make kaleidoscopes
To build a kaleidoscope is an opportunity to share the exploration of pattern, color, reflection, light, mirrors, and angles with your children.
Or, it is a chance to simply revel in the magic of making color and patterns dance with a gentle turn of a child's hand. Learn and play—with the making of kaleidoscopes, you get both ways.
This kaleidoscope kit we were given free from Imagine Toys is a a wonderful way to learn how to make your own kaleidoscope. Once your children have learned the mechanics of how to put together their own kaleidoscope with a kit; they can experiment with different materials to place inside to make the colorful patterns kaleidoscopes are known and enjoyed for—try tiny shells, pebbles, or seeds you find on outdoor nature scavenger hunts too! Making kaleidoscopes is an opportunity to talk about patterns, reflections, light and history (see below). Children will receive the satisfaction of building something themselves, creating dancing patterns of colors. And, they will know evermore how those seemingly magical tubes of wonder work...
{Above, we especially admired the natural, eco-friendly package of our Seedling Kaleidoscope Kit we received from ImagineToys.}
...Experiment and enliven a nothing-to-do summer vacation day. Or, give this color making wonder to a birthday child for a unique birthday gift—Share the magic of this almost 200-year-old invention that became an instant marvel of so many.
fun kaleidoscope facts to share with children while you make your own kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscopes are often made with 3 mirrors, but you can use 4, or 6 too!
The reflections in the mirrors are what create beautiful patterns out of the random bits of objects you place inside.
The kaleidoscope was first invented by a scientist who was brilliant in his discoveries about light. He invented it as a scientist's tool, but we all know what happened instead—it became a beloved toy!
Designers sometimes use kaleidoscopes as a tool for inspiration in the design of objects with patterns—like rugs, wallpaper, and stained glass.
Discover more about the kaleidoscopes inventor and the history of kaleidoscopes here.
Now, try out other science explorations using color and mirrors below! A whole week's worth of learning and playing! ©heather cahoon • wordplayhouse®
More science experiments exploring mirrors and color! Thank you to all the mothers and teachers who have shared these science experiments with their children, and who now have graciously shared with us here:
exploration lab: mirrors and kaleidoscopes from mama scouts • explore color theory with spinners from mama's little muse • create a rainbow from inspiration laboratories • teach color theory with playdough from my small potatoes • color mixing with chart printables from montessori tidbits • create a flower color wheel the golden gleam • food color and fluid mechanics mama smiles • mixing secondary colors with baking soda and vinegar child central station • playing with rainbow water happy hooligans • exploring how colors mix with a book and activity crayon freckles • colorful sensory play dirt and boogers • color discovery water transfer learn with play • crystal and light exploration familylicious • ice color theory from red ted art
If you have been inspired by what we share, please subscribe or choose a way to remember to visit us again:
