Color Constrast
You see an image where there are two regions that look like the color is different.
When you overlay a mask that blocks out other parts of the image except those two regions, you can see that the color is the same.
Background
Our brain interprets the information that comes from our eyes, so color perception is subjective and depends on context. For example, if your brain understands that part of an image is in shadow, you will interpret colors in the shadowed region differently than in a lit region. Sometimes the contrast of surrounding colors changes your perception of a color.
This type of optical illusion can happen when people put on makeup, to make their eye color look brighter or darker, or a slightly different shade. Sometimes the color of a person's clothes can also change the apparent color of their eyes.
Materials
- these image files
- cardstock (optional)
- a color printer
- scissors, or a utility knife and a metal ruler
- 5 mil lamination sheets, and a laminator (optional)
Construction Instructions
Download the image files, and print some or all of them using a color printer. (You can use black and white for the masks.)
Carefully cut out the windows in each mask. Young kids should use scissors. Adults or older kids can get cleaner results using a utility knife and a metal ruler
You can use regular paper for your images. But, if you want your exhibit to last, print the images on cardstock, and laminate them (after cutting the windows).