Using a microscope

[SilentMammoth]

We have bought DD (aged 7) a microscope for Christmas.

I don't HE full time (very interested in it though) but do a lot of things like maths and extra English at home with them. I'd really like to start a science project with DD to encourage her interest, can anyone give any suggestions on a theme or structure based around microscope?

Many thanks.

[nextphase]

Any of these useful?

They use razor blades in some of the prep, but otherwise look good.
Has the microscope got a guide book with it for other suggestions?

[SilentMammoth]

Ooh, thank you. Yes it does have a guide which isn't bad, I'm just very inexperienced and looking for all the help I can get!

[pooter]

This is really easy and impressive...
Spread a bit of clear nail varnish on the top and bottom sides of a leaf.
Just 1cm squared, don't daub it on!
Choose a thick smooth leaf like laurel, rhododendron, something like that
Make 2 slides (drop of water on slide then peel off the dried varnish with tweezers and float on the water. Try todo it so the varnish lies flat. Slowly lower a coverslip if you have them)
Have a peek. The difference is immense. Google guard cells and stomata.

Pond water contains all manner of wiggly things if you have the magnification for it. X40 would be enough.

Sand. Not sandpit sand though. That's a bit dull.

Red onion. Peel the red v thin layer off (not the crackly skin) and have a look. You should see lots of cells. Then dissolve a lot of sugar in bait of water and put a drop on the onion slide. Then try again with pure water (google osmosis and cell membrane and plasmolysis)

Yey! Microscopy :-) have fun, it's so cool!

[bumpybecky]

with the nail varnish on leaves you might find it easier to stick sellotape over the dried nail varnish, press down to make sure it's stuck, then peel off and stick straight onto the slide :)

holly and ivy have loads of stomata, holly has prickles though so ivy is easiest!