How to Make a Toy Telescope

A toy telescope can be a fun source of discovery for any elementary-age child. Not only can it be an introduction to astronomy, but it will be used in countless other games. The process is simple; getting the lenses is the hardest part.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard tube (e.g. from gift wrap or paper towels)
• Two plastic lenses
• Craft glue

Instructions

1. Get the lenses. Finding lenses good enough to make a decent telescope and sturdy enough to put in a child's toy is difficult. One method is to buy cheap toy magnifying glasses and use the lenses from them.

2. Put one lens in each end of the cardboard tube.

3. Look through the tube. If the image is blurry, adjust the distance between the two lenses until the image becomes reasonably clear.

4. Cut or peel off the excess of the cardboard tube.

5. Glue the lenses in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't work too hard to get a perfect image. The quality of lens you want in a child's toy won't produce clear pictures.