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Around the School
New activity
Don't let the name fool you - this activity is open-ended and perfect for the library setting! Patrons collect specimens from around the classroom or school yard to examine under the microscope. They can collect virtually anything that they wish to see at the microscopic level.
Open Activity
How-to Video
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Rating
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Participants Enjoyed the ActivityParticipants Learned from This ActivityActivity Instructions Were Clear and Easy to FollowWould Recommend
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Reviews
Easy activity. Choose your microscope carefully
This was easy and fun Activity for our kids and our staff. I would advise when purchasing a microscope to look at reviews on ease of use in setup and for children to use.
I don't know who had more fun--me or the kids!
This was a very successful program as part of our weekly "After School Tech" program. We used the Jiusion Digital Microscope, and plugged it into our smart board so that the images could be seen on the big screen--but I also tested it successfully on a Chromebook, and it says it works on tablets, phones, and computers. We were able to simply use the camera function on the computer. I collected various things to look at, including leaves, printed materials, dollar bills, sponges, as well as items around us, including the carpet and our own clothes. Kids were also invited to bring whatever they wanted to look at. It was very easy to use, and even got in some of the younger teens who are reluctant to participate in library programs. This activity brought in the largest numbers we've had yet for our weekly program. Will definitely use this again, and it's a great activity to have in your pocket if the kids are every getting to restless.
Matter Activity at the Library
The microscope was a great addition to my STEAM program. I was using sand in a matter activity and to better explain to the kids that Sand is a solid matter made up of little tiny particles. The kids also took turns going through various stations and observing different things all around the library. We looked at sticky tack (which is gross by the way); different textiles, for example, the carpet, chairs around the library and different types of clothing the kids were wearing.
This was a great microscope because it was easily connected to the laptop and was user-friendly and easy to maneuver. It did make me nervous having the kids use it themselves so if I could find a way to keep an eye on them while helping the other kids would be helpful. Don’t let the size fool you it’s a great little microscope. The families and kids enjoyed looking at different organisms from around the library. I was able to take my program to the next level!