Materials

• The basic materials for a projector box includes a lens, rectangular box, scissors or craft knife and opaque tape such as duct tape. The lens magnifies the illuminated image from the device to project it on a wall. Choose an inexpensive yet powerful lens for magnification, such as the lens from an old slide projector or a square magnifying sheet for reading, found in drug stores and discount stores. Choose a cardboard box that contains thick walls and that is large enough to accommodate the screen size for the iPod on one end and the lens on the other end. Duct tape serves to seal exposed edges to block light from entering the box.
  
  

Construction

• If you're using a projector lens, trace a circle on one end of the box to snugly fit the lens. If you're using a magnifying sheet, measure the side of the box and cut the sides of the magnifying sheet to fit, making sure to retain the central magnification point to prevent distortion.
  
  If you're using a magnifying sheet or a projector lens that doesn't have a manual focus, also cut the box in half to create a telescoping or sliding box for focusing the image. Cut out one end of the box.
  
  Cut a slot on the opposite side of the box to snugly fit your iPod. Be sure to cut the slot on the top edge of the box because the iPod will be inserted upside down, with the screen facing the lens. To prevent light from entering the box around the device, securely tape the side of the box to cover the open edges.
  
  

Assembly

• Insert the projector lens into the cut opening and tape around the exposed edges to prevent light from entering the box. Position the lens so that any focusing mechanism is accessible. If you're using a magnifying sheet, carefully tape around the sides of the box to create a thin frame around the lens to hold it in place and seal the exposed edges of the box.
  
  If the box was cut in half, insert the open end of one half into the open end of the other half to create a sliding container.
  
  Turn on the iPod screen to maximum brightness and insert it into the slot, top side down with the screen facing the lens. Turn off all lights and point the lens to a blank wall or screen. Adjust the focus of the projector lens or slide the box to sharpen the focus. Press the "Play" button on your iPod to display the video.
  
  

Tip

• If ambient light enters the box, apply a second layer of tape to completely seal open edges or drape a thick cloth over the box and device to seal out light (make sure to keep the lens exposed for projection).