Holo There! Create Your Own 3D Magic!
Get ready to bring videos to life with your very own 3D hologram projector!
This hands-on activity combines creativity, science, and precision as you craft a futuristic gadget from scratch. Watch as holograms float and dance before your eyes—it's like holding a piece of the future in your hands!
Before You Begin
- Make sure all Scouts and adults understand the safety precautions.
- Gather all materials needed for the activity, ensuring tools like utility knives are used under supervision.
- Prepare safety equipment such as gloves and safety glasses to avoid accidents.
- Set up a clean, well-lit workspace with plenty of room for everyone.
What You’ll Need
- 25 cm long x 5.25 cm high x 2 mm thick acrylic sheet
- Utility knife
- Metal ruler
- Pliers
- Tape
- Smartphone or tablet
- Access to hologram videos (e.g., YouTube)
- Safety glasses
The Activity
Step 1: Prepare the Acrylic Sheet
- Keep the protective paper on to prevent scratches.
- Using a template or ruler, mark out four trapezoid panels on the protective paper.
- Shortest side: 1 cm
- Angled sides: 6 cm each
- Longest side: 8 cm
Step 2: Score and Snap
- Score along the marked lines with the utility knife at least 20 times for a deep groove.
- Use pliers to snap the acrylic cleanly along the scored lines.
Step 3: Assemble the Projector
- Peel off the protective paper.
- Arrange the panels into a pentagon shape with one panel missing, leaving 2 mm gaps between edges.
- Tape the panels together to form an inverted pyramid.
Step 4: Bring Your Hologram to Life
- Search for “Hologram Projector Video” on YouTube like this one
- Place the small edge of your projector on the screen, aligning it with the images.
- Watch as your hologram floats in 3D!
Reflection
- Did your hologram work as expected? What adjustments could improve the design?
- What was the most challenging part of creating the projector?
- How does this activity help you understand light and refraction?