Kaleidoscope
Purpose
Demonstrates multiple reflections and symmetry using kaleidoscopes (three mirrors at 60° producing six-fold symmetry) and a holoscope (reflective tube with holographic diffraction grating). Students observe how mirror geometry determines pattern symmetry.
Figure 1:
The holoscope (left) with its rotation knob for the holographic disk, and student kaleidoscopes with three-mirror fixed-view configurations.
Figure 2:
View through the holoscope: the holographic disk produces rainbow diffraction patterns, multiplied by the 13-segment reflective tube.
Figure 3:
Six-fold symmetric pattern from a student kaleidoscope with three mirrors at 60°. The fixed objects inside create repeating colored segments.
Figure 4:
Another kaleidoscope view showing six-fold symmetry with colored beads. The pattern changes as the kaleidoscope is rotated.