Is that ball really floating over the paper? Students will learn how to create the illusion of a floating sphere, complete with shading and shadow, on a specially-designed 2D printout. 

We'll begin by using a Power Point presentation to examine a variety of common optical illusions and sidewalk art and what makes them work. Then, using a document camera, students will follow my demonstration of how to shade in areas of their printed 2-D drawing. Then we'll learn how to cut it out and view it from the correct angle. This will give the dramatic illusion of a 3-dimensional ball floating over the paper. 

Finally, I will show them how to photograph the completed project with a phone camera. Having a photo of the sphere not only enhances the illusion experience, but it will allow them to amaze their friends! To complete this part of the project, students should have access to a phone or tablet camera.