Microscopy Forum

I currently work at a daycare with school-aged children and am working on incorporating the microscope into the science activities we do (bringing both of my passions together). Being we are in a daycare facility we are unable to allow the children to mess around with glass, for obvious reasons.  I was wanting to have them search for their own items outside to look at a bit closer under the microscope but am not exactly sure how to go about it without the use of glass slides and covers.  Is there an alternative to glass slides and cover slips that works well?

Also, any suggestions on topics to discuss with them to help incorporate the microscope?  Keep in mind these children are between the ages of five and twelve.  I do know I want to dabble a bit into mitosis vs. meiosis and the parts of a flower; of course pond water will be done as well after a little field trip to the pond near the daycare.

The QCC said

Plastic slides exist with specimens. They have rounded edges and are quite durable. The specimen and plastic cover glass are easily removed to use as blanks.

I have not seen plastic slides with wells to hold liquids.

 

My suggestion would be to use stereo microscopes because of their instant gratification to see a closeup of what they can actually see.
Your age group has a quite short attention span and focusing pond water can be frustrating.
Placing a flower pistil on the stage and seeing the pollen is quite gratifying.

I have brought my microscope in once with a few pre-made glass slides for the older of the group to look at.  One of the girls was completely into it which made me excited, of course, lol.  I explained to her once all of the parts of the microscope and how to use them and she was good from there.  She spent over an hour in one sitting just looking at all of the pre-made slides I have of different objects.  I doubt the rest of the children would be as excited as she was or have the attention span for looking at it that long, you're right.

I like the idea of getting a stereo microscope for this specific use.  I'm sure I would enjoy it as well. 

Thank you for the help with the plastic slides.  I will be picking some up for sure!