Spinning Disk Illusion

1. Start by clicking one of the Downloadable templates below.
2. These templates are printable and ready for use in this experiment. Use card stock or another type of thick paper for the best results.
3. Use the scissors to cut the circular templates out.
4. Paste the pictures back to back with one image upside down and the other right-side up. Make sure that you align the images as perfectly as possible. We've placed dots on the two circles to help you match them up.
5. Punch holes in the far right and far left sides of the image.
6. Tie a 12" length of string or yarn through one hole. Repeat with another 12" length of string in the other hole.
7. Wind up the strings by holding each string in one hand and twirling the disc.
8. Pull the strings taut and the disc will start to spin rapidly.
9. What do you notice about the two images? They blur into one combined image!

Download Printable Templates

• American Flag
• Blank Template
• Christmas Tree
• Easter Egg
• Menorah
• Pumpkin
• Reindeer
• Turkey
• All Templates

How does it work?

The secret behind the Spinning Disc Illusion is the same magic that animators use to make your favorite cartoons. When images flash in rapid succession, like when you pull the strings taut, your brain cannot process them as individual images any longer. Instead, your brain takes the two images and combines them into one "hybrid" image. When animators use this principle, they use sequential images, for example of a person running, and flash them in rapid succession to create the impression that the person is actually running. In reality, it's hundreds or even thousands of individual images being blurred into one moving image. The images are moving faster than the human eye!

Additional Info

Try doing this experiment again by drawing your own two images. The possibilities are endless - try it out!