Make your own Kaleidoscope in Reflection of Light – Class 7 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Reflection of Light

Activity Name: Make your own Kaleidoscope in Reflection of Light

Activity Description:

In this experiment, you will create a simple kaleidoscope using three mirror strips to observe the fascinating reflections of colored glass bangles. The kaleidoscope will form beautiful symmetrical patterns through multiple reflections.

Required Items:

1. Three mirror strips of the same size
2. Rubber bands
3. Translucent paper
4. Cardboard sheet
5. Small pieces of colored glass bangles

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take the three mirror strips and tie them together with rubber bands to form a triangular tube. Make sure that the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors are facing each other inside the tube (refer to Fig 17(a)).
2. Cover one end of the triangular tube with translucent paper, securing it with a rubber band.
3. Cover the other end of the tube with a cardboard sheet and create a hole in the center so that you can look inside (refer to Fig 17(b)).
4. Place a few small pieces of colored glass bangles inside the triangular tube (refer to Fig 17(b)).
5. Look through the hole on the cardboard end of the kaleidoscope (refer to Fig 17(c)).

Experiment Observations:

• When you look through the hole, you will see a symmetrical pattern formed by the reflections of the colored glass bangles.

Precautions:

1. Handle the glass bangles with care to avoid injury.
2. Be cautious with the mirrors not to scratch or break them while assembling the kaleidoscope.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

This experiment demonstrates the principle of reflection of light and how multiple reflections between mirrors can create intricate and symmetric patterns. It also shows how colored objects can enhance the visual appeal of the kaleidoscope’s patterns.