What is a Kaleidoscope? A kaleidoscope is a type of toy that allows you to see colorful patterns when you look inside. These patterns are created by the reflection of light from mirrors inside the kaleidoscope. The patterns change as the kaleidoscope is moved. The kaleidoscope was invented by the Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster in 1816 while he was conducting research.
Materials:
Three rectangular mirrors of the same size, clear plastic (you can use a nylon bag), tracing paper, adhesive tape, cardboard, scissors, pencil, small shapes cut from colored paper.
1: Tape the long edges of the mirrors together. However, make sure that the reflective surfaces of the mirrors are facing each other when you do this.
2: Place the mirrors vertically on a piece of cardboard and trace around them. Cut out this shape with scissors.
3: Tape the cardboard to the middle of the mirrors. Punch a hole in the middle of the cardboard.
4: Place the mirrors vertically on a piece of plastic and a piece of tracing paper, and trace around them. Cut both out with scissors.
5: Tape the plastic and tracing paper together at two edges to form an envelope. Place the colored papers inside. Tape the third edge as well.
6: Place the envelope, filled with colored paper, onto the open side of the mirror, with the tracing paper side facing outwards.
7: Turn this side towards the light and look through the eyepiece. The mirrors reflect the shapes formed by the colored paper as patterns. You will see the patterns change as you turn the kaleidoscope.
