RECYCLED
KALEIDOSCOPE
Make a classic
optics toy from
an old CD case.
By Carolyn Bennett
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
—William Blake
Photograph by Robyn Twomey
The kaleidoscope was invented in 1816 by a Scottish physicist named Sir
David Brewster, and it has intrigued people of all ages ever since. Through
the years, kaleidoscopes have been made of nearly every possible material.
Now it’s time to take the kaleidoscope green. Here’s a simple one you can
create from recycled materials and common household items. For the mirror
elements, we’ll use pieces of an old “jewel box” CD case backed with black
paper or neoprene.
Make: 57
