Mirascope, Parabolic Mirror, Parabola, Paraboloid, Hologram

thingiverse

The Mirascope: A Mathematical Toy That Fosters STEM Exploration Warning: The Mirascope Will Not Function Without Proper Surface Treatment Update: PLA Models Sent to Chemistry Professor for Polishing and Coating Research About the Mirascope The Mirascope is a captivating mathematical toy consisting of two parabolic mirrors that intrigue children and adults alike. By working together, these mirrors project a small object placed at the bottom to the top, creating a hologram-like illusion (see reference by author). Mathematically, the focal point of one mirror coincides with the vertex of the other, thus generating an optical illusion. Mathematically, the included designs should be effective. However, it is extremely challenging to polish PLA surfaces to achieve a mirror finish. Specialized surface processing and coating are necessary to create a functional Mirascope. Alternatively, you can fabricate one using metal like aluminum and then polish the surfaces. As a STEM project, you can collaborate with a professional in another field, such as chemistry, to explore solutions. To save time and resources, you can simply purchase one from Amazon. Files Included 1. Version A: A single-piece Mirascope that requires extensive support for successful printing. 2. Version B: Designed for printing with two separate pieces. 3. Version C: Features two vertical pieces, 0.4mm apart, providing an alternative configuration. Reference Bu, L. (2012). Modeling the Mirascope Using Dynamic Technology.