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How to Make a Spy Periscope

From "Harriet the Spy" to "Spy Kids," the life of a secret agent is fertile ground for a child's imagination. But it's not enough for aspiring spies to be as stealthy as ninjas or to be masters of disguise. What really makes a spy is his selection of gadgets that help him defend the free world. A spy periscope is one gadget that can be made at home in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

Scissors
Shoebox
2 mirrors
Tape

Instructions

- 1
  Use scissors to cut a hole in one end of the shoebox lid. Make it as wide as one of the mirrors and about three-fourths the mirror's height. Save the cut-out cardboard.
- 2
  Cut a hole in one end of the bottom of the box. Make it the same size as the hole in the lid. Save the piece of cardboard.
- 3
  Cut out a dozen 1/2-by-2-inch tabs from the spare pieces of cardboard.
- 4
  Fasten six tabs to the back of each mirror using the tape. Put two tabs on each of three mirror sides. Leave half of each tab overhanging the mirror edges.
- 5
  Attach one mirror inside the box opposite the cut-out hole. Tape the overhanging parts of the tabs inside the box to support the mirror. Angle the mirror at 45 degrees, with the reflective side facing the open top of the box.
- 6
  Attach the second mirror inside the box on the side with the cut-out hole. Fold and tape the overhanging tabs to the sides of the box to support the mirror. Angle the mirror at 45 degrees, with its reflective side facing the cut-out hole. You should now be able to look at one mirror and see the reflection from the second mirror.
- 7
  Tape the lid on the box. Make sure the cut-out lines up with the first mirror.
- 8
  Use the periscope by looking through one hole and poking the other end of the periscope above a wall, table or other obstacle or even around a corner.

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