Have you ever wanted to feel like you exist in a Sci-Fi world? Or make something that just seems impossible? With this DIY 3D Hologram you can! It is a simple at-home craft that will dazzle your friends and family.
Materials you will need for your 3D hologram:
- Printable template
- Transparency sheet
- Scissors
- Marker
- Ruler
- Smartphone or tablet
Steps to create your hologram:
Step 1: Trace the template using your marker and ruler.
Step 2: Make the cuts to your transparency sheet.
Step 3: Fold the edges to form a pyramid.
Step 4: Find an awesome 3D video online for your smartphone or tablet to project.
Step 5: Place the pyramid in the center of your device, get down to the same level as the device, watch, and enjoy!
It’s as simple as that to transform your ordinary device into an out-of-this-world experience. But how does it work?
How does the hologram work?
Optics are all about the manipulation of light with lenses, mirrors, and splitters. Light can bend, get absorbed, and reflect. When watching the video on your device, the light being emitted from the screen is mostly aimed straight up. Once the pyramid is added, the plastic that hangs over the images acts as a splitter. It allows light to both travel through it and get reflected at the same angle at which it enters. The four different sides will add the four images into the center, creating what looks like a 3D hologram!
We had way too much fun creating this 3D hologram projectors. Be sure to give this a try and let us know what you think! If you enjoyed making this hologram with your child, check out our 1-week and 2-week sessions at AstroCamp, our science, space, and adventure camp so they can continue their scientific pursuits!
