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The kaleidoscope was invented by Sir David Brewster in 1816. It caught the imagination of people and quickly became a popular optical toy. Throughout the years, the kaleidoscope, in various forms, has always been a colorful introduction to the world of optics. Kids of all ages love to look through them. The word kaleidoscope, translated from Greek, means "beautiful form viewer": [Greek kalos]: beautiful + [Greek eidos]: form + [Greek scopos]: viewer The kaleidoscope project translates into an optical success story: Kids + Mirrors + Plumbing Parts + Imagination = FUN! The Kaleidoscopes for Everyone project is a classic three-mirror design, using front-surface mirrors. The housing is made from PVC plumbing parts, foam insulation, and a plastic Petri dish. Colored plastic beads are used as a child-safe source of infinite color combinations. When built, this kaleidoscope is durable, low-cost, yet offers an outstanding optical image. This kaleidoscope has been built and "battle tested" by over 200 kids, ranging in age from about 7 to 17. In every case, students end up with an excitement, amazement, and a sense of pride that comes with making their own kaleidoscope, something that simply looking through a commercial scope can't begin to match. |
