Experiencing 3D
Experience 3D with this fun activity.
OBJECTIVE
Students will learn how 3D works, and will build their own 3D glasses and red/blue 3D images in this science lesson that explores perspective.
MATERIALS
Elmer's X-treme School Glue Stick*, poster board (cut into large triangles), scissors, sheets of red and blue acetate, template for eyeglasses, digital camera, computer, photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop
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SET UP AND PREPARE
- Begin this lesson by creating a red/blue 3D image. As a class, choose a subject, preferably a still object. Take a photo of the object, then move the camera over three inches and take the photo again.
- Next, download the two photos to a computer and load them in a photo-editing software. Once both pictures are open, convert them to grayscale.
- Convert the right photo back to red, green, and blue (RGB) by clicking "image" on the menu bar, selecting "mode," and then "RGB."
- Next, find the "channels" tab and select the red channel by clicking on the word "red."
- Next, select the left photo and copy it. This will be the "blue" image. Return to the right photo and hit "paste."
- To merge the left and right images, go to the "channels" palette and click on the box next to "RBG". An eye should appear in all four channels. The images on your screen should appear to be mostly black and white, with red and blue outlines (or "halos).
- Align the two images of the object you photographed. Use the "move" tool and arrow keys to move the red image until it is aligned with the blue. The outlines or "halos" should be mostly removed from around your subject.
- Lastly, crop the image to the size you would like it to be, and hit "save."
DIRECTIONS
1. Explain to your students that you are now ready to make the 3D glasses. Distribute large triangles that have been cut out from poster board. Also give students a template to trace for the glasses.
2. Instruct students to trace the glasses shape on the poster board triangles. Then have students cut out the glasses, including the eye holes.
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3. Next, have students cut out squares of red and blue acetate sheets. Using Elmer's X-treme School Glue Stick, glue the red (left) and blue (right) acetate squares behind the eyeholes in the glasses so they cover the spaces completely.
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