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Magnification and resolution – key concepts

diagram with a selection of objects on the microscopic scale.

Explore some of the key science concepts that underpin how microscopes work.

Diagrams offer authentic literacy and numeracy learning opportunities and support the science capability ‘Interpret representations’.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao resources

Articles

  • Magnification and resolution

  • How microscopes magnify

  • The microscopic scale

Diagrams

  • Resolving power of microscopes

  • How lenses magnify

Video

  • What is resolution?

Interactive

  • Microscopic scale examples

Activities

  • Which microscope is best? – activity

  • Which microscope? – interactive

Inspire STEM Education resources

  • Bacteria in electron microscopes for scale – PDF

  • Microscopy and wavelength diagram – PDF

Glossary

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published: 5 June 2025Size: 1.19 MB
Referencing Hub media

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