Create a Hologram using CONNETIX

By Shahnee

Photo credit: home.educated.kids

What is a Hologram?

A hologram is an illusion where an image appears to float in the air. Still or moving images can be projected from a device so that they appear to be hovering. This illusion is best created through a transparent, 3D shape where an image is projected, and light is reflected and refracted to suspend the image. The terms reflection and refraction are often confusing, let’s explore what they mean, and how they are different:

Reflection: When light is bounced off an object, sending it in another direction, rather than being absorbed by the object.

Refraction: When the speed and direction of light changes when passing through one transparent object to another.

Holograms were first introduced as Pepper’s Ghost Effect in the 1860’s and gained popularity after they were introduced into theatre shows. This effect was created by using a large sheet of glass placed on an angle between a bright room and a darkened hidden room, since then the technology has evolved so that we can project images off absolutely anything at popular events, such as concerts. We can also project images in our very own homes using the principles of ray optics!

How to Make a Hologram using CONNETIX?

Goal
To create different holograms using CONNETIX.

Materials
● A dark room
● A flat surface
● A phone, ipad or laptop with a chosen image or video
● A range of clear magnetic tiles to make different 3D shapes

Steps

Step 1:

Build your projector model (a 3D shape) using clear tiles so that your image is able to reflect and refract light. You might like to build a:

Square based pyramid (a square base with 4 triangular sides)
Hexagonal prism (2 hexagon bases with 6 square sides)
Triangular prism (3 squares or rectangles placed in the formation of a triangle with 2 triangles as the bases for either end)

Make sure that your 3D model has tiles placed on an angle, just as the glass sheets were in Pepper’s Ghost Effect. You might like to think about 3D shapes such as a triangular prism or a square based pyramid.

*Keep in mind your model size might change depending on whether you use a phone or an ipad.

Step 2:

Choose your image or video. You could find an image or video on your device, online or hand draw something special. If you create your own personal image, take a photo and then upload it to your device. If you’re using an online video, search for ‘hologram videos’ and a range of options will appear.

Step 3:

Place your device on top of or below your model with the image/video on display or playing. It might help to turn the brightness up so your visual stands out.

Step 4:

Turn off the lights so that the room is very dark. It’s really important that there’s no other lights on or the hologram won’t work effectively.

Step 5:

View your 3D projector model at eye level to enjoy your own hologram! Move yourself around the model to view it at different angles.

Step 6:

Repeat with other moving and still images to see the wonder of your very own hologram!

Once children reach step 6 and have marveled at the various holograms they have created, encourage them to experiment and create different 3D shapes as their projector model. This could be done by using various shapes, sizes and coloured CONNETIX tiles to see how they affect the hologram.

How to Make a Hologram using CONNETIX?

Light is energy that travels in a straight line, but when something gets in its way it can either reflect or refract. That is, light can bounce off an object (reflection) or change speed or direction as it passes through an object (refraction). By building a four-sided pyramid and placing an image around it, whether it is moving or still, the sides of the pyramid work like mirrors to bounce the rays of lights and change their direction, projecting the image so it appears to hover in the air. The clear tiles ensure that the image is transparent and remains exactly as it is on the device.

Photo credit: life.with.the.three.giesis

Educational Benefits of Learning about Holograms:

Interactive learning and motor skills: Children are involved in hands-on learning where they create designs and explore the principles behind how and why a hologram works. They also continue to develop their motor skills when constructing their designs.

Problem solving and creativity: Children can explore a range of 3D designs and test whether they will display a hologram. They will be actively thinking about why some shapes will and won’t work to display a hologram, and will then alter their designs according to their experimentation.

Photo credit: mobiusplayroom

Cross-curriculum concepts: Children learn about concepts across different subject areas in one simple, engaging activity. For example:

Science – ray optics, including concepts such as reflection and refraction, plus writing or discussing a scientific procedure
Technology – experiment with technology to manipulate images, this may be through zooming in and out, rotating images and viewing them from different perspectives
Engineering – design different models and experiment with their effectiveness
Mathematics – 2D shapes that create a net, 3D shapes, angles within shapes, showing height, width and depth within images rather than a 2D image
Literacy – writing or discussing a procedural text regarding the experiment

Active engagement and retention: It is well known that when children are actively immersed in their learning, they retain information with a deeper level of understanding. By providing an activity such as this, one that supports learning across multiple subject areas, children are more likely to grasp their own understanding of the concepts involved in making a hologram. Not only this, but they are more likely to take an interest in other areas related to the topic, such as the history and developments of holograms over time.

How to Make a Hologram using CONNETIX?

Educational discussion points:

Do the angles of the pyramids change the hologram in any way? How so?
What is the ideal angle range? Why?
What is the ideal 3D shape or shapes for the projector? Why?
Are there any 3D shapes that don’t work? Why do you think this is?
What is reflection and refraction?
How do reflection and refraction play a role in a hologram?
Where else is light reflected and refracted in everyday life?
Where have you seen holograms or where could they be used in everyday life?
Does changing the colour of the tiles still have the same effect on the hologram? Why or why not?

Creating holograms is a fun activity that the whole family can get involved in and another way you can use your CONNETIX!

Shahnee

Shahnee is a primary school teacher who has a passion for supporting children to develop core literary and numeracy skills. She believes in creating a love for learning and fostering children's inquisitive, creative nature. She loves open ended play and believes it brings out everyone's inner child.

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