1.SEEING CAN BE MAKING MISTAKES

In order to understand what we see, we use our eyes and our brain. Sometimes, our brain misunderstands the message which comes from our eyes and we 'see' something different from what is really there. We call this an 'optical illusion'.

2.SEEING IS MAKING DESIGNS

We find it easier to make patterns between shapes which are close together.

3.SEEING IS FILLING IN THE GAPS

When we read a sentence which has a word missing we try to guess what could be in the gap. In the same way, when we see only part of an object, we try to guess what the rest of the object is.

4.SEEING IS MAKING CONNECTIONS

When we see objects we try to make sense of them. When we look at patterns of dots or lines we like to find connections between them.

5.TRICKS OF THE LIGHT

Sometimes, nature can trick our eyes. Mirages, which many people have seen, are another trick of the light. Mirages happen when light passes from hot air to cold air or from cold air to hot air. This bends the light and causes an object to appear much closer than it really is. People who travel in deserts often see mirages of water and trees. People who live in cold climates often see mirages of buildings. We can take photographs of mirages because the image is 'real'.