Cut Out + Keep

Thaumatrope

Hand in Hand: Crafting with Kids

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/thaumatrope • Posted by GMC Group

The thaumatrope has been around in my household since I was a child, though, as one of the earliest motion toys, the thaumatrope can be traced back to 1826. This simple toy consists of two images on opposite sides of a card; the images seem to merge when the card is twirled. This is a quick and simple project that can be made with materials you already have at home. It is extremely adaptable, as it allows instant gratification for younger children, while allowing older children to make the project more challenging. If you like, it can be a great way to incorporate math skills and introduce some basic principles behind early animation.

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

0 h 10

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium screen shot 2012 11 29 at 23.03.36 Medium screen shot 2012 11 29 at 23.03.20

Description

The thaumatrope has been around in my household since I was a child, though, as one of the earliest motion toys, the thaumatrope can be traced back to 1826. This simple toy consists of two images on opposite sides of a card; the images seem to merge when the card is twirled. This is a quick and simple project that can be made with materials you already have at home. It is extremely adaptable, as it allows instant gratification for younger children, while allowing older children to make the project more challenging. If you like, it can be a great way to incorporate math skills and introduce some basic principles behind early animation.

Instructions

  1. Small screen shot 2012 11 29 at 23.04.43

    Trace two circles onto thick paper using a drinking glass.

  2. Small screen shot 2012 11 29 at 23.04.49

    Draw part of an image on one circle, and then draw the remainder on the other circle. Here are a few ideas that have been a big hit in our house: • Side 1: a bird; Side 2: a birdcage • Side 1: a fish; Side 2: a fishbowl • Side 1: grass; Side 2: a tree • Side 1: a bee; Side 2: a beehive • Side 1: a football player reaching up; Side 2: a football

  3. Small screen shot 2012 11 29 at 23.04.54

    Cut out the circles.

  4. Small screen shot 2012 11 29 at 23.04.59

    Lay the circles back to back, and then open them up to tape the stick in between. Roll up a couple pieces of tape to stick the circles together.

  5. Small screen shot 2012 11 29 at 23.05.06

    Place the stick between both hands and rub back and forth to spin the thaumatrope.