Describe the Construction of a Kaleidoscope

1. Three rectangular plane mirror strips (usually 15 cm long and 4 cm wide).
2. A hollow cardboard tube (slightly longer than the mirrors).
3. Transparent glass/plastic sheet and a frosted (translucent) glass sheet.
4. Small pieces of coloured glass, beads, or broken bangles.
5. Tape and a cardboard disc with a small hole (for viewing).

Step 1: Making the Prism Take the three rectangular mirror strips and join them together lengthwise using tape to form a hollow triangular prism. Ensure the shiny, reflecting sides are facing inwards.

Step 2: Fitting in the Tube Slide this triangular mirror prism inside the circular cardboard tube.

Step 3: The Viewing End Close one end of the tube with a cardboard disc. Pierce a small hole in the centre of this disc so you can look inside.

Step 4: The Object Chamber At the other end of the tube, fix a circular transparent glass sheet touching the mirrors. Place the small coloured beads and broken bangles on it. Finally, close this end with the frosted (translucent) glass piece. Leave enough space between the two glasses so the beads can move freely.

When you look through the hole and point the frosted glass towards the light while slowly rotating the tube, the coloured pieces tumble around. The three mirrors create multiple reflections of these pieces, forming endless, beautiful, symmetrical patterns. You never see the exact same pattern twice!