The Microscope: History, Function, and Types

The Microscope: History, Function, and Types
An Internet Hotlist on Microscope

created by Mrs. Cinco in partnership with Mrs. Tebbutt
Sagamore Middle School

Introduction
The microscope is an instrument used to magnify small objects so that they can be seen much better than with your eye.

The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy. The term microscopic means minute or very small, not visible with the eye unless aided by a microscope. The microscopes used in schools and homes trace their history back almost 400 years.

Ever since their invention in the late 1500s, light microscopes have enhanced our knowledge in basic biology, biomedical research, medical diagnostics and materials science. Light microscopes can magnify objects up to 1,000 times, revealing microscopic details. Light-microscopy technology has evolved far beyond the very first microscopes.

Let's take a look through history to see the development of this wonderful scientific tool!

The Internet Resources

Benchmark Dates

Types of Microscopes

Tools

Terms

Dictionary - Look up your terms: Micron, Angstrom, Field of View, Resolution. Be sure to use the term that is apppropriate to your lesson on Microscopes.

Lable and Describe the Parts of a Microscope

Content by Mrs. Cinco in partnership with Mrs. Tebbutt, dcinco@sachem.edu
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listmicroscoci.html
Last revised Fri Jan 20 11:12:58 US/Pacific 2012