Nursery World - Small worlds

Think big for science learning with April Jones, director of Computer Kids Recently we reviewed the Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope ('Larger than life', Nursery World, 20 June). Almost all nursery topics can include ideas for looking at magnified objects, but here are a few for your budding scientists: First, introduce the microscope and its function to the children. They will love looking at familiar objects under a low magnification. Pins, paper clips, postage stamps and jewellery all look good. Try experimenting with top lighting when looking at objects you can't see through like coins, hair or paper. Take snapshots of the items, print them and compare the pictures with the actual size of the object. You could also magnify objects without telling the children, such as a screw, fork, needle or pencil, and ask them to identify them. Move each object around until the children recognise distinguishing characteristics.

Recently we reviewed the Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope ('Larger than life', Nursery World, 20 June). Almost all nursery topics can include ideas for looking at magnified objects, but here are a few for your budding scientists: First, introduce the microscope and its function to the children. They will love looking at familiar objects under a low magnification. Pins, paper clips, postage stamps and jewellery all look good. Try experimenting with top lighting when looking at objects you can't see through like coins, hair or paper. Take snapshots of the items, print them and compare the pictures with the actual size of the object. You could also magnify objects without telling the children, such as a screw, fork, needle or pencil, and ask them to identify them. Move each object around until the children recognise distinguishing characteristics.

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