51. Explore the Microscopic
Category – Science & Invention
The dominant piece of laboratory equipment in the illustration is a microscope. To get a feel for how a microscope is used, watch this video on the How Stuff Works website. You may have to endure a short advertisement before the instruction begins.
Introduction to Standard Light Microscopes
To get a more in-depth explanation of microscopes, watch this video on the How Stuff Works website. In five minutes, it shows you how an optical microscope works. You may have to endure a short advertisement before the instruction begins.
How to Use an Optical Microscope
For the technically inclined, here’s a hotlink to a website called Microscope World. This section of the website covers maintenance. Near the bottom of the page is a great diagram labeling the various parts of an optical microscope.
See a Diagram Naming the Parts of an Optical Microscope
Questions –
· Who used a compound microscope to discover that living things are made of cells?
· What famous scientist used a microscope to discover the yeast fungus that makes bread rise?
· Who first used a microscope to show that tuberculosis and cholera are caused by bacterial infection?
Assignment – Discover the answers on the A-Z Microscope Sales website, in their history section –
Click here to research the answer.
The history of microscopes is a fascinating tour in miniature (pun intended) of the history of science. Have fun answering these bonus questions –
· How did “lenses” get their name?
· Who is called the “father of microscopy?”
· Which American invented the modern microscope, little changed to this day?
· What type of microscope allows scientists to “see” items smaller than wavelength of visible light?
· What is the serious drawback of microscopes using this alternative form of illumination?
Learn the answers in the inventors section of the About.com website. The lesson continues on a second page.
Click here to research the answer.