Introduction: DIY-Kaleidoscope

A simple yet powerful tool to explore the laws of reflection in elementary schools. A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument consisting of two or more reflecting surfaces, which create beautiful, fascinating, repeating patterns.

When white light hits the mirror surface, it gets reflected at an angle such that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Due to this multiple reflections of light, there is a creation of beautiful patterns.

Supplies

Here is a list of the tools and materials I used in this project:

1. A cardboard roll (the height of my cardboard roll is approx. 30 cm)

2. A glue gun

3. A bigger, transparent sheet

4. Small craft decorative balls or tiny objects of your choice

5. Three rectangular mirrors of equal size (The height of the mirrors that I have used is approx. 25 cm)

6. Craft paper and decorative tape to cover the cardboard roll

7. Scissor

Step 1: Prepare a Container

  • Take a cardboard roll and cut a portion. I have used a Cardboard roll of 30 cm, but you can take it of a smaller size as well.
  • Cut out two round circles in size of the roll. I have cut approx. 5cm.
  • To make a container of that portion glue the the tip of the roll with a glue gun, stick the transparent plastic sheet and let it dry.
  • Add beads or tiny objects of your choice.
  • Glue the other tip of the container and cover it with transparent sheet.
  • Cut the edges to form a circle and the container is ready.

Step 2: Build a Triangular Prism

  • Take three mirrors of equal size. The height of the mirrors that i have used is 25 cm. I went to a local mirror shop to cut the mirrors according to the size i required.
  • Make a triangular prism out of the three mirrors.
  • Use a tape to stick the mirrors.

Step 3: Combine All the Parts

  • Insert the triangular prism inside the cardboard roll and fix it with a glue gun.
  • Tape the container on one side of the roll.

Step 4: Decorate Your Kaleidoscope

  • I add a look beautiful I have decorated the tube with a color corrugated sheet and a decorative tape. Take any decorative tape and add it to the roll as an eyecatcher.

Step 5: Make an Eye Piece

  • The last, important step is to make an eyepiece.
  • Your beautiiful, fun kaleidoscope is now ready to use.

Step 6: A View of Beautiful Patterns in Your Hand

Turn the roll to see beautiful patterns appearing on one side. By doing so any kind of artistic activity fosters brain development by stimulating both the left and right hemispheres