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Perception

Out of Sight, Top of Mind

by Exploratorium Staff • June 4, 2015

MIT cognitive scientist and Exploratorium Osher Fellow Aude Oliva researches what makes a photo memorable.

Science activity that transmits sounds through your body instead of the air
Radiohead

Listen to the radio in an unconventional way.

Science activity that demonstrates sound localization
Stereo Sound

Locating the source of a sound is mostly a matter of timing.

Science activity to play music by wrapping a string around your head
Head Harp

Wrap a string around your head and pluck to play music.

Science activity that demonstrates how differently shaped ears affect your hearing
Designer Ears

See how differently shaped ears affect your hearing.

Science activity that demonstrates effect of color filters on perception
Color Table

Color your perception.

Science activity that demonstrates color perception illusion
Color Contrast

A colored object may look different against different-colored backgrounds.

Science activity that demonstrates light interference in soap
Soap Film on a Can

Why do we see colors in soap bubbles?

Thought Crimes
Thought Crimes

Could your own brain betray you?

Science activity that demonstrates smell's effect on taste
Your Sense of Taste

Discover the real taste of candy.

Science activity that demonstrates persistence of vision
Whirling Watcher

Short bursts of moving images produce some interesting effects.

Science activity that demonstrates visual perception of faces
Michelle O (formerly Vanna)

A face seen upside down may hold some surprises.

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