Description

A fabulous and revealing introduction to the secrets of the microscopic world.

Features amazing photos of what can be discovered through a microscope, from atoms to algae and dust to DNA. With over 20 step-by-step microscope activities including preparing slides and observing everyday objects, insects and even your own cheek cells. Includes practical information on buying, using and taking care of a microscope. With internet-links to websites with more amazing photos, projects and activities.

Chapters in this book include:
The micro world
– Larger than life
– Making things looks bigger
– Using a microscope
– Paper and print
– Fibres and fabrics
– Odds and ends
– Clues to the past
– Solving crimes

The human body
– On your head
– Bodywork
– Body cells
– Inside a body cell
– Inside a nucleus
– Bacteria
– Viruses
– Microscopes in medicine
– Microscopes and surgery

Plants and fungi
– Looking at plants
– Plant food
– How plants spread
– Water plants
– Fungi
– Food science

Creepy crawlies
– Insect watching
– Insects up close
– Watery minibeasts
– Unwelcome guests
– Body residents
– The plant eaters

Rocks to robots
– Sand and rocks
– Microfossils
– Crystals
– More crystals
– Testing metals
– Micromachines
– Nanotechnology
– A nano future?

Past and present
– Early microscopes
– The war on germs
– Microscopes today

Practical points
– Buying a microscope
– Equipment
– Advanced techniques