Kaleidoscopes can be made out of PVC pipe and some mirrors.
Using a small length of PVC pipe, some mirror and other common items from the hardware store, you can make your own PVC kaleidoscope. It does not cost much and can entertain children for an afternoon. There are a couple of variations of design that can be used as well.
Mirrors
The most important component of a kaleidoscope is the mirror array. To keep the weight of the kaleidoscope down, use acrylic mirrors. You can purchase acrylic mirror sheets online or from frame shops. The mirror sheets should be cut by someone experienced in doing so using a carbide-tip saw. Appeal to your local frame shop to do this for you. Vacuum the mirror strips once they are cut to eliminate any particles that could fall into someone's eye when they look through the kaleidoscope.
For a kaleidoscope that is 8 inches long, cut the mirror into 8-inch strips. The width of the strips is dictated by the diameter of the PVC pipe used for housing. For a housing that is 1-1/2 inches in diameter, the strips should be 1/8 inch wide.
PVC Pipe
Use PVC pipe for the housing that is a good size to fit inside the hand, such as 8 inches long and 1-1/2 inches in diameter. PVC pipe is sold in lengths of several feet, so you will have to cut it to size. You can do this with a hacksaw or have the home improvement center do it for you. Clean up the cut pipe with sandpaper and soap and water, if necessary.
You will also need a PVC endcap fitting for the eyepiece of the kaleidoscope. It should, of course, match the diameter of the PVC pipe housing. Drill a 3/8-inch hole in the center of the endcap. This hole is where you will look into the kaleidoscope. Sand the hole as well.
Light End
The end of the kaleidoscope opposite the eyepiece must allow in light. For that reason, it is best to use a clear glass material. The bottom of a 60mm Petri dish works perfectly for a PVC pipe that is 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Petri dishes can be found online through scientific supply houses.
If the kaleidoscope will just reflect things outside, leave the bottom of the Petri dish clear. If you would like it to reflect colors, use permanent marker on the inside of the Petri dish and draw some designs. Avoid using paint because it can flake off and become a hazard to your eyes.
Assembly
Assemble the mirror strips. Form three strips of the acrylic glass into a triangular "tube" and tape them at each end using transparent tape. The reflective sides of the mirrors should face each other and remove any plastic film coating from them.
Glue the bottom of the Petri dish to the end of the PVC pipe using clear PVC cement. Use this in a well-ventilated area. Apply the cement only to the outside of the PVC pipe end. Do not get any on the Petri dish lens; it may obscure the light or images entering the kaleidoscope. Allow the cement to dry completely.
Stick an inch or so of adhesive-backed foam weather stripping to the back of each mirror strip near one end. This will cushion the mirror "tube" inside the PVC pipe housing.
Slide the mirror array into the PVC pipe; the weather stripping should end up near the Petri dish lens. Once the mirrors are in place, insert some foam rope behind each mirror strip at the eyepiece end.
Cement the endcap eyepiece onto the PVC pipe housing. Allow this to dry and you have your kaleidoscope.
