In The Eye of the Beholder (7.0)
Materials:
Optical Illusions Book
Optical Illusions poster set
Optical Illusions PowerPoint
http://jc-schools.net/\Dynamic/LA/activities/OpticalIllusions.ppt
Description:
By viewing optical illusions, students are focused on visual images instead of just the
text. This strategy will help students to realize that pictures also add meaning and
understanding to text.
Step-by-Step:
1. Tell participants that students often ignore or don’t consider pictures or other visual
images that accompany text. They do not realize that visual images often add to the main
idea or theme of the text. In this activity, students will focus only on visual images in
order to develop an appreciation of their importance.
2. Show one of the optical illusions posters. Ask the participants to view the poster
quietly and think about what they see. Remind them that there is no right or wrong
answer.
3. Take a poll of the different images that the participants see.
4. On the Post It pad, draw a bar graph that features the findings of the poll.
5. Show the participants other posters and discuss the different images that they see.
Guide the discussion so that participants brainstorm other ideas to use the posters and
book in their classrooms.
CONTENT STANDARD 7.0 MEDIA
Grade Level Expectations
 GLE 0301.7.1 Recognize that media can provide sources of information
and entertainment.
State Performance Indicators
• SPI 0301.7.1 Determine the main idea in a visual image.
Materials needed:
 The book Optical Illusions published by Scholastic
 Poster set Optical Illusions published by Scholastic
Assessment Activity Title: In the Eye of the Beholder
Description of Activity:
1. Show students a picture of an optical illusion. Discuss what students see
within the picture.
2. Take a poll of how many students see each various image.
3. Create a bar graph featuring the findings of the poll.
4. Provide pairs of students with copies of other illusions and have them
write about various images they see within the picture.
Assignment Extensions:
Have students bring into the classroom other optical illusions they may find in
books or magazines at home.