Kaleidoscope toys and kaleidoscope glasses for kids promote curiosity among children, and captivate them as they look at the various shifting patterns and shapes. These are also great for teaching light related science concepts.
What is a Kaleidoscope?
A kaleidoscope is a picture tube with mirrors inside that reflect objects to create a visual spectacle in the form of fascinating patterns.
Children can change these patterns by rotating the cylinder, which causes the materials inside to move, thereby creating a different pattern.
A kaleidoscope looks like a telescope and its basic design hasn’t changed over the years. You will still find Kaleidoscope toys that are similar to the ones that you had as a kid.
Invented in 1816-17 by Scottish physicist David Brewster, the first kaleidoscopes were a rage in London, not just with children but also with adults. It was a simple yet effective way to see wondrous works of art, and these picture tubes further fueled creativity.
In case you’re not sure how it is pronounced, a Kaleidoscope is pronounced as “Ka + lei + do + scope”.
Benefits
Toy Kaleidoscopes for kids encourage interest in art, light and color. These toys have a mesmerizing effect on children as they see the spinning, swirling colors and shapes using the light filters.
Besides mesmerizing the kids, kaleidoscopes also teach about scientific principles such as reflection of light.
These toys are recommended for ages 3+ years.
- In case you are bored of buying the same kind of toys for your child, consider buying these.
- You can use these to teach them important science topics.
- You can even make your own kaleidoscopes at home as DIY project
- These also serve as nice return gifts (for birthday parties). They are unique and inexpensive, and you get packs that come with several Kaleidoscopes.
Make Your Own Kaleidoscope
Want to make your own Kaleidoscope? It’s easy to do so! You just need a few things like colored tiles, mirror, lens, and a tube.
Lot of schools encourage students to build a DIY Kaleidoscope at home, mainly because a Kaleidoscope works on the principle of reflection of light, and it makes for an interesting topic of discussion during the science lecture.
So, in case you’re looking for instructions on how to make a Kaleidoscope for kids at home, here you go.
Main parts of a kaleidoscope:
- The main tube/cylinder
- Mirrors placed inside the tube facing each other.
- Broken tiles/glass/plastic to be placed in the object chamber (located at the other end of the tube). These pieces will create the various patterns.
- Eye piece: the opening from where you can see the patterns.
You can use colorful broken tiles or bangles and place them inside the scope.
Please be careful while handling the mirrors. Make sure they do not have any sharp edges; in case the mirrors have sharp edges, you need to place (glue) them properly inside the scope and ensure the sharp edges remain covered.
Kidzlabs Kaleidoscope Making Kit
Here’s a kit that lets kids make their own Kaleidoscope and is agreat way to learn more about the world of science.
The kit includes different styles, including holographic, glow, snow, and color. All the instructions and all the materials that you need build a customized kaleidoscope is included in the box. All the parts are sage for kids to use.
This kit is recommended for 8 years and up. See PRICE on Amazon
Schylling Classic Tin Kaleidoscope
Just take a peek, rotate the end and get prepare to be dazzled by the visual symphony consisting of different patterns of colors and shapes.
Peek through the eyepiece and hold the kaleidoscope up to the light to enjoy the visual spectacle. Each turn creates a magical, intricate and iridescent mosaic that will dazzle and delight. See PRICE on Amazon
Cool Kaleidoscope Glasses
You also get cool Kaleidoscope Glasses that bend and refract light and provides a unique sensory experience when watching light shows and fireworks. These also have cool exterior designs and will go well along with party costumes.
You can use these glasses for firework shows, festivals, laser events, carnivals, halloween parties, music evenings, and more.
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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