MicroWorlds
The human eye is limited. Our vision only
reveals some small part of the physical world. We look out
to the heavens and know that vast spaces exist beyond our
ability to see them. Tools, like the telescope, help us see
further, but still more remains unseen. We look into a drop
of water and know that elements and organisms exist even
though we can't see them. The microscope has opened the
window to these microworlds, allowing the human eye to see
the unseen. Like the outer reaches of space, however, more
microworlds may await our first sight.
- Before beginning an investigation of microscopic worlds,
spend some time getting to know the field of microscopy.
Extensive resources are available to get you started.
Literally, microscopy is the magnification of minute
objects. Figuratively, microscopy is the transportation to
tiny worlds. Let the adventure begin.
- Microscopy UK
- Microscopes
and Microscopy
- Microscopy Society of America
- Internet Guide to Microscopy
- From ancient times, scientists have used the magnifying
lens to see the unseen. Since the first compound microscope,
developed in the 16th century, technology has continually
evolved, offering increasingly better tools. The light
microscope and the scanning electron microscope are two
familiar scientific instruments.
- History of the Light Microscope
- Scanning Electron Microscope
- MicroAngelo
- Electron Micrographs
- Dennis Kunkel's
Microscopy Science and Photography Through a Microscope
- Microscope History
- Imagine the thrill of first sight. Seeing some
microscopic organism that has never been seen before must
surely be magical. Every scientist who ever looks through a
microscope hopes for the magic moment. These resources offer
some of the images that were once magical for a moment.
- Cells Alive
- The Microbe Zoo
- Microbes in the News
- Antibiotics
- Penicillium
- If you're not sure what you should be seeing, these
collections of images reveal micro-organisms for your
consideration.
- Protist
Image Data
- Volvox Images
- Managing microscopes in a classroom can be challenging.
With the right activities and directions, however,
microscopes can provide meaningful scientific investigation
and discovery. These activities are recommended.
- Students Using Microscopes
- The Water Drop Project
- It always helps to have good quality materials for your
investigations. It also helps to have an expert nearby.
These resources should help deepen your microscopic
investigations.
- Ask-A-Microscopist
- Carolina Biological Supply
- Moody Medical Library Collection of Historical Microscopes
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