Spooky Science #2 - Ghost in the Castle

We had our second spooky science experiment today! :)

Equipment: This photo...

If you have need of a larger photo click HERE.

Instructions:

You can of course SEE the black ghost, but did you know a white ghost will also haunt these ruins? In order to see him you must stare fixedly at the black ghosts mouth in bright light for 1 minute. After a minute you will need to quickly look in the doorway of the castle and you should see the white ghost. :)

How it works:

When you are looking at the black ghost part of your retina is NOT exposed to the light from the black surface. The rest of your optic nerves are LIKE WHOA and dazzled by the bright paper and they tire very quickly. When you look in the doorway of the castle the tired optic nerves do not see the white of the paper to its full brightness. They see it as more grey. The rest, on the other hand, see the white tint of the paper all the more clearly now. An exchange of black and white surfaces is produced and you can now see a white ghost! Once the nerves adjust themselves the white ghost disappears.

I had the boys sit on the couch under a light. Elijah could see it, but Remy couldn't.

He still couldn't see it, no matter what we did!

Once I had it on the computer I think the bright light from the computer helped his retinas see it better. Just some tips for those with younger children. The computer enabled us to see the ghost more clearly on the walls, ceiling, etc.

Have fun!