How to Make a Thaumatrope

A thaumatrope is the simplest of all animation devices. By drawing a picture on either side of a card and then spinning it you will see that they seem to blend together. When you spin the card quickly the images will seem to blend together to make one single image.

Now make a new thaumatrope...maybe a bumblebee. But this time draw the whole bumblebee. On one side draw his wings low and high on the other. Now spin your thaumatrope; this time slowly. Does it look like his wings are moving?

You can make all kinds of little movies with thaumatropes. Just use your imagination. Have fun!