Face Swap Illusion

Can your eyes trick you? See for yourself with this experiment that will leave you questioning what you’re seeing!

  1. Ages: 9 - 16

  2. 30 minutes - 1 hour

  3. A little messy

  4. Grownup needed

Tags:

Materials you'll need

Step-by-step tutorial

  • Step 1

    Gather your materials.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 1

  • Tip

    It’s easier to use reflective paper and scissors instead of a mirrored sheet and a craft knife, but the image reflected on the paper will be less clear than the sheet.

  • Step 2

    Flip a mirrored sheet over and draw a line every half-inch from left to right.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 2

  • Step 3

    Draw a line half an inch from the top of the paper, and another a full inch from the top of the paper. Repeat on the bottom.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 3

  • Step 4

    Shade in the lines as pictured.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 4

  • Step 5

    Use a craft knife to cut out the shaded areas. You may need a grown-up to assist you.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 5

  • Step 6

    Remove the bottom inch and a half of backing on two of the vertical strips. Then, stick a popsicle stick to each of the exposed strips. These will be your handles.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 6

  • Step 7

    Turn the sheet over and peel off the clear protective plastic.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 7

  • Step 8

    Hold the mirror in front of you. Then, have a friend stand behind the mirror.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 8

  • Step 9

    Tilt the mirror so that your faces line up. It may take some adjusting - be patient! What do you see?

    Photo reference of how to complete step 9

  • Learn moremagnifying icon graphic

    Experiment further by taking the mirror to a grassy field! How does this change your portrait?

You might also like

Top categoriesBurst graphic

Share what you made & tag us at!

;