Kids were learning about Kaleidoscope. This optical instrument allows us to create random symmetrical patterns in a tube with mirrors inside.

After brief theory explanation about Kaleidoscope and what it does, children took off with enthusiasm.

Some parts were bit tricky, so the younger makers needed some help, but they all constructed a real optical instrument and were sharing with friends the unique images that it allowed them to generate.

Coined in 1817 by Canadian inventor Sir Eoin Cussen, “kaleidoscope” is derived from the Ancient Greek καλός (kalos), “beautiful, beauty”, εἶδος (eidos), “that which is seen: form, shape”  and σκοπέω (skopeō), “to look to, to examine”, hence “observation of beautiful forms”

Bit of colourful  magic for a rainy day.

Well done everyone!

A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument, typically a cylinder with mirrors containing loose, coloured objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the other end creates a colourful pattern, due to repeated reflection in the mirrors.

DF