Easy microscope samples FOR BEGINNERS

PLANTS

MOSS

Mosses (whole stems or individual leaves), from roadsides and roofs, from the forest, or aquatic mosses from ponds or fish tanks. The leaves have only one cell layer and can be easily observed without need for preparation, just in a drop of water. For permanent slides, secure the cover glass at the corners with some nail polish and let the water evaporate. Whenever you want to observe the sample again just put water under the cover glass and the moss will be revived.

ONION SKIN

Onion skin, which is the thin skin between the more fleshy layers of the onion. The cells are quite large, cell nuclei easily stained with blue fountain pen ink. The brown "onion skins" which are the dried outer layers, often contain interesting oxalate crystals.

POLLEN

Pollen from flowering plants outside, houseplants, grasses and trees. In winter you can get pollen granules (the "pollen panties", which is pollen collected by bees, which they carry to the hive). These pollen granules are often available where honey or organic foodstuffs are sold.

ALGAE

Algae, lichen from the covering on paths, stones, on shady house walls, tree trunks etc.; green water from a pond, or the slimy growth in a watering can, on wet flower pots etc.

PLANT EPIDERMIS

Epidermis (the uppermost cell layer) can be peeled off fleshy leaves or fruits. The stomata through which the plant breathes can be seen very clearly. Well suited are e.g. Kalanchoe, Golliwoog, Tradescantia (three-master flower). You can also make a lacquer print with nail polish or quick drying glue. Compare top and bottom side of the leaf!

PLANT HAIR

Plant hairs (trichomes) from different species of plants (thyme, mallow, sea buckthorn, wood sorrel, nettle, pumpkin, goosefoot, spinach)

FLOWER HAIRS

Stamen hairs in the flowers of the three-master flower (Tradescantia) consist of a chain of individual cells. In the cells one can see the plasma movements at high magnification, preferably in dark field or phase contrast.

SMALL INSECTS

Small insects from house and garden, ants, fruit flies, springtails, nematodes and mites from moist flower or garden soil.

Butterflies, moths, especially the antennae and wing scales

Various water fleas and other small crustaceans from a pond, aquarium etc

MICROORGANISMS

Rotifers, ciliates from a pond, aquarium, or self-made hay infusion. Commercial alternative: Artemia or various other live food cultures from the pet shop, some sell even rotifers or paramecium to raise very small fish fry.

HAIR

Compare human hair with that of animals (dog, cat, rodent, etc.) The hair looks very different, sometimes with air pockets inside.