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Description

Squirrels explore how their eyes can be tricked by optical illusions. They look at three different pictures and decide which shape or line looks bigger or smaller, before checking by measuring to see what’s really true. This activity encourages observation, discussion, and curiosity, while reinforcing the idea that measuring helps us check our guesses.

Resources

3 printed optical illusion images (A4, laminated if possible)
One optical illusion that requires cutting out pieces
Scissors (adult use only)
Rulers or measuring tapes
Flat surface (floor or table)
Paper and pen to note results

Instructions

Setup
Print and prepare the three optical illusion pictures.

Illusions like:
-Müller-Lyer
-Ebbinghaus
-Ponzo
-Jastrow


Pre-cut the illusion that requires cutting or explain that an adult will cut it during the activity.
Place rulers or measuring tapes nearby.

Activity
Show the first optical illusion to the group.

Ask:
“Which one looks bigger?”
“Which one looks smaller?”
Let the Squirrels vote by pointing or raising hands.
Measure the shapes or lines together using a ruler.
Reveal the result and explain simply:
“They look different, but they are actually the same!”
Cutting Illusion (Adult-Led)
Show the illusion that needs cutting.
Explain that you will cut it to check properly.
Cut along the marked lines.
Place the pieces next to each other to compare.
Let the Squirrels see clearly that they match.

Reflection
“Were your eyes right or wrong?”
“Why do you think it looked different?”
“What helped us find the real answer?”

Tags

• curiosity
• Discussion
• measuring
• observation
• Problem solving

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