Thaumatrope-

I find thaumatrope to be interesting in the aspect of twisting a simple string to produce an image. The faster the the disc is being rotated the greater visual aspect of the image is clearer. Pretty much what this is, is a small disk with pieces of string on each side. You draw an image on each side of the disk. You draw these images in the aspect of when it comes time to spin the disk these two images prepare to be combined together to create a simple image.

- To spin the disk

* One string is held in a hand, you rotate the disk to wind the string. Then you hang on to both strings and allow the disk to rotate. Softly stretching these strings will allow your disk to continue to unwind and rewind. Ultimately what is happening, is the disk is spinning in one direction and then spinning in the opposite direction.

The Thaumatrope does not create or produce animated scenes, it's mostly just produces an image. You would think that with this motion you would be able to create a scene of someone running or dancing. But it really only takes two images and combines them. Essentially it creates one still image.

Thamautrope became one of the first optical toys to create a true illusion of motion. It was introduced in the early 19th century. It was invented before cartoons and before claymations.

To make this item you would need the following items:

• A circular paper box, ex-cheese packages work well.
• White paper
• Rubber band
• Perforator punch
• An aluminum wire
• Straw
• Retractable knife
• Pair of scissors
• Marker Pen