Microscopes – History, Use, and Lessons

Microscope, the name of an instrument for enabling the eye to see distinctly objects which are placed at a very short distance from it, or to see magnified images of small objects, and therefore to see smaller objects than would otherwise be visible. The name is derived from the two Greek words, expressing this property, MIKROS, small, and SKOPEO, to see.        -from The Microscope

If you love all things microscopic, you will enjoy this list of ebooks about the history of microscopes, their uses, and some sample lessons and experiments that can be done with them.

History and Uses of Microscopes

• The Microscope – very detailed info on how microscopes work and what you can see through them.
• Micrographia – amazing illustrations! Click on the annotated links found on the right-hand side to see the images.

Lessons For the Microscope

• Marvels of Pond Life – this book takes you through each month of the year and what microscopic organisms you might find around a pond during them.
• Through a Microscope – great illustrations and lots of home experiments to try.
• One Thousand Objects for the Microscope
• Half Hours with the Microscope – spend just 30 minutes on a topic. This book takes you through simple exercises you can do with your children.

Purchasing/Acquiring a Microscope

At first, I assumed microscopes would be extremely expensive tools. I was remembering back to my days of undergraduate study where lab microscopes were easily $500+. Microscopes are definitely not the cheapest academic tools, but you might be surprised by how affordable one actually is. Here is a list of great microscopes to get you started. The prices range from $30-200.

Pocket Microscopes

A small pocket microscope is usually only $20 or less. This can provide your young explorer hours and hours of educational "play." Honestly, it is the best tool you could give to your nature-loving, wilderness-exploring child. Why? Because he/she can pull it out at any time and observe the surrounding wildlife. There is an entire world that remains undiscovered unless you have a microscope to unlock it!

Finding Cheap Microscopes

Microscopes are sometimes available at flee markets, yard sales, auctions, and Craigslist. You can't always count on it, but Craigslist is usually your best bet for finding a really good microscope on the cheap. When schools/universities upgrade their equipment, they often sell their old stuff.

Finding a Microscope for Free

Okay, I get it. Microscopes may not be within your budget. A large desktop microscope wasn't in our budget in the early years either. It isn't impossible to find a microscope you can use for free.

1. Some libraries will have microscopes and telescopes. Check if your library has a microscope(s) on reserve at the Circulation Desk. I promise you, it isn't a stupid question, so don't be afraid to ask. Believe it or not, it isn't uncommon for libraries to hold microscopes, binoculars, maps, globes, and skeletal models.
2. Transform your phone into a functioning microscope!
3. Depending on your relationship with the public school system, check if you can use public school lab equipment.
4. Your local community college probably has open lab hours. Quite often homeschooling families will be allowed to take advantage of these.
5. It is also worth contacting any universities/colleges in your nearby area.