A kaleidoscope may appear to be a cylinder, but 5th grade students at School 2 know that it actually contains a triangular prism. The kaleidoscope works when the three sides of the prism, which are composed of mirrors or mirror-like material, reflect light entering through a colorful end, creating a colorful pattern because of the reflections off the mirrors.
The students learned this by making their own kaleidoscopes, a joint project developed by WPU Math Professor in Residence Paul Odenwelder and WPU Art Professor in Residence Simone Sandler.
The project integrated science (the science of light, the principle of reflection) and math (terminology such as rectangle, circle, triangle, angle and triangular prism.)
Math Pir Odenwelder (foreground) and Art PIR Sandler (rear left) assist students in the construction of their kaleidoscopes.
The hands-on activity engaged students in engineering principles. The activity also required students to follow directions carefully.
Students build the triangular prisms that form the internal reflective surfaces of the kaleidoscopes. Accurate measurements were essential to ensure the correct functioning of the final model. In some cases, trial and error taught students the need for persistence in problem-solving.
Students create the individualized artworks, colorful abstract designs that form the end of their kaleidoscopes, and which produce the symmetrical pattern seen through the eyepiece.
Students enjoy the results of their efforts, viewing the colorful pattens produced by their kaleidoscopes.
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