Kaleidoscopes are classic children's toys used for creating multiple mirror images through a tube, often filled with shiny beads and glitter to enhance the mirror effect. While commercially made kaleidoscopes are available, making one at home is simple and can be done using common household items. With a little help from mum and dad, kids can also make their own kaleidoscopes and impress their friends at school.
Instructions
1. Draw a rectangle ¾" wide along the longest part of the three CDs-this is directly below the CD's center hole.
2. Score the line of the rectangles with the ruler and a sharp knife, then cut the rectangles out with the scissors. These will be the mirrors of the kaleidoscope.
3. Arrange the three rectangles into a tubular triangle, with the reflective surfaces facing inwards. Secure them with the rubber bands in this shape, and check that they fit neatly inside the plastic piping. Tape the triangle securely with sticky tape once the fit is perfect.
4. Measure the tube against the length of the mirrors, and cut the tube with the handsaw so that it is 1" longer than the length of the triangle of CD mirrors.
5. Saw off a further ¾" piece of tubing from the sized tube to make the lens section that holds the decoration items.
6. Sand the ends of the tubing so that it is smooth and even, and that the pieces fit neatly together at the ends.
7. Place the lens section on the transparency sheet and trace it 3 times onto the transparency. Cut out these 3 circles with the scissors.
8. Glue one circle to the end of the larger kaleidoscope tube for the end. Glue a second transparent circle to one side of the lens piece of tube. Leave to dry.
9. Fill the lens piece with the decoration items once the glue is dry. These can be shiny beads, glitter, confetti or any shiny, transparent item. Glue the remaining transparency circle onto the other end of the lens piece of tubing, sealing in all of the small decoration pieces. Let the glue dry.
10. Slide the CD mirror triangle into the longer piece of tubing, right to the end with the transparency glued onto it.
11. Glue the lens piece onto the open end of the kaleidoscope, sealing the mirrors inside. Leave it to dry before using.
