EXPLORING THE MICROSCOPIC UNIVERSE: OUR ADVENTURE WITH THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
Imagine a world where things are so small, they're invisible to the naked eye. Well, that's precisely the world we ventured into recently, armed with curiosity and an electron microscope. Here's a peek into our thrilling journey.
Firstly, let's talk about the microscope itself. Unlike regular microscopes, which use light to magnify objects, electron microscopes use beams of electrons. These electrons bounce off the specimen, creating highly detailed images. It's like having super-powered vision!
As we peered through the lens, we were awestruck by what we saw. Everyday objects, like a strand of hair or a grain of sand, became alien landscapes. The tiniest details were revealed, from the intricate structure of a leaf's surface to the jagged edges of a mineral crystal. There were many more cool and stunning things we could explore.
One of the highlights was observing cells up close. We marvelled at the complexity of living organisms, from the orderly arrangement of plant cells (stomata) to the bustling activity within animal cells. It was like stepping into a miniature city bustling with life!
But our adventure wasn't without challenges. Operating the electron microscope required precision and patience. It took some time to adjust settings and focus properly, but with teamwork and perseverance, we mastered the art of microscopy.
In conclusion, our journey with the electron microscope was nothing short of extraordinary. We delved into a microscopic universe, unlocking mysteries and gaining a newfound appreciation for the unseen world around us. Who knew that something so small could hold such immense wonder?
~ Middle school students with Mr Prasanna ~
*Special thanks: BHS STEM staff and Andrew Chua from Inspire STEM Education
Students making specimens to explore
Samples are ready to explore
Bold point pen head