How to Make a Microscope for a Science Project
Microscopes are an essential component of biological laboratories that assists a person in being able to see things that simply can’t be viewed with the naked eye. The term ‘microscope’ itself, is a word of Greek origin that means to see something very small. The art or science of observing such small things is known as microscopy.
Making a microscope is not an easy task, but can be done if done carefully. You’ll need a few components except having a variety of high-power lens in order for the microscope to work.
Things Required:
– Small, empty matchbox
– Scissors
– Transparent tape
– Toothpick
– Pieces of thin, see-through plastic
– Water-dropper
– Waterproof material e.g. Petroleum Jelly
Instructions
-
1
Observe the sides of the matchbox, which should be in a useable condition for the microscope. The inside part is known as the tray, which is filled with matchsticks. While the outer part is known as the sleeve, in which the tray easily slides in and out.
-
2
Open the matchbox, and use scissors to do the cutting. Cut the try and sleeve into smaller pieces, however, you do have to leave a larger piece on one of the side of the sleeves. While cutting, leave about 1/8 inch around the edge of the matchbox. Close the matchbox after that while handling it carefully.
-
3
The next phase is to measure the ends of the sleeve of the matchbox. After that, cut a piece of thing and see-through plastic which you would attach to the sleeve box.
-
4
Use the piece of see-through plastic and attach it to the end of the matchbox sleeve with the help of the transparent tape. Make sure that you utilize a very small of tape while attaching the trim piece of plastic to the box.
-
5
Put the pieces of the matchbox back together using a transparent tape. Make sure that you do this carefully without damaging any of the pieces while attaching them. Be delicate.
-
6
Once the box is all set, the next thing you need to do is to build a wall of the lens. In order for you do this, paste a small quantity of the petroleum jelly in a tight circle on the surface of the transparent plastic. You can also use a toothpick to assist you with making the circle as round as possible.
-
7
For checking the application of your microscope, place a drop of water over the inside surface of the see through plastic, covered by the petroleum jelly circle. You can observe traces of microorganisms if you look closely at the water. Use the sleeve of the matchbox by sliding it up and down for focusing your lens in your microscope.
