Make kaleidoscope - instructions to make yourself

The kaleidoscope is a fascinating toy for children, which also gives adults a lot of fun. It was already known to the ancient Greeks and has fascinated young and old for many centuries. In principle, it is a tube that provides the most breathtaking shapes and colors. Even physicists have fun with this phenomenon. In our guide we introduce you to simple ways to self-build the kaleidoscope.

The kaleidoscope is a tube, which usually has a length of 12 to 15 centimeters. At one end of the tube are small and colorful objects, which provide for the play of colors. In the tube itself mirror strips are attached, through which the mirror images are mirrored again and again. The result is changing and sparkling pictures. In many cases, the upper part of the tube is still movable, so that the effect amplifies. In addition to this classic version of the kaleidoscope, it is also possible to work with a liquid and floating objects. However, this variant requires a particularly stable form and has a higher weight. When making your own, therefore, mainly air-filled variants are used.

A simple kaleidoscope, in the form of a prism with a triangular base

You need to make these materials for yourself:

• 1 DIN A4 sheet of cardboard (should be stable and firm)
• greaseproof paper
• Mirror foil (best self-adhesive)
• Cling film
• Cutter knife
• Cutting board
• paper scissors
• nail scissors
• adhesive film
• Gemstones or colorful beads
• pencil
• ruler

The step-by-step instructions

Step 1:
First of all, you need to cut the foundation for the mirrors. Take the box and cut out a 12 cm x 18 cm rectangle. Draw this out using the ruler.

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Tip: The easiest way is to use one corner of the box from the starting point. This will give you one of the four right angles of the rectangle. With the help of a Geodreieck you can make the other corners also in the 90 degree angle. But almost any other object with a right angle can serve as a template for construction. Among other things, a sheet of paper is suitable.

Step 2: The mirror foil must be the same size as the rectangle just cut out. Therefore cut the foil too.

Step 3: Glue the mirror foil on the cardboard. Make sure there is good coverage between the two rectangles.

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4th step: Next, the individual mirrors are brought to the appropriate size. Cut the rectangle into three strips. Each strip must have a width of 4 centimeters.

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Tip: The easiest way is to draw the lines and cut them very evenly.

5th step: After the strips are cut, they are joined together again with adhesive film. Lay the strips side by side and connect them at the interfaces with the tape.

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Step 6: Since it is a movable rectangle, you can now put it in the shape of a triangular tube. Close the last open edge with adhesive film so that the "prism" gains in stability.

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Step 7: Stretch one piece of transparent film over one end of the resulting "tube". Fix the edges with another piece of adhesive film. Make sure that the film rests smoothly.

Step 8: Now you have to make a lid for the tube, including a peephole. To do this, place the tube on the cardboard. The open side should be down. Draw the outline of the triangle on the ground. Next, cut out the triangle. In the middle of the figure, you must then cut a small hole.

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Tip: The nail scissors are particularly suitable for this because of the small size.

Step 9: Now attach the triangle to the tube using adhesive tape.

10th step: Now another rectangle is needed. Take this out of the box. It must have a size of 5 cm x 13, 5 cm.

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Step 11: Divide the rectangle into three strips. Each strip must have a width of 4.5 centimeters.

Step 12: Also join the strips together again to form a triangle tube.

Step 13: The last tinkered tube now serves as a template. Draw the outline on the parchment paper. You need to extend the sides to get the right fit. The extensions later represent adhesive tabs.

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Step 14: Now you have to bend over the adhesive tabs and put them over the short tube. Then make some strips of adhesive film for sufficient attachment.

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Step 15: Now take the gemstones or beads and pour them into the short tube.

16th step:
Finally, you have to slide the short tube over the long tube (at the end of the transparent film).

How to use the kaleidoscope ">

Tip: Turn the kaleidoscope, then the pearls in the tube roll and through the reflections always new formations arise.