Looking at objects under a microscope gives kids a whole new perspective on everyday objects in their world.
They may discover that something they thought was smooth is actually covered in little scratches. Or they may discover that something they thought was round actually has angles and straight edges.
Wondering how to get the most out of a microscope? Read on for a list of 30 awesome things kids can look at with a microscope that will give them a whole new understanding and appreciation of the world they live in.
Note: Find more kid-friendly science activities on my Science Activities for Kids page!
I received a Carson brand MicroBrite pocket microscope (item number SC639) from Montessori Services as compensation for writing this post. The MicroBrite pocket microscope is a battery operated microscope you can hold in the palm of your hand. It uses an LED light and features 20X to 40X zoom. We have found it super convenient and very easy to use.
photo credit: Montessori Services
Unlike our traditional microscope, this microscope does not require objects to be put on a slide to view them (although using slides is still an option). This allowed us to view thick and opaque objects that would not be possible to look at under a regular microscope. The small size and cordless design makes the MicroBrite pocket microscope ideal for viewing objects around the home, classroom, or back yard.
I am grateful to Montessori Services for allowing me to use and review this nifty little microscope. I have purchased a number of items from Montessori Services in the past and I have always been very happy with the quality of their materials. They feature a wonderful array of learning materials that complement any early childhood curriculum, Montessori or not.
Parents implementing Montessori principles at home will also find wonderful resources through Montessori Services or their partner site, For Small Hands, which specializes in child-size tools and materials for families.
Microscope exploration activity
When our microscope arrived, I set up a microscope exploration activity to pique my kids’ interest and engage them in using this new tool.
I set out several different objects on small trays for my kids to view with the microscope.
As soon as my kids walked in and saw the table with the microscope and trays, they wanted to dive in and take a look.
I showed them how to adjust the dials on the microscope to bring objects into focus.
They had a fabulous time exploring the different objects and describing to me what they saw.
Want to try this with your kids?
Here is a list of 30 awesome things kids can look at with a microscope, although what you see will depend on the magnification of your microscope.
- Velcro
- Coin
- Salt
- Sugar
- Flour
- Sand
- Yarn
- Leaf
- Flower petal
- Blade of grass
- Tree bark
- CD
- Strand of hair
- Colored image from a magazine or newspaper
- Onion skin
- Ear wax
- Seaweed
- Feather
- Mold
- Blood
- Scab
- Teeth plaque
- Cheek cells
- Wings from an insect (look on your windshield for dead bugs whose wings you can collect)
- Spider web (use a microscope slide to collect the web)
- Flower pollen
- Dirt
- Mushroom spores
- Fabric (try different kinds such as denim, wool, polyester, etc.)
- Moss
- Pond water
More science activities for kids
More science posts from Gift of Curiosity:
- Dancing raisins
- Candy experiments
- Jumping colors science activity
- Make your own glycerin soap
- Crystallized snowflakes
- Dissecting an apple
- What do ants like to eat?
- Make your own telescope
- The great baking soda and vinegar experiment
- Magic inflating balloons
Don’t have time to gather materials? Want to make science super easy? Check out these monthly subscription services that will send science and creativity kits to your door!
Find more great science activities on my Science Activities for Kids page and my Science Activities Pinterest board.
Follow Gift of Curiosity’s board Science on Pinterest.
The Montessori Services giveaway is now over
I’m excited to host this giveaway of a $50 gift certificate from Montessori Services, one of my favorite Montessori suppliers for home or school!
Who is eligible?
- This giveaway is open to anyone 18 and older living in the US, US providences, or Canada. Must provide mailing address to receive prize.
How to enter:
- Please enter on the Rafflecopter form below. If you have questions about the Rafflecopter form, take a look at this 52-second video with directions for entering through Rafflecopter.
- You will need to provide your email address to enter the giveaway so that I have a way to contact you if you should win the prize.
Other details:
- The giveaway is open until 12:00 am Pacific Time on August 18, 2017. All entries will be verified! GOOD LUCK!
- The winner will be notified within 48 hours after the close of the giveaway and will have 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
- Gift of Curiosity is not responsible for prize delivery. Prize will be delivered by Montessori Services.
Wow. It’s really hard to choose. Because Montessori Services offers so much! And great prices for everything. But I really like all the Card Materials in all subjects that they have. Thank you!
I like the Plastic Compost Bin!
I love the weaving kit!
I definitely want the pocket microscope.
I like the pouring sets
Awesome idea! And thanks for the giveaway -+ we love Montessori Services!
We enjoy the “one drop bottles” and I like the idea of smelling and tasting sets.
I agree there are so many items that would be awesome for my students. I love all the outdoor things like the rakes and wheelbarrow.
It’s so hard to choose. I would probably get one of the cards or a the sewing kit. My daughter wants to learn to sew. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I love all things montessori!
Love the Henry books!
I would really love one of the MicoBright microscopes!
The tap and tack looks fun!
So many amazing products to choose from! I would have to say that the Buttercup™ Butter Maker is something I would love to use with my kids.
Thanks for the opportunity to win
I am always needing to add materials to our homeschool about other cultures and countries so I would purchase some of those materials!
I’d love more of their language materials.
I really like the Child – sized Masterpieces. I think those would be a great addition to our homeschool.
I like the wooden clothes hanging rack.
I would love this bead sequencing set!
Thanks for the hard work you put into your blogs
I’m really interested in the items that can help my daughter cut veggies and such as she’s really interested in helping me more in the kitchen.
I eat the MS site and catalog. Great prices for the materials you need to build your Montessori house… and great gifts, too!
Great products on both sites! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I’d put it toward the language objects! Really been wanting those!
The habitat and lifecycle products got my interest because we have been focusing on insects and backyard exploration this summer! This microscope is on my wish list now!
They really have a lot of great products! I am really like the Sum Swamp game, but my daughter saw the beginning of this post and wants the MicroBrite Microscope. So, the microscope it is =)
I’d love to try the MicroBrite. My son got a traditional microscope last Christmas and doesn’t understnad that we have to prepare slides in order to use it. This would would be really cool!
I like the cooperative games.
I would love to have one of the science kits like the skeleton model for them to explore and now the microscope is on the list too!
This would be perfect for my classroom and I believe the children will enjoy investigating materials.
There are so many great items to choose from! I would love the geo board and the tangram set.
I currently have the Peacekeepers series from Montessori Services on my wish list.
This would be awesome for my deaf Students!
http://www.forsmallhands.com/science-nature/hands-on-science/electricity-magnetic-combination-kit
We have had several items from For Small Hands. I would have a hard time choosing between the microscope, the art prints, several of their outdoor items, or some of their kitchen items….My kids would love the crinkle cutter. They have so many wonderful things!
What a neat website! I would love to get anything in the music and movement activities section.
I am really interested in the roll and play game on the small hand so website for my 2 year old!
This is just what I needed! I was given an old (not as good as a the one pictured!) microscope last year for my classroom and I am ashamed to say it sat in the cabinet most the year because I didn’t feel I had much to put out with it. These are great ideas. Thank you!
I love the Peace Rose book.
My daughter is loving flags right now- she notices them everywhere and asks me where they’re from. I would love to get the flags of the world pocket guide, and the flag sets for her.
I’m excited to try the MicroBrite pocket microscope with my preschool students. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!