Monday, January 28, 2008

Microscope Exploration



Step #1: Study the Optics Timeline. Use a sheet of printer paper and a ruler. Create a timeline (to scale please) showing the timeline of developments in the field of optics that includes microscopy (15 points).

Step #2: Basics of Microscopy
Here you should read the “Microscopy Primer” and the “Microscope Basics.” Both of these sections are only a paragraph or two in length.

When you finish with these articles, explore the “Microscopy Museum.” Look carefully at the changes that have been made microscopes since the 16th century. Read the descriptions of each successive model. Write a short description of 5 different microscopy models and make a sketch of each one (20 points each).

Step # 3: Work with the Intel Play Simulator. This Java Applet will allow you to look at images similar to those that you might be able to view through the Intel QX3 electronic microscope. Choose one image and view it at all three magnification levels. Sketch (and label) what you were able to see at each magnification level. Explain what the differences were from magnification level to level (15 points).

Step #4: View the following magnified images of common objects, selected from the image galleries. For each object, write a 3-5 sentence description of the magnified image that contrasts it with the object as you “know” it in its unmagnified state. What are the most significant differences that magnifying the object show us (10 points each)?
Blue cotton denim
Corn root section
Flea
Honeybee stinger
Table salt
Aspirin

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