What is a Kaleidoscope?

A a classic kaleidoscope just might be the perfect toy. First of all, it stimulates the senses. A kaleidoscope is visual, tactile and auditory. The sheer number of colorful shapes one can see by turning a tube is fascinating; feeling the tube in one's hands and turning it is gratifying, too; the sound of the tumbling glass and beads can be soothing (think about those rainfall sticks). This hand-held, take it anywhere toy, can be transported easily in a pocket or a pouch or a purse making it a perfect travel toy.

As a child, I would sit for a long time watching the patterns change as I turned the tube of my cardboard kaleidoscope. You could hear me say "Ooh, that one is my favorite!" and then say the same thing for the next pattern to fall into place . When one thinks about it, the very word "kaleidoscope" is interesting, too. It sounds like a combination of the words "collide" and "scopes". In fact, that is what happens: the colored glass or plastic pieces collide inside of this telescope, don't they. (FYI: scroll down to see the actual linguistic history of kaleidoscope)

In today's digital world, one no longer needs a tube to turn to see these lovely geometric patterns; YouTube has many short videos that take the place of my beloved toy. Scroll down to see 5 of the short films I found the most enjoyable. Be fore-warned, a few come with psychedelic music or soothing meditation vibes.

photo credits: all images by Mickie Goad unless stated otherwise.

Sir David Brewster invented the kaleidoscope in 1816; he coined the term "kaleidoscope" to describe a tube lined with mirrors that had colorful stones, pebbles or bits or glass contained a one end. While looking into one end of the tube and turning it, you can see the the shapes and colors reflected by the mirrors inside. Unlike my analysis of the term, the name is actually derived from the Greek words kalos ("beautiful"), edos ("form"), and skopen ("to view").

source: Encyclopdia Britannica Online Library Edition, s.v. "kaleidoscope," accessed July 26, 2012 .

The kaleidoscope I purchased was extremely cheap and was made in China. I tried to find one locally that was made in the USA, but had no luck. I have written the company (HQ is located in the USA) that sells the tin kaleidoscope shown below to find out where it is actually put together. Will let you know when I get a reply.

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3 to use this tube. Create thousands upon thousands of beautiful designs just by turning.

This particular kaleidoscope is about 6 inches in length and 1 1/2 inches wide.

(Image is mine created with www.picmonkey.com)

All the designs were made with a kaleidoscope I bought for $1 at a discount store.

Do you like fractal design? Then you might want a mousepad like this one on Zazzle.com!

The following Kaleidoscopia coloring books come highly recommended on Amazon. Some of the reviewers use colored pens (like a Sharpie) for coloring the designs. I love good quality colored pencils, myself. Keep a pencil sharpener handy.

A kaleidoscope is a wonderfully artistic and scientific gift idea. If you do give this imaginative toy to someone as a gift, you could include a Easy Kaleidoscope Stained Glass Coloring Book .

Yes, the classic kaleidoscope can be educational. Here are a few of the concepts you and teach or learn from this simple toy:

1. The Science of light! (prisms)
2. The Science of color! (mixing color)
3. The Science of math! (geometry and angles)

My husband pulled the clear container that holds the colorful beads and plastic off the tube and we discovered that there were three reflective surfaces held by a cardboard tube on the inside.

The cardboard tube rests on a plastic tube-like piece. See it the first picture on the left at the bottom? The reflective pieces are not glass and are not taped in any way; the cardboard tube keeps them in place with an exact fit. The round clear container has some interesting pieces.

Every now and then you can find a toy from your own childhood on eBay. If you loved the kaleidoscopes from the past, then you might a collectible here.

This would be a great toy to take on a trip--it is easy to store; does not require batteries.

Good luck!

A kaleidoscope makes a unique gift for anyone. Even adults can be mesmerized by this simple (yet complex) toy. Click the "buy" button to get one of these classic scientific toys today.

One video uses a Pringle's can, another uses a CD Jewel case and an opaque or plastic lid. Paper towel tubes are also put to use. I have even seen crafters use aluminium foil as the reflective surface. Inventive to say the least.

My childhood kaleidoscope was typically made from cardboard and the pieces that moved to make the shapes were flat opaque glass. I remember that I loved to shake it instead of turning the tube to really mix the pieces up and change the designs.

Do you remember playing with a simple kaleidoscope? Do you agree that this could very well be the perfect toy?