All about microscopes

What is a microscope?

All about microscopes and magnification. Examine some the Museum’s insect specimens up close, and try your hand at drawing like a scientist.

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Microworld ID

Explore the microworld – find out about bacteria, viruses and more. Use your imagination to colour in your own microworld!

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Everyday objects up close

Take a look at everyday objects which have been magnified. Can you guess what they are? Try the quiz!

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Electron microscopes

Scientists use other kinds of microscopes to look at the really tiny things, such as viruses and DNA. Try the Scanning Electron Microscope quiz!

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Draw like a scientist

Before cameras and computers, scientists had to carefully record their findings by drawing them. Have a go yourself!

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Microsculpture

Marvel at the microscopic beauty of insects in Microsculpture, a groundbreaking exhibition between the Museum and photographer Levon Biss. A special photographic technique revealed insects from the collections like never before. Visit the website to explore the images in detail.

All about microscopes

We use microscopes to help us see things that are too small for our eyes to see by themselves. Microscopes have helped us discover a whole world of tiny things – this is the microworld! Have a look through the sections below to find out more.

What is a microscope?

Microworld ID

Everyday objects up close

Electron microscopes

Draw like a scientist

Microsculpture

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