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In this activity, learners discover that it's difficult to distinguish between two different shades of gray when they aren't separated by a boundary. Learners will be surprised when two slightly different shades of the same color look different if there is a sharp boundary between them. But if the boundary is obscured, the two shades appear indistinguishable. Use this activity to help learners explore how the eye-brain system condenses information through a process called lateral inhibition.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 5 to 10 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- A sheet of Pantone™ 404 u-g graduated paper, uncoated (available at art supply stores in 20 x 24 inch sheets)
- Cardboard or masonite
- A horse tail made of a length of hanging yarn, twine, or rope
- A sheet of white paper
- A hole punch
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Glue or tape
- Adult help
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Body
- The Brain and Nervous System
-
Human Senses and Perception
- Vision
- Perception
-
Human Body
-
Physical Sciences
-
Vibration and Waves
- Light and Optics
-
Light and Optics
- Reflection and Refraction
- Sunlight and Color
-
Vibration and Waves
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The Exploratorium,
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation
- California Department of Education
- NEC Foundation of America