Microscopes are not just fun to use but it opens a new world of discovery for kids. What once once too small to be seen now becomes visible. It takes learning experience to a whole new level. It is engaging too since the child asks so many questions. It is develops their desire for scientific discovery.
Even as an adult, I still discover a lot of things when I take a peek at Gab’s microscope. There are now cheaper models that can be for home use only and the microscope can last for several years.
Below are microscope activities and worksheets that you can use for your homeschooling journey. Enjoy!
Parts of a Microscope Worksheets
Learn to identify the different parts of a microscope with these worksheets.
- Eyepiece or Ocular Len – Lens closes to the eye.
- High Power Objective Lens – Longer of the two lenses close to the slide.
- Lower Power Objective Lens – Shorter of the two lenses close to the slide.
- Tube – Gives the distance needed between the eyepiece and objective.
- Coarse Adjustment Knob – Moves the tube up and down.
- Fine Adjustment Knob – Also moves the tube up and down but only slightly.
- Base – Holds up the entire microscope.
- Arm – Holds the tube and lenses. Connects to the base.
- Nosepiece – Holds objective lenses.
- Light – Shines light into the tube.
- Diaphragm – Circular disk that lets more or less light pass through.
- Stage – Platform for slide to rest. An opening in its center lets light pass through.
- Clips – Hold the slide in place on the stage.
Specimen Drawing Worksheets
Use these worksheets to draw what you seen through the lens. Remember to just draw what you see and not what you know. Write down also your observations like the color, texture, size, unique features and others.
Here are some exciting items you can look through a microscope
- leaves
- flower petals
- pollen
- moss/algae
- mushroom pores
- onion skin
- yogurt or Yakult
- egg shell membrane
- sugar or salt crystals
- yeast
- pond water
- cheek cells
- ear wax (ew!)
- molds (use with caution)
- soap bubbles/foam
- dirt from vacuum
- yarn
- fabric (cotton, jeans, etc.)
- Insect wings
- Butterfly wings
