Project Guide · Light, Media & Animation
Pepper’s Ghost Illusion
Use a clear angled surface and a bright image to create the appearance of a floating figure while investigating reflection and light.
What You Will Create
A flexible, hands-on build.
Use a clear angled surface and a bright image to create the appearance of a floating figure while investigating reflection and light. The guide can be adapted for families, classrooms, clubs, or drop-in learning spaces.
Light, Media & Animation · Flexible group size · Easy to extend
Project Media
See the project take shape.
Project photo and video coming soon
Get Ready
Supplies and preparation
Supplies
Gather these materials
- Clear plastic or acetate
- Printed cutting template
- Tape
- Small images or figures
- Tablet or phone for a shared demonstration
- Dark paper or box
Preparation
Before participants begin
Pre-test the template with the devices available. Prepare a dark viewing area and a high-contrast looping image for the demonstration.
Use flexible plastic rather than glass. Smooth or tape sharp plastic edges and limit extended viewing on shared screens.
Build Guide
Follow the steps
Test as you build. Small revisions are part of the process and help participants understand why the final design works.
1. Plan and prepare
Trace and cut the clear plastic template, including the tabs used to join the shape.
2. Build the foundation
Fold along the marked lines and tape the final seam to create the reflector.
3. Add the main feature
Place the reflector at the correct angle over or in front of the bright image.
4. Test and adjust
Darken the surrounding area and adjust screen brightness, distance, and viewing position.
5. Finish and reflect
Observe where the floating reflection appears and revise the angle for a clearer image.
Keep Exploring
Try another direction
Use one of these extensions after the first version is working.
- Test different background colors and image brightness levels.
- Draw a four-view animation designed for the reflector.
- Diagram the path light follows from the screen to the viewer.
LEARNING CONNECTIONS
Ideas within the build
Learning Connections
Ideas within the build
Reflection, angles, light paths, optical illusions, prototyping, and media design.
Facilitator Note
Make the process visible
Ask participants to predict what will happen, test one change at a time, and explain what they revised. Photograph early and final versions so the improvement process becomes part of the project story.
Find another project.
Return to the showcase to browse creative builds, science explorations, engineering challenges, and interactive digital experiences.