Illusions for Your Senses
Connect
These exhibits cause you to perceive things that aren’t there. Or are they?
Consider
- How does it feel to know that you are experiencing things differently than they actually are?
- Why do you think you fall for these tricks? Do you think it could be beneficial to have the reactions you do?
- Can you think of other times when you have been “tricked” by your own senses?
Exhibit: Hot-Cold Coils
Near the main office under the mezzanine
Try It!
Feel the middle of the coils. Then go back and feel the sides.
Notice how you respond to the sensations—your brain and skin are working together to determine what to feel.
Exhibit: Auditory Illusions
Upstairs in the back of the Listen section
Try It!
Listen to the four illusions.
Notice the link between the auditory system and the visual system and how sound, vision, and past experience work together to affect your perception of sound.
Exhibit: Bright Black
In the Seeing section in the back of the museum
Try It!
Flip up the cards one by one.
Notice how things change as you get more information. Once all four cards are shown, the first is seen as black and the others as progressively lighter shades. Our perception of color is affected by how objects are lit and by their surroundings.
