A kaleidoscope is an optical device that creates colorful and beautiful patterns due to multiple reflections in plane mirrors. It is a cylinder with three plane mirrors placed at an angle to each other, which reflects the objects inside the tube and creates symmetrical patterns when viewed from the other end. A kaleidoscope works on the principle of reflection. It is usually sold as a toy and has value for the designs. The designs/images are formed due to the inclined mirrors. When an object is placed in between these two mirrors, an image is formed. Each mirror is needed to be inclined at right angles so that each image is reflected in the other mirror forming an appearance of four symmetrically placed objects.
To make a kaleidoscope, you need see-through and colored plastic, one roll of masking or duct tape, overhead transparency paper, pencil, and three pieces of mirror perspex. The procedure involves placing the three pieces of mirrored perspex in the form of a triangle, taping them on the outside of the triangle, and then designing the kaleidoscope beautifully with colors, glitters, and so on.
Kaleidoscopes are used for entertainment and educational purposes. They can be used to teach children about the principles of reflection and symmetry.
