How to Create 3D Glasses

3D glasses allow your eyes to each see a slightly different version of the same picture. Your brain then combines these different views into one image. This makes the picture appear to be three-dimensional. You can use 3D glasses to view films or television shows made specifically with this effect. Without the special glasses, the pictures you're trying to see are out of focus.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Download the pattern for your 3D glasses from the NASA website. Copy the pattern onto a piece of poster board and cut out the two side pieces that fit over your ears. Also cut the front piece that fits over your nose, remembering to cut openings for the lenses.

2. Glue or tape the pieces together. Fold the forward edge of the ear pieces in slightly to attach them to the front piece of your 3D glasses.

3. Trace one eye hole onto a piece of red acetate and one onto a piece of blue acetate. Cut out pieces that are slightly larger than the pattern, and attach one piece of acetate to each eye opening on your 3D glasses.

Tips & Warnings

• You can vary your patterns slightly to come up with a wide range of 3D glasses styles. This is helpful when you're making the glasses with a group.
• Decorate your 3D glasses to make them unique. You can add color to the frames with markers or paint, or add sequins or beads to make them stand out even more.
• Avoid taping or decorating over the lenses of your 3D glasses. You need a clear view of the images you're trying to convert to one picture.

Resources

• Download a pattern for 3D glasses from this NASA website.
• Find kid's 3D glasses at this U.S. Geological Survey website.