This is another craft for parents to do with their children, that I originally made with the library summer reading club. The materials needed are common materials found at home and in the recycling box. It is for children aged 5 to 11, although younger children may need help or supervision with the cutting (with scissors). This is the link for the pdf. There is a learning component (STEM) to this craft and I have included links below to some science material for reflection.
List of material and equipment needed
- The pattern printed on to cardstock
- if you don’t have cardstock print the pattern on regular paper and glue to cereal box (light thin cardboard)
- paper towel roll (you only need 1/2 for one kaleidoscope)
- tinfoil
- a small amount of clear rigid plastic (plastic containers that berries come in are perfect for this)
- small straw from a plastic juice box (washed out)
- a bamboo skewer ( the type used for making shish-kabobs)
- alternatively you can use a large straw and a small straw to replace the bamboo skewer (the small straw should be able to rotate inside the large straw)
- plastercine, sticky tack or playdough
- tape (scotch or masking)
- glue stick or liquid glue
- scissors
- pencil
- coloured markers
- optional – sequins and construction paper
I am including a link to the instructional video as there a lot of parts for this craft: https://youtu.be/ys5EW2ZjcyE
Learning component- Ask you child about what they are seeing inside the kaleidoscope. A good part of science is learning how to observe. Talk them about reflection, why do some materials like mirrors or a shiny spoon reflect more then others? (They are smoother.) Why are the reflected shapes seen in a different direction than the original shape? (They are being reflected at an angle.) This are a couple of science links on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKfscTK10MI , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgD3Xe26E60