The brain works in really mysterious ways. Our eyes receive light waves that project images onto our retina (upside down and backwards) and then manage to transmit those signals through the optic nerve out the back of the eye and into the brain. The brain then decodes those signals to say "that is an apple" or "the sky is blue", or "that rat is carrying a slice of pizza up the stairs."
But sometimes the brain doesn't always get it right. Sometimes our eyes can trick our brains into seeing things that aren't really true. These are called optical illusions and they are so fun!
What Makes Optical Illusions So Fun?
Optical illusions happen when our brain tries to make sense of visual information that doesn’t match up. The brain is a master at interpreting sensory data, but it relies on patterns, expectations, and shortcuts to make sense of what we see. When these shortcuts get in the way or don’t apply, we’re left with illusions—images that seem to defy reality!
Take a look at this image showing three human figures, which one looks the biggest??
I bet you said the one on the far right. You brain in taking in clues on perspective from the surrounding grid and making assumptions. Would you believe me if I said they are actually all the same size? No? Good answer. Let's prove it.
Okay here is another one. Which line looks longer?
I know, I know. The top one looks longer. But you are onto me now. Let's prove that wrong.
Yep, they are the same length! AGAIN!!
Okay, last one. Which arc shape looks bigger? (Imagine a line through the two circles)
You might be thinking the bottom one looks longer but by now you know you can't believe your eyes!!
THEY ARE THE SAME SIZE AGAIN!
Why We Love Testing These Tricks
These illusions are not only fun but also a fantastic way to get kids thinking critically about what they see. After all, when students realize that their brain doesn’t always “get it right,” it opens up all kinds of opportunities for exploration.
The attached worksheet is designed to bring these concepts to life, especially for younger learners. By measuring and comparing elements within these illusions, students can see for themselves how perspective and proportion play into what we think we’re seeing. This exercise not only sharpens math skills, like measurement and spatial reasoning, but also teaches an essential lesson about perception: that seeing isn’t always believing!
So go ahead, take a closer look! Optical illusions are a reminder of how complex and creative our brains really are—and how much fun we can have while learning.
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