your clever creation.
- How to make an Ames room
To make an Ames room, you will first need the appropriate cutout. An image of the cutout can be found in Google images by entering 'Ames room cutout' into the search engine. Draw the shape on a piece of A3 card and cut round it with scissors.
Next, fold the cutout into a room. A trapezoid shape should be produced. Cut out some windows in the side opposing the slanted side of the trapezoid. These will be used to view the optical illusion.
- The effect of the Ames room illusion
Moving objects such as miniature people and playing cards from one side of the room to the other gives the impression that the object is shrinking and growing. The optical illusion can be seen through the room windows - you will need someone else to hold the objects and move them along the room.
The illusion takes place due to the slated 'wall' at the back of the room, which is why the trapezoid shape is essential. When the object is on the close side of the slant, it appears to be proportionally large. When it moves to the far side of the slant, it begins to shrink.
The Ames illusion room is fun and simple to make. It is a fantastic task to complete with children. They can be creative whilst designing the room, and will be thrilled with the final illusion result.