A kaleidoscope is a visual instrument containing mirrors and loose pieces of colored glass or plastic inside at one end so that you see many different patterns when you turn the tube while looking in through an eyepiece at the other end. Thanks for that, Merriam-Webster dictionary. The kaleidoscope was invented in 1861 and was considered a form of entertainment. While there are many versions of kaleidoscopes ranging from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, this is a simple tube version meant for children.
It has been a long time since I have seen one of these cardboard tube kaleidoscopes and wonder if they would hold a child’s attention nowadays.
It can be calming to watch the colors and shapes magically morph as the end of the tube is turned, and the patterns are endless.