Digital Microscope Activities for Kids

What can you observe with a microscope? Try these digital microscope activities to find out. This post is sponsored by the uHandy Mobile Microscope. I get commissions for purchases made through the affiliate links in this post.

We love making observations using magnifying glasses. What’s better than a magnifying glass? A microscope! My favorite feature about the uHandy Mobile Microscope is its portability. You can take the mobile microscope anywhere.

We were given the uHandy Duet Kit. It comes with:

hi-mag lens
light stage
circular slide
slide holder
quick clip for the hi-mag lens
lo-mag lens
petri dishes
pipettes
tweezers
collection vial
sample stickers
sample hubs (to save the sample stickers to look at again)
collecting album
sample card with 3 samples
carrying case
drawstring bag

Go on a Microscope Scavenger Hunt Outside

Head outside and see what you can observe with the microscope.

We took our microscope to the park and used it to explore a rock formation and things nearby. There were fossils, plants, feathers, pieces of wood, rocks, and more.

You can use either the front or rear camera on your device. The lens clips to the device.

Use the rear camera to look at things that are attached.

The sample cap helps protect the lens and fixes the focal length of microscope. Place your object on the sample cap to observe. We did find the sample caps scratch pretty easily, so be careful when using them. The kit comes with 4. I recommend dedicating one to looking at rough surfaces like rocks.

You can use the front camera to hold objects you want to view. We found this especially useful for things that would be blown away in the wind.

Explore Pond Water

We were able to look at the pond water right next to the pond. The uHandy Mobile Microscope kit comes with pipettes and containers to help with sampling.

Add a drop of pond water to the depression in the sample cap. What can you see?

Observe Textiles

Use the digital microscope to look at different textiles around the house. Choose some different types of fabrics to check out under the microscope.

You can hold the fabric right up to the sample cover. If the image is too dark, you need more light. Try shining a flashlight on your fabric.

We had fun comparing different fabrics in our living room.

Take a Look at You

Place your finger on the sample cap and take a look at your fingerprints under the microscope.

Use the sample stickers to make a sample of your hair or cheek cells.

For the hi-mag lens, you’ll place the sample on the circular slide (on the side with the magnets). Place a sample sticker to hold the sample down.

Place the circular slide on the light stage and then onto the lens to view the object.

Helpful tip: To view the images of your sample more clearly, use the rear camera with the hi-mag lens.

Watch Baking Soda and Vinegar React

One of the coolest things we tried was watching the baking soda and vinegar reaction under the microscope.

Use the lo-mag lens and the front camera. Add a tiny bit of baking soda to the sample cap.

Then, add a drop of vinegar to the baking soda. So cool!

You can take photos or videos of what you view using the uHandy app.

Use Ready Made Microscope Slides

The sample stickers are a great way for kids to learn how to make samples and observe things with the microscope. However, if you do have microscope slides, you can still use them with the uHandy Mobile Microscope.

Use the conventional slide holder to use your prepared microscope slides.

Learn More About the uHandy Mobile Microscope

For more information about the uHandy Mobile Microscope, visit uHandy on Amazon.

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