This activity teaches children about the phenomenon of 'continuity of vision' in which the eye continues to see an image of an object even after the object has been removed. Encourage children to construct other images that depend on strong contrasting colours and ask them how the after image changes.

What this activity will develop:
Science and art skills

What you'll need:

• Flat white box with lid
• Black paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Drawing paper
• Markers

Setting up:

1. Cut the black paper to fit inside the box bottom. Glue the paper in place.
2. Draw a simple picture on the drawing paper. Use bright colours.
3. Cut out the picture, and place it on the black paper.
4. Put the box and lid side by side.

What to do:

1. Stare at the picture for at least 30 seconds.
2. Then stare at the white space in the box lid. What do you see?
3. Try looking at a yellow shape on the black paper. Is the after-image violet? Violet is the complementary colour of yellow. Try a red shape and a blue shape. What colour are the after-images?
4. Can you predict what you will see? Try making designs, such as the Union Jack, in colours that will make the after image look like the real thing.

Always make sure there is adult supervision when scissors are used.

Select more skills:
• Listening Skills
• Math Skills
• Motor Skills Help
• Science Fun
• Reading Skills
• Vocabulary Builder

Back to Skill Builder main page