Build Your Own Kaleidoscope

This activity is ideal for elementary and middle school students!

Materials:

• Cardboard tube

• Drinking straw

• Thick paper, like cardstock 

• Mirror paper or aluminum foil

• Markers or colored pencils

• Clear tape

• Scissors

Directions: Cut mirror paper to 10 cm x 3.5 cm. OR, if you’re using aluminum foil, cut thick paper to 10 cm x 3.5 cm. Wrap aluminum foil tightly around each rectangle, shinier side out and tape.

Line up the 3 strips you created, shiny side down, with a tiny space between each and tape.

Lift the two outer sides to form a triangle with the shiny side of the mirror inside and tape the final side, forming a triangular prism.

Cut your cardboard tube to 10 cm long and slide the prism into the tube.

Cut thick paper into a 9cm diameter circle.

Decorate the circle with whatever colors or patterns you desire! Try making multiple!

Cut a small hole in the center of your circle the size of your straw.

Cut your straw in half and tape it to the outside of the paper towel roll with a bit hanging off the edge.

Slide the coaster onto the end of the straw.

Look through your new kaleidoscope and enjoy!

Idea by: Daniel Boone Regional Library