How to Make a Kaleidoscope Image

Create a unique kaleidoscope image.

You can make your own kaleidoscope at home, using only a few household items and supplies from your local craft store. A kaleidoscope is a cylindrical tube that contains a triangular mirrored tube on the inside that reflects various colored shapes at the end of the cylindrical tube.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Felt-tipped pen
• Clear plastic report cover
• Scissors
• Clear tape
• Paper towel roll
• Construction paper (black)
• Pencil
• Clear plastic wrap
• Confetti
• Beads
• Sequins
• Waxed paper
• Small rubber band
• Stickers (optional)
• Crayons (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a ruler and felt-tipped pen to draw a 4 x 8 inch rectangle on a clear plastic report cover. Divide the rectangle lengthwise into four rectangles by drawing one line 1 inch from the top edge, a second line 1 inch down from that line and a third line 1 inch down from the second line.

2. Cut out the rectangle and fold it along the lines. This will create a triangular tube. Tape the remaining
   1-inch edge to the triangle tube to keep the tube closed.

3. Insert the triangular tube into the paper towel roll.

4. Trace around one end of the towel roll on the black construction paper and poke a hole in the center of the circle with a pencil. Make it exactly the diameter of the pencil. Cut the circle out of the construction paper. Tape the circle to one end of the roll.

5. Drape some plastic wrap over the opposite end of the towel roll, allowing it to droop in to create a slightly concave shape. Place a few pieces each of confetti, beads and sequins on top of the pouch.

6. Place a piece of waxed paper on top of the pouch and secure it tightly to the cylindrical tube with a rubber band.

7. Cut away remaining wax paper and plastic wrap.

8. Look through the hole in the black construction paper and roll the tube to view the kaleidoscope image.

Tips & Warnings

• Use crayons and stickers to decorate the outside of the kaleidoscope.

References

• Kids National Geographic: Be Dazzled - Make Your Own Kaleidoscope

Resources

• NG Kids: Like it? Make it!