The invention of magnifiers that allow us to see things that are otherwise invisible to us has revolutionized science. In this instructional activity, middle schoolers use several types of magnifiers to investigate magnification, and...

This is a site full of information about various microscopes and the objects and processes scientists study with them. Includes timelines and interactive simulations.

In this activity, students use a virtual biology lab to perform investigations and learn lab procedures using compound and dissecting microscopes to look at a variety of animal and plant cells.

Explore the effect of increasing the magnification on a microscope when viewing various samples such as onion root mitosis.

This site from Georgia State University Physics Department provides a discussion of how light refracts through the lenses of a microscope. Demonstrates the parts of a microscope and includes an interactive form in which the magnifying...

The premier web site on the physics of microscopy. Includes several pages and numerous Java applets about microscopes and refraction. Thorough, well-illustrated, interactive, fun, and educational. What more can one ask for?

Looks at the differences and similarities between a light microscope and an electron microscope. Discusses their structure, how images are formed, their resolution and magnification, how color is manifested, their portability, cost, and...

Create and use a pinhole magnifier.

View a video or a click-through a slideshow to find out how the SEM works. In addition, find an interesting gallery of magnified images captured with an SEM, links to related sites, and a teacher resource section.

These interactive tutorials allow you to adjust the magnification and focus of the object. Requires Java.

This website gives detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use and adjust a compound microscope.

A drawing and measuring activity to give students an appreciation of magnitude in powers of ten, and of microscopes. Students draw themselves and an object life-size, and then examine smaller and smaller pieces of their picture.

Learn how to calculate the total magnification of a microscope on this concise site. Links to making a slide, questions on the use of the microscope, and other related microscope topics are included on this site.

This site explores the microscope in great detail. Content includes a focus on the microscope's basic functions (including a general diagram), the history of the microscope, each feature of the microscope, differing objectives,...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes a scientific laboratory, lab equipment, and lab safety.

Site provides a helpful word search teachers can use to help their students familiarize themselves with a microscope and have some fun at the same time.

Learn how to calculate the total magnification of a microscope on this concise site. Links to making a slide, questions on the use of the microscope, and other related microscope topics are included on this site.

An interactive Java tutorial that allows you to view several animals using electron microscopy. You are able to adjust the focus, contrast, brightness, and magnification to optimize specimen appearance.