Build a Microscope - History of STEM practicals - History of Microscopes

Practical 25 in the History in STEM practical series.

In this practical the students will be able to build their own microscopes using equipment available in most labs. They will be even able to make their own lenses, using methods that might have been used in the early days of the invention of microscopes. This package includes a printout with an introduction, including a history of microscopes, as well as a printout template which students can use to build their microscopes with. The practical can be done in a 90 minute lesson and the microscope can be used in conjunction with their phones to take images of the slides they observe, adding a modern touch to this old instrument.

The practical takes in the history, while also giving students a hands on experiment to explore a concept that is difficult to grasp. They can even take the microscope home with them and all the material is recyclable, making this a good practical for the environmentally conscientious school. This is definitely a practical they won’t forget.

More about the History in STEM practical Series

This series is designed to bring quality cross-curricula material to STEM subjects, that help students to explore and discover phenomena normally taught, while getting a glimpse into the history of its development.

In addition, a number of the practicals give the students the opportunity to play “Mythbusters”, looking at a number of different methods and having to reason why one or the other was the more likely or useful method.

From Ancient Greece to Vikings, China to the Golden age of the Muslim empire and beyond to India, the series takes a look at some of the most important STEM achievements throughout history.

There is a plan for about 40 of these such practicals in this series, so, if you liked this one, consider looking at some of the others, or check out some of the bundles available.

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