Magnification: Fun with Zoomy

Sometimes we need to use real tools in order to see things better. Around here we have a lot of tools for doing so. The giant magnifier above is one of our favorites, especially with our younger friends.

We have a wide range of magnifying glasses. The children use them to check out just about everything.

We also have quite a few sets of binoculars and a couple different types of handheld microscopes. I have found that the children like to pretend with these types of microscopes, but I have found that it is difficult for preschool children to use them properly. Most children have a hard time adjusting them, and it is too easy to bump the slide or the mirror out of place.

So, a couple of years ago I invested in a Quantum Big Screen Microscope. The children can still bump the slide, but the image shows up on a big screen. The children have really enjoyed investigating things close up with this machine, but the new Zoomy digital microscope that came in this week is by far their favorite! We have been having so much fun taking photos with the microscope, that I haven't taken any photos with the regular camera showing us using it! Can you guess what these photos are? (I know there are quite a few, but we have been taking photos like crazy!!!!)

You can see more of our photos on Facebook. Don't forget, there is still time to enter the Pay It Forward Giveaway.

Comments

Play for Life said…

While I LOVE, and would love to have the giant magnifier in the first picture, something I've never seen before, some of those photos taken with new Zoomy digital microscope look incredible ... creepy but incredible ( Not sure I want to know what some of them are actually!) What lucky, lucky children you have Amy!
Donna :) :)

June 18, 2011 at 3:03 AM

Anonymous said…

where did you buy that big magnifyer in the first pic?

August 7, 2012 at 8:39 AM

A Few Ideas With Marker Caps (As Promised)

Yesterday, I hope I convinced you not to throw away your markers that "don't work." Today, I will share with you a few ideas for what to do with all of the caps. The possibilities are nearly endless, but here are a few of our recent creations: 1) A Leprechaun/Fairy Ladder/Rope Ladder: 2) #1 if not permanently secured can also double as a rope bridge: 3) #1/#2 can also be made into a train track for your homemade trains :). (No photo available) 4) You can use them as beads for a necklace: 5) You could make them into a wind chime. (No photo available). 6. You can use them as small manipulatives to count, sort, and make patterns with. (No photo available). 7) You could use them as playing pieces in your own homemade board game. (No photo available). 8) You could put them on a wire and glue them in place to make a twirling whirly-gig. 9) You could top them with a lid from a milk jug to make tiny tables or toadstools. 10) You could make them...

Easter Egg Caterpillars!

OOOPS! This post has moved, please click on the photo to be redirected!

Santa's Dead

"LOOK! It's Santa!" I exclaimed in my best impression of elf as I noticed a child putting on a Santa suit. "I'm not SANTA! I'm -------" "Oh, I thought you were Santa." "No, Santa's dead. I guess I have to deliver the presents now" (with a deep sigh) "Santa's dead?? What happened?" "Yeah, Santa's dead. It's a long story" and.. just like that he skipped off to play. Clearly the story was too long to tell, and he had other things that were more important to do than to share it with me. Many programs are looking at the calendar and providing materials and lesson plans revolving around spring and Easter. We tend not to look too closely at the calendar and instead follow the lead of the children. We have many holiday related materials available to the children, but they are available year round. On any given day of the year you will most likely find a child dressed up as Santa (in fact...

Ms. Amy's Blog @Child Central Station

Search This Blog