How to Look Through a Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscopes produce beautiful and creative images when you look through them. Whether you want to look through one that you've bought or one you've made, you can experience the beauty for yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Hold the eye opening of the kaleidoscope up to one of your eyes. Shut your other eye.

2. Direct the kaleidoscope toward a light. This will illuminate the colors and patterns within the device. With some kaleidoscopes, you may want to use indirect light rather than direct sunlight, which can be too hot for the contents of the kaleidoscope.

3. Turn the kaleidoscope to change the images. The kaleidoscope will turn somewhere between the eyepiece and the end of the unit, although its exact positioning may differ. You can feel where to turn with your hands.

4. Take pictures of the kaleidoscope images with a digital camera for more extensive looks at the patterns you create. You'll produce beautiful images that can be framed and get a chance to see how the kaleidoscope works by letting the camera look for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn the science behind the kaleidoscope and try creating your own to look through. Knowing how the mirrors can create different looks can help you appreciate the art and science of creating a kaleidoscope. You can even try your hand at creating your own designs once you understand the basics.