-: MAKING A KALEIDOSCOPE :-

It is an optical instrument that forms beautiful patterns, It contains two mirrors which meet at an angle of 600. Light from coloured objects placed near the mirrors-bounces between them to form several reflections. The most fascinating aspect about the kaleidoscope is that you never get the same pattern twice. Designers of wall papers and fabrics make use of this instrument to get ideas for new patterns.

*** MATERIALS REQUIRED ***

• Take two rectangular strips of mirrors identical in size about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. Take one cardboard piece of the same size as the mirror strips. Join the mirrors and the cardboard together to form a long triangular tube. The slivered sides of the mirrors should face inward. The angles between them will be 600. This angle will produce six symmetrical patterns.

• Cut a piece of tracing paper or plastic paper to fit over one end of the triangular tube and glue or tape It in place. 

• Take about 7-8 pieces of bangles of different colours. Put these coloured pieces In the tube. Then hold the tube upright so that the pieces rest on the tracing paper. 

•  Look down into the tube and see the pattern formed. The end of the triangular tube near the eye can be closed by a transparent plastic sheet or glass sheet. The pattern will consist of 6 IdentIcal sections. Shake the kaleidoscope to change the patterns.