Have you ever looked through a kaleidoscope? Do you know what makes all of those beautiful patterns you see? Maybe you've already guessed that it's all done with mirrors!
Here are instructions on how to make a simple kaleidoscope:
What you'll need:
Three rectangular mirrors of the same size
Cardboard tube that the mirrors will fit into (same length as the mirrors)
Foam peanuts (optional)
Tape
Clear plastic wrap (4 inches or 10 cm square)
Wax paper (4 inches or 10 cm square)
Rubber band
Small beads, sequins, or scraps of colorful paper
Tape the three mirrors together (reflective sides facing in) on the long sides to make a trianglar mirror tube. Slide the triangle into the cardboard tube. If the mirrors are loose, pack some foam peanuts around them. Take a minute to look through the mirror tube at things in the room around you. How do they look?
Place one end of the tube on a table. Cover the open end with the clear plastic wrap, and push down to make a little pouch. Add the beads, sequins, or colored paper to the pouch, making sure that they don't fall into the tube. Put the piece of wax paper over the pouch, then fasten the plastic wrap and wax paper with a rubber band. Make sure that the colorful bits can move around. It's probably best to have someone help with this step. Hold the kaleidoscope up to one eye, and slowly turn the tube. Can you see all of the wonderful patterns?
You can trim the plastic wrap and wax paper, and decorate your kaleidoscope if you want.
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