Low-Cost Microscope

By Jane K. Priewe

To make a useful microscope you will need: large and clean plastic bleach bottle, plastic wrap, and a heavy rubber band or string. Cut handle and top off plastic bottle so bottom part looks like a small tub. Cut two large openings in sides of tub so you can easily get your hands inside. Lay plastic wrap loosely over tub’s open end, and hold in place with rubber band or tightly tied string.

Pour some water onto the loose plastic wrap. The water forms a lens that will magnify any object you hold beneath the plastic wrap. Raising or lowering the object will help to focus details.

Illustrated by Pat Hoggan