How to make a kaleidoscope

The kaleidoscope is one of the best known toys in the world. It is a tube that contains three mirrors and there are several objects of colors and shapes. The images are multiplied symmetrically when you rotate the tube. Keep the kaleidoscope facing the light. Turn it slowly and you will see how the shapes change inside. Look at the following article, how to make a kaleidoscope.

• A piece of cardboard 8 cm long and 24 cm wide
• 3 mirrors 8 cm long and 6 cm wide
• A sheet of greaseproof paper
• A piece of cellophane paper
• Small pieces of colored paper, cellophane or drinking straws
• A pencil and a ruler
• Adhesive tape and scissors

one

To start, put a mirror on the cardboard and use it as a guide to draw three lines. On one side leave one 2 cm to form a kind of flap. Mark the lines using the scissors.

two

Then fold the cardboard through the lines. Glue the three mirrors to the cardboard with adhesive tape, leaving some small spaces between them, as you see in the drawing.

3

Fold the cardboard in a triangle shape with the mirrors inwards. Hold the flap with adhesive tape.

4

Then cut two pieces of greaseproof paper, a little larger than the base of the triangle. Place the triangle on one of the pieces. Fold the paper up and stick it to the sides with duct tape.

5

Cut the colored papers, cellophane or the straws into small pieces. Throw them inside the triangle as you see in the image.

6

Then drill a hole in the other piece of greaseproof paper and put the paper on top of the triangle. Fold it down and stick it to the sides with tape.

7

To finish, stick the piece of transparent cellophane to the top of the triangle, with adhesive tape, just over the hole, to prevent the pieces of colored paper from coming off.