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Make Your Own Kaleidoscope

What is a kaleidoscope, and how does it use light?

Goal:

Goal:

A kaleidoscope is an instrument that has colorful pieces of materials, usually glass, at the end of a tube. When you look into the tube as you hold it up to the light and rotate it, you see beautiful, changing patterns of colors and shapes. Try this activity to discover the principle of light that explains beautiful kaleidoscopes.

animated kaleidoscope

Activity (optional)

Most kaleidoscopes are made of metal or wood, and have glass and mirrors inside. But you can make a simple kaleidoscope out of a cardboard tube and beads, and still have fantastic results! Download this activity sheet for the instructions.