CU 4.04Magnifiers

1. 1

   Show the hand lens. Hold it close to the eye and bring the leaf up slowly until it is clear.

2. 2

   Say: 'The lens makes small things look bigger. I can see the tiny lines on the leaf.'

3. 3

   Invite the child to look at the leaf the same way.

4. 4

   Look at the other things on the tray one at a time and describe one detail of each.

5. 5

   On another day, put a small insect gently into the bug viewer, look through the lid, and let the insect go outside after.

6. 6

   For older children, show the microscope: place a slide, look through the eyepiece, and turn the knob slowly until the picture is clear.

What catches the child’s eye

• The swirls of the child's own fingerprint appearing under the lens
• Salt grains showing as tiny cubes

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Compare salt and sugar grains under the lens
2. Draw what is seen through the lens next to what is seen without it
3. Take the hand lens outside to look at bark, soil, and flowers
4. Look at a hair, a leaf, and an onion skin under the microscope