Exploring with microscopes – question bank

An inquiry approach is a method often used in science education. The question bank provides an initial list of questions about our resources on exploring with microscopes and places where their answers can be found.

The article Exploring with microscopes – introduction has links to further resources and student activities.

Q. What’s so interesting about microscopy anyway?

• The buzz of microscopy

• Liz Girvan

• Allan Mitchell

Q. How do scientists decide which microscopes to use in their work?

• Planning a microscope experiment

• Which microscope is best?

Q. Why do some microscopes magnify more than others?

• What is resolution?

• Magnification and resolution

Q. Why do some microscopes give clearer images than others?

• How microscopes magnify

Q. What’s the difference between light microscopy and electron microscopy?

• Light microscopes

• Types of electron microscope

• Magnification and resolution

Q. Who invented the microscope?

• History of microscopy – timeline

Q. Why are microscopes said to have revolutionised biology?

• Animal cells and their shapes

• Cell organelles

• A closer look at the cell’s antenna

• Making connections in the brain

Q. How are microscopes used in geology?

• Squishy rocks and earthquakes

Q. Why is fluorescence important for some forms of microscopy?

• Making connections in the brain

• Making neurons glow

Q. How can 3D images be made from 2D micrographs?

• A 3D model of the primary cilium

• Brain cells in 3D

• A closer look at the cell’s antenna