When Science Spins: Making Living Illusions with Thaumatropes

Hosted by Wildflower Data and Learning
Ages 8 and up | Family-Friendly Workshop

Discover the magic where art meets science!
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring thaumatropes—classic spinning toys that make two images blend into one. It’s the perfect way to uncover how our eyes and brain work together to create motion.

• The science of optical illusions and persistence of vision
• How early toys like thaumatropes inspired modern animation
• The connection between biology and perception—how we see movement

• Design and build their own custom thaumatrope
• Test how speed and direction change what we see
• Take home their creation to keep the science spinning!

This workshop blends creativity, discovery, and hands-on science. Perfect for curious minds aged 8 and above—and fun for adults, too!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

SEEDS, 706 Gilbert Street, Durham, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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