Solid Visions

What you need

• Stiff acetate or plastic wallet
• Scissors
• Tape
• Smartphone

Instructions

1. Using shiny, see-through plastic, cut out four identical pieces and tape them together to make a pyramid 6 cm on each side, with sloping edges 3.5 cm long and a 1 cm hole at the base
2. Search for "hologram videos" on your phone and switch one on – four moving objects will appear. Place the pyramid at the centre of them and turn off the lights

Results and Explanation

You should see a moving 3D image appear to float within the pyramid. Some light from each image is reflected off of the pyramid face nearest to it, making it look as if an object is floating inside the pyramid.

These experiments have not been specifically safety tested for home use but we believe them to be safe if the instructions are followed. Adult supervision or direction is recommended as appropriate. All experiments are carried out at your own risk.