Prism Patterns

Materials (per team)

Fold the paper into a triangular prism using the mirrored cardstock with the mirrored side facing in. Tape the edges together and insert the prism into the center of the tube.
- Hint: To create a template for the prism, trace the circular end of the cardboard tube on paper, then sketch an equilateral triangle centered in the circle. Measure the perimeter of the triangle to use as the width of a rectangular piece of cardstock. Measure the length of the cardboard tube to use as the height of the rectangular piece of cardstock.
Tape the bendy straw along the outside edge of the cardboard tube with the bendable part extending past one end. If necessary, trim the non-bendable end to fit the length of the cardboard tube.
Add a hole punch in the center of the cardstock circle, then use markers to draw colorful illustrations and designs on the cardstock circle (using at least three colors is recommended). Optional: Add stickers, too!
Slide the circle onto the portion of the straw sticking off the tube. Bend the end of the straw to hold it in place and rotate it while looking through your kaleidoscope from the opposite end to see the pattern shift and reflect.