Assembling a Kaleidoscope
Back to Constructing a Kaleidoscope
Other Supplies:Procedure:
- cardboard for third side if you're making a two mirror kaleidoscope
- contact paper - necessary if you're using a translucent cylinder, otherwise it's just pretty!
- poster board if you're making your own "mirrors"
- spray adhesive if you're making your own "mirrors"
- other materials to decorate the kaleidoscope
If necessary, prepare the mirrored surface. Spray adhesive will make the smoothest surface if you're using wrapping paper or mylar. Roll out the mylar or wrapping paper, spray the mat board with adhesive, then place the mat board on the mylar or wrapping paper.
To have the mirrors fit snugly into the cylinder, the width of the rectangles should be approximately r*[[radical]]3 (the radius of the cylinder times the square root of 3). While snug is nice, always round to the smaller measurable unit rather than larger because narrower mirrors can be compensated for in a later step.
As a rule of thumb, the length of the mirrors should be at least two-and-a-half times longer than the width otherwise you may lose the kaleidoscopic effect. While you want to consider this in choosing a cylinder, the mirrors can be made to fit. Also, having narrower mirrors in a large cylinder, such as the potato chip can, conserves mirrored surface. You can always put padding around the mirror system to hold it snugly in the cylinder.
If you are using mirrored styrene, remove the film protecting the mirrored surface.
If the triangle of mirrors is loose or separating:
Before inserting into the tube, tape the edges of the mirrors together on the back of the mirrors being careful to keep the edges together but not overlapping. Wrapping a rubber band around the mirrors is easier and will often sufficiently tighten the mirror system. Re-insert into the cylinder.
If the mirror system is narrower than the cylinder, wrap the mirror triangle with rubber bands, several pieces of paper or packing material to add thickness. Insert into the tube.
Other Hints and Suggestions:
- If the kaleidoscope is too dark, there is not enough light getting into the mirrors. Try replacing translucent pieces with transparent pieces, especially on the end of the kaleidoscope.
- Rubbing cardboard along the edge of the table will make it softer and more pliable.
- Narrower mirrors will create a greater kaleidoscopic effect. If you want to see the tessellation created, this is definitely better.
- Experiment with different mirror systems. Create ones that have 30deg.-75deg.-75deg., 45deg.-67.5deg.-67.5deg., 90deg.-45deg.-45deg. mirror triangles, rather than just 60deg.-60deg.-60deg..
- When using a canister of some type, float the stuff in colored water, vegetable oil or glycerin.
- Vary the amount or the pattern of light entering the kaleidoscope.
Kaleidoscopes can be used while developing the mathematical and scientific ideas of:
[Privacy Policy] [Terms of Use]
Home || The Math Library || Quick Reference || Search || Help
The Math Forum is a research and educational enterprise of the Drexel School of Education.