Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Make a Periscope Out of Home Items for Kids

Periscopes are optical instruments used to see under, over or around obstructions. Mirrors or prisms are positioned at certain angles inside a tube, and because light bounces off objects and between the mirrors, viewers can see things they normally can't when looking through the opening. Periscopes come in all sizes. Some of the largest ones are about 60 feet long, and are found on submarines. A small periscope can be built for kids with common items found around the house.

Things You'll Need

½ gallon milk or juice carton
2 small mirrors
Scissors or X-Acto knife
Pencil
Ruler
Tape

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the milk or juice carton and allow it to dry thoroughly. Once it is dry, cut off the triangular top.
- 2
  Cut a square opening, using the X-Acto knife or scissors, about 1 inch tall and the same width as the carton on one of the sides, near the bottom. Cut another opening the same size at the other end of the carton, on the opposite side. These holes will be the "windows."
- 3
  Lay the carton on its side so that one of the windows faces you. On the side facing up -- the side without a window -- use a ruler to measure up 2 ¾ inches from the corner of the carton, and mark this spot. Use the ruler to draw a straight diagonal line from the other corner, on the same side, to the mark. Repeat this step on the other side of the carton without a window.
- 4
  Cut along the line, making sure the slit is the same length as your mirror. Insert the mirror with the reflecting side facing the window. Use tape to secure the mirror to the side of the carton. Do the same with the second mirror, at the other end of the carton. Remember, the reflecting side of each mirror must face the windows.
- 5
  Look through the bottom hole. Hold the periscope at different angles to see around corners and above people's heads.

Science