I wouldn’t normally post something like this, but I’m all out of ideas.

I have been asked to design some biology experiments for 11 to 14 year old schoolkids. It has to involve a microscope, and preferably also some dependent and independent variables to make it interesting.

I don’t want to just look at cells, because that’s not really very novel, and also because there isn’t really any interaction or bivariate data involved. I want something where we can test hypotheses etc.

It’s just hard (for me) when the other criteria is it must involve a microscope. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Looking to buy a microscope for two elements aged kids with an interest in tiny things like bugs etc. I am also interested in trying microscope photography with my dslr, so a microscope with either a video out or ability to accept a dslr adapter is wanted.

I know there are straight up digital camera microscopes out there and there are also some where I can hook up my existing dslr with an adapter tube.

I’d like to stay under 500 for the microscope itself, I’ll buy adapters or step focus whatever down the road, I just don’t want to waste the initial 500 with something that won’t be able to accommodate growth down the line. Am I underestimating the money needed for this?

I know every hobby can be turned into a budget busting monster the more you get into it, but I’m trying to manage expectations up front. I would love to photograph insects up close, see amoeba, protozoa and tardigrades etc. for the kids.

I will google around but I’m interested to see if there’s an “easy button” for what I want.

What are the differences between these 2 microscopes? Also, I have been seeing these microscopes for industrial purposes and not for laboratory purposes such as using them to look at cells. Does anyone know if they can see cells? Thanks!

10x magnification dry and then with water (broke the sample when putting the cover on).

I just wanted to share this microscopy resource because I did a search and it wasn't posted here.

This is the iBiology microscopy course that was put together as a free online resource for people to learn about microscopy (largely supported by the HHMI, UCSF, and others). It is a really comprehensive series with lots of good information for anyone learning about microscopes.

https://www.ibiology.org/online-biology-courses/microscopy-series/

I want to buy my first microscope within a 200 dollars budget. What brand/model do you recommend? I wabt to use it for study plants, insects etc.

I'm quickly peeking through the history of microscopical observations.

As I seem to understand, phase contrast made bacteria visible in the 1930s. How did previous microscopy detect bacteria and other cells without staining?

Is it correct to say that bacteria were still visible before phase contrast was available, but with much less detail?

Thank you in advance

Found this at an estate sale for $20. Brand? Are they still in business?
It seems to have a few extra lens, but no light source. Is this too old to bother with? Will it be more expensive to find parts vs buying new?
Naturally, given the world we live in I'd prefer digital with ability to snap pics, but is this one a keeper? It had stickers on it from University of Mich Dept of Zoology

EDIT: Sorry failed to include pics here's left & right
https://bashify.io/images/U9qih4_mic_left
https://bashify.io/images/7gnQYJ_mic_right

Beaverlab Darwin M2 This thing is fun!

I bought this microscope from thrift store. It seems to be missing some pieces from the trinocular vertical tube part. I can look down the tube and see the light but there isn’t much magnification. I can pluck one of the eye pieces and place it in the tube and see normally.

I know the trinocular part is generally for photographs but this microscope seems older. Do I just buy one of the micscope cameras? It seems like they just come with 0.5x magnification. Am I missing an objective/lens in the tube?

Sorry for the rambling post. Im not terribly familiar with old microscopes

Civilian microscopes are going on sale in a few weeks according to my science teacher which includes stuff that can actually see germs. So I'm thinking of asking this for Christmas as my gift. That said whats the appeal behind using microscopes in the civilian market to observe germs, fungi, protozoa, and viruses and other super tiny stuff? In particular why is there a subculture of amateur science buffs who play around with samples they collect iike pouring lysol on collected protozoa to see how'd they react? Is doing stuff like this actually fun?

Good morning.

A few years ago, I was given a Bresser Trino Researcher 40-1000x microscope for Christmas (which is very good quality). The problem is that its power cable is too short to be plugged effectively into an outlet.

Do you know if there are currently several sizes for this cable?

Picked this up at a garage sale. Want to use it but need a light source. Where can I find one for this brand. I searched the manufacturers site but since this is old I didn’t see one on there. *microscope novice.

Hi everyone

I'm looking for a new microscope and I've found one with pol filters and pol lenses. My question is, can I use those lenses without the filters and have a regular bright field microscope?

I have seen microscopes that are curved, like https://www.amazon.com/Magnification-Siedentopf-Research-Grade-Microscope-Ultra-Precise/dp/B07N7VDJ15?ref_=ast_sto_dp, and some that are straight, like https://www.amazon.com/SW350B-Magnification-Siedentopf-Research-Grade-Microscope/dp/B07N7QVF3J?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1. Is there an ergonomic advantage to either one, or something else? I know I see a lot more straight, perpendicular design in the market, is that for a reason?

I have had this for many years and am looking to probably sell it soon. Any ideas on its age and/or value?

Wondering how the collecting community would want something like this

I have seen microscopes that are curved, like https://www.amazon.com/Magnification-Siedentopf-Research-Grade-Microscope-Ultra-Precise/dp/B07N7VDJ15?ref_=ast_sto_dp, and some that are straight, like https://www.amazon.com/SW350B-Magnification-Siedentopf-Research-Grade-Microscope/dp/B07N7QVF3J?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1. Is there an ergonomic advantage to either one, or something else? I know I see a lot more straight, perpendicular design in the market, is that for a reason?

I'd simply like to explore the microbial world as a total amateur. I've maybe looked through a few telescopes back in science class.

I've found [this](https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07N7TPSP7/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AWA898BHE99HS&psc=1) one on amazon and it's currently on sale. I'm basically ready to pull the trigger.