let’s explore
let’s explore
contents what are they? history of the
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kaleidoscope let’s make a kaleidoscope
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what are they?
let’s learn about patterns ...
kaleidoscopes
what are they?
A kaleidoscope is a tube of mirrors containing loose coloured beads, pebbles, or other small coloured objects. The viewer looks in one end and light enters the other end, reflecting off the mirrors. The image above is an example of one.
It makes lots of different colourful patterns and are fun to play with. You can produce different patterns depending which way you turn the kaleidoscope itself.
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How Does it Work? Light travels in a straight line through empty space, but when it bumps into an object, it changes direction. Some shiny surfaces, like the plastic report cover or a mirror, send or reflect light back to you. (Think of a ball bouncing off a wall.) The sides of the plastic
tube inside the kaleidoscope reflect the beads, sequins, and confetti. The reflections bounce back and forth from side to side creating multiple images. When you turn the kaleidoscope, the pieces move, and you see a different design.
The diagram shows how the light rays bounces of the mirror to produce the reflections which creates multiple images which is what you see when looking into a kaleidoscope
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kaleidoscopes
let’s learn about patterns ...
kaleidoscopes
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Examples of images that kaleidoscopes can make Here are a combination of patterns that have been computer generated and formed using a kaleidoscope. Inside a kaleidoscope all sorts of materials can be used to form these shapes such as beads, sequins and confetti. The computer generated patterns show a more concise shape and is more accurate.
history of the kaleidoscope
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history of the kaleidoscope were created and reformed into beautiful new arrangements. He named his new invention after the Greek words meaning beautiful form watcher. Kalos, the Greek word for beautiful, edos, the Greek word for shape and scopeo, the Greek word to look at.
The kaleidoscope was invented in 1816 by some chap called David Brewster who was a Scottish inventor. He studied many aspects of physical sciences including the properties of light. Whilst he was looking at some objects at the end of two mirrors he noticed patterns and colours
Kaleidoscopes became very popular during the Victorian age. Many of those who were born during the baby boom received a kaleidoscope as a child to play with because of the beautiful patterns they create. It wasn’t until the late 1970’s that the revival of the kaleidoscope began. In 1980 was the first kaleidoscope exhibition which helped fuel the interest and make it into an art form today
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A very early version of the kaleidoscope that David Brewster created in 1816
A modern day take of the kaleidoscope there are many variations designed by lots of different artists.
let’s make a kaleidoscope
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let’s make a kaleidoscope YOU WILL NEED •Paper towel tube cut eight inches (20 centimetres) long •Clear plastic report cover •Ruler •Pen or marker •Paring knife or art utility knife •Four-inch (ten-centimeter) squares (one each) of black construction paper, plastic wrap, and waxed paper •Scissors •Rubber band •Clear tape •Colored transparent beads, small sequins, and shiny confetti •Stickers and wrapping paper
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1.Draw an 8-by-4-inch (20-by10-centimeter) rectangle on the report cover. Cut it out. Draw three lines across the rectangle as shown.
2.Fold the plastic along the lines to form a triangular shape. The quarter-inch (.6-centimeter) strip goes on the outside. Tape the strip along the edge so it stays closed. 3.Slide the plastic triangle into the paper towel roll.
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4.Turn the paper towel tube on one end. Trace a circle around it on the construction paper. Poke a hole through the centre of the circle and tape it over one end of the tube.
5.Place a square of plastic wrap on the other end of the tube. Press down to create a pouch in the end of the plastic triangle. Put some beads, sequins, and confetti in the pouch. 6.Place a square of waxed paper over the pouch. Stretch the rubber band over both the waxed paper and the plastic wrap. Be sure it’s on tight so nothing spills out!
kaleidoscopes
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7.Trim the corners of the squares. Decorate the outside of the paper towel roll with stickers or wrapping paper.
8. Hold the tube up to one eye and look through it. Turn it and watch your own light show!