BK-WM The World of the Microscope (Science and Experiments) Oxlade, Chris and Stockley, Corinne

Knowing that the grandparents have bought my little boys a microscope for Xmas, I wanted to get them a book to compliment it and to give us all some ideas as to what to do with it. Having read the good reviews of this book I decided to purchase it...and I'm not disappointed!The book starts with a bit of history - explaining how things were different before microscopes were invented, and giving an idea of how microscopes have developed over the years. It then also has a useful section entitled "The scale of things", to help put the sizes of objects that are talked about into some sort of perspective. Then there are sections on magnifying glasses, types of microscope and how to use a microscope, before we finally get onto the bit we're really after...microscope projects!The next sections contain lots and lots of ideas of different things to examine under the microscope, as well as lots of detailed information to help you to get the best out of your microscope and get the best images you can. It starts off with very simple first subjects such as feathers, hair and photographs and then it's swiftly on to taking a first look at cells. There is a wealth of scientific information included to help you to understand what it is you're seeing and to explain around the subject which really involves you and makes this much more than a book that just shows you how to see pretty patterns with your microscope. After the cells they cover: Simple organisms; Fungi; Microscopic life in the sea; Microscopic life in fresh water; Making sections; Looking at plants; Looking at insects; Staining; Rocks and minerals and Crystals. Finally the book contains a few last chapters with more technical details concerning: Mounting and measuring; Uses of the microscope; How and optical microscope works and The electron microscope.This book is aimed at children, but if you're an adult and new to microscopes then do not let that put you off! The text is child friendly but there is quite a lot of writing and, due to the nature of the subject, there are quite a few tricky words in there. As a rough guide, I would suggest that children around 8+ should be able to read much of this themselves...although they're still likely to need some help in places. That said, I'm really looking forward to using it with my 4 and 6 year old! They won't understand all of the science, but I feel that they should be able to grasp the basics of many of the concepts and even if they don't then the book has given me lots of super ideas for things to show them. The book includes lots of attractive and useful illustrations that really help to add to the text and I'm sure that these will help with the understanding.It's been many, many years since I last looked down a microscope and I can honestly say that this book has got me all excited and raring to go! This should truly help you and your kids to get a lot out of your microscope and is a fantastic introduction to some important and interesting science for any child. Highly recommended.

I have just bought my first microscope for £100, I bought this book with it and I am so glad I did. Apart from it taking two weeks to arrive which I was not impressed about, the fact I had the microscope for two weeks before I was uninspired as to what I should use the microscope for (sounds daft). This book inspires you for things to look at under the scope, such as scraping the inside of your cheek, various different liquids, certain insects, bacteria!. You must buy this book if you are new to a microscope

Having bought a microscope for our 10 year old daughter we wanted some sort of reference book to help her through the use of a microscope. This book is absolutely spot on. It is clear, concise, easy to read with lots of diagrams and gives lots of hints and tips on using an optical microscope. As someone who used to work as an industrial microscopist I can also say that, perhaps most importanly of all, the information in the book is correct.

When I saw the book first I got a shock at how thin the book was for the price but after you look through it you relies there is an awful lot in the book

We got a microscope as a present for one of our kids and got this book to go with it. It has lots of great ideas to try and is helpful when you get a microscope to understand some of the things you can try.

Easy to use for age required.

My 7 year old daughter loves this mircoscope. She have a very inquiring mind and has put many interesting things under it. It has a good resolution. The batteries last for long and it has a great little light.

Just guessing on the age, but given some of the detail in the book it would be suitable for an older child (say 10+). Plenty of illustrations and explanations. Plenty. Some of the equipment looks a bit out of date, but overall it is a nice introduction to using a microscope and preparing slides. The book is softcover, not hardcover, so not completely the value price it appears to be.

This inexpensive microscope starter manual will demystify the microscope for parents and children. This book is packed with useful information, logically thought out and visually presented with the young budding scientist, 10 to 14 years old in mind. Easily understood by my grandson of seven with my assistance. I very highly recommend.

Buen libro para iniciar a los niños en la ciencia

Helpful for the kids.

This book is great with lots of pictures, interesting facts, and details. I bought this for my 11yr. old along with her microscope. It is really helpful and explains basic concepts in a way that is easily understood. This book is wonderful for her level or even higher for someone who may need a refresher on the microscope and some basic science. This is awesome for the little scientist within.

Really good book. It looks a bit childish at first but after a few pages it is a very serious and thorough book of science for the non-initiated one. Plus it is nice to see hand sketches and drawings like in the good old days. No pictures at all!I recommand it for the price.