Exploratorium
Corner Reflector
If you set up a triad of mirrors into a corner figuration, they act as a kaleidoscope, bouncing light waves back and forth indefinitely, changing the light that your eyes perceive. Although the materials required are very specific and...
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Color Kaleidoscopes
Learners construct kaleidoscopes to demonstrate how an image is multiplied by angled mirrors before light rays reach their eyes. They follow step-by-step directions to create a kaleidoscope, and draw illustrations of the repeating...
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Kaleidoscope
Students explore energy by creating a light project in class. In this kaleidoscope lesson, students discuss the properties of light and how mirrors can reflect the energy in different directions. Students view a diagram of light...
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Light
Students explore light. In this light wave physics lesson plan, students construct periscopes, kaleidoscopes, color wheels, and pinhole cameras. Students observe and record characteristics of light demonstrated through the...
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Reflections Of
Students create angles using mirrors. In this angle reflection lesson, students draw angles, then use mirrors to create angles using reflections and measure the new angles.
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Light
Students observe how light can be reflected, refracted, and absorbed. In this light lesson, students discover that light travels in a straight path. This lesson contains a "bonus" activity that explains how to make a kaleidoscope.
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Kaleidoscope of Color
Students study the history of the invention of the kaleidoscope by Sir David Brewster. They create a kaleidoscope using art supplies.
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Light Is Amazing
Students investigate light and its energy. They discuss the properties of light, research how much light the moon absorbed on their birthday on a website, complete a graphic organizer, and create a kaleidoscope.
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How to Make a Kaleidoscope
Sixth graders create a kaleidoscope. In this light refraction lesson, 6th graders create a kaleidoscope to investigate the properties of light.
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Wardrobe
Sixth graders observe the wardrobe and discuss the role of the wardrobe in the culture of viceregal Mexico. They research the design and the influence of Moorish decoration in the geometric pattern on the door. Students identify...
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Kaleidoscope
Eighth graders create a kaleidoscope drawing. They show the basic art rules (shading, highlighting, coloring, etc.) They increase their design and drawing skills, improve hand eye coordination and develop an understanding of mirror images.
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Kaleidoscope Drawing
Young scholars create kaleidoscope drawings using computer program or drawing paper.
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Wardrobe
Sixth graders examine the concept of symmetry and balance. They view a wardrobe with an inlaid design, then design and create a symmetrical pattern using two different colors of construction paper.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Sir David Brewster
This biography on inventor David Brewster discusses his accomplishments, including his writings, and his invention of the kaleidoscope and the stereoscope.
Other
Symmetry Around the World
This resource provides information about symmetry, and everywhere it can be found.
Other
P.u.e.m.a.c.: Galeria De Transformaciones
Enjoy constructions created by rotations, reflections and translations. [Requires Java.]
Other
The Disgustoscope
This is a resource to teach optics, while building a modified kaleidoscope that will provide 3-dimensional images.
Other
Short Biography: David Brewster
A very brief biography that lists his major accomplishments including the invention of the kaleidoscope.
Fundación Cientec
Cientec: Instrumentos Para Investigar La Luz
This site shows how to build different instruments to experiment with light. Step by step instructions with pictures are provided.
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Science Kids: Science Images: Kaleidoscope
This photo shows the view from inside a kaleidoscope. The shapes and colors are reflected in a symmetrical pattern by the mirrors inside the kaleidoscope.