Make a Halloween Window Thaumatrope optical illusion with this fun STEM template craft for kids. It’s a little bit spooky and a LOT of fun! Plus, they may even learn a thing or two with this project.
What’s Halloween without a little magic? Of course, science is logical “magic” that actually works, so it’s a bit of a blurry line here.
On one side of our spinning thaumatropes is a window. On the other, a golden moon or silhouette. When you spin the thaumatrope really fast by rolling the skewer between your palms, our eyes perceive both images as one combined scene.
Just like magic!
This template includes a colouring version as well as a full colour version. The illusion on the full colour version is more apparent, but the colouring version is more fun for kids.
I’ll leave it up to you which one you make.
If using the colour-your-own template, it’s important to stick to very bright colours that contrast with the black silhouette in the indoor scenes. I’ve used neon Sharpies with fluorescent ink for most of my thaumatropes.
Are you ready to make some Halloween magic?
How to make a Halloween Window Thaumatrope
You Will Need
- Card stock in white (or use paper)
- Bright coloured markers or highlighters if making the colouring version, plus a gradient of blues for the night sky.
- White paint pen (optional)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Wooden skewers
- Masking tape (painter’s tape)
- The Halloween Thaumatrope template, available in our printables store and also on ETSY
How To
Print the template to card stock.
If using the colouring version, colour the silhouette side of the thaumatrope in bright colours for an indoor scene, or a gradient of blues with a bright yellow moon for an outdoor scene. Add optional stars with a white paint marker or gel pen. Do not colour the window side.
Fold the page in half along the fold line and cut around the window shape while folded.
Unfold into a connected window and use masking tape to firmly attach the pointy end of the skewer to the centre of a window.
Glue the window closed with your glue stick.
Now you’re ready to spin and create an optical illusion!
More Halloween STEAM craft ideas
- Make a spooky ghost Pom Pom Popper
- These 3D Doodle Art Bats are super bright and colourful
- Our Monster Nightlights are so fun to make
