← All Sessions
05 Session

Periscope & Kaleidoscope

Built optical instruments from cardboard and mirrors, exploring the laws of reflection through physical making — no code, just geometry and light.

VenueSkill Hub
DateJan 25, 2026
Students at the periscope and kaleidoscope session at Skill Hub
Session in progress — assembling optical instruments from cardboard and mirrors

A session that stepped away from electronics entirely — exploring the science of light and reflection through physical making. Each student built a working periscope and kaleidoscope from scratch using cardboard and mirror tiles.

How periscopes work — 45° mirror angles

How kaleidoscopes create patterns

Real-world applications — submarines, safety

Laws of reflection — angle in = angle out

Built periscopes with cardboard at correct 45° angles

Built kaleidoscopes and explored colour patterns

Tested models from different heights and angles

Compared results and shared observations with peers

Students assembling optical instruments at Skill Hub
Building optical instruments — measuring angles, cutting cardboard
Students holding their completed kaleidoscopes
Finished kaleidoscopes — each one uniquely decorated
  • Students assembled working models completely independently
  • Seeing light reflections inside their own build was a wow moment
  • Periscope connected to submarines — real-world application landed
  • Creativity on display — every model was uniquely decorated