Project Guide · Light, Media & Animation
Phenakistoscope Spin Animation
Draw a sequence of small changes on a spinning disk to make a short animation appear through persistence of vision.
What You Will Create
A flexible, hands-on build.
Draw a sequence of small changes on a spinning disk to make a short animation appear through persistence of vision. 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
- Phenakistoscope templates
- Cardstock
- Markers or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Brass fasteners
- Dowels or pencils
- Mirror
Preparation
Before participants begin
Print templates on cardstock and prepare a completed example. Choose a template with a manageable number of frames for the group.
Supervise cutting and keep spinning disks away from faces. Secure the center fastener so it cannot fall out.
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
Choose one simple motion, such as a bouncing ball, blinking eye, or growing shape.
2. Build the foundation
Draw the starting pose in one frame and the ending pose several frames later.
3. Add the main feature
Fill the remaining frames with small, even changes that connect the motion.
4. Test and adjust
Cut out the disk and viewing slots, then attach it to a handle with a brass fastener.
5. Finish and reflect
Face the drawings toward a mirror, spin the disk, and look through the slots. Revise frames that appear to jump.
Keep Exploring
Try another direction
Use one of these extensions after the first version is working.
- Change the speed by spinning faster or slower.
- Use a repeating cycle that loops smoothly.
- Compare the device with modern frame-by-frame animation.
LEARNING CONNECTIONS
Ideas within the build
Find another project.
Return to the showcase to browse creative builds, science explorations, engineering challenges, and interactive digital experiences.