OPTICAL TOYS

FLIP BOOK- A Pocket Movie

A flip book consist of a set of still pictures showing progressive stages of movement. Each is picture is drawn near the edge of the index card so that when the cards are stacked evenly and flipped with the thumb, a moving image can be seen.

You will need:

• a stack of 3”x5” blank index cards
• a thick rubber band to hold the cards together
• a black magic marker (if you want to add color, darker colors work best)

Helpful Hint: It may help to sketch out your movie idea before drawing your pictures on the index cards.

Directions

With your idea in mind, draw each stage of the movement or action on a separate index card until your movie is complete. Try to make the gradual movement changes in your drawings from picture to picture (see below).

It takes about 16 flip cards to make one second of movie. Make sure you have enough cards and drawings to make your movie last at least a few seconds. You may want to use between 30-50 cards.

It is possible to make 4 flip books from each set of cards. First put the rubber band in the middle of the stack. Then draw movies on both sides of the cards and at both ends (facing opposite ways) of the stack.