Distorted Images in Curved Mirrors

Introduction

Have you ever visited a house of mirrors and seen a wacky-looking version of yourself? In this activity you can construct your own miniature house of mirrors. Try it out and see what funny reflections you can make!

Credits

Materials

• Mirror paper, available from a craft, paper supply store, or available online from Amazon. New, unwrinkled aluminum foil can be used, but the images will be fuzzier, and the observations will not be as clear.
• Old flip-flop that can be damaged. If unavailable, use an old insole or thick cardboard.
• Two skewers
• Small, colorful objects. Figurines are fun, but the cap of a pen, a battery, an eraser, etc. work just as well. If you use aluminum foil instead of mirror paper, it is important to choose brightly-colored objects.
• Stainless steel spoon; as new as possible, without nicks or dents
• Optional: Glue
• Optional: Stainless steel cups, pots, ladles, etc.