The Virtual Microscope Explorer is interactive software that incorporates an animated 3D microscope with basic functions of a real microscope. The program views micrographic images created with high quality research microscopes, allowing the wonders of state-of-the-art microscopy to be experienced at home and in the classroom.
Click the Demo button to operate a fully functional version of the program. The Demo version allows you to investigate the Live Elodea specimen only. For a complete list of specimens included in the full program, scroll down the Slide List in the demo. Using the computer mouse, slides are selected from a variety of plant and animal specimens. Microscopic viewing of digital slides reveals the remarkable beauty of the cellular basis of life. With clicks of the mouse on parts of the animated virtual microscope, the microscope is turned on to illuminate the specimen, the focus knob is adjusted for clear viewing, 5 different magnification objectives are selected, and the microscope stage can be moved to see different parts of the specimen. Three volumes of the Virtual Microscope Explorer currently available are: Volume 1. A Closer Look at Life - cultivates appreciation for the cellular basis of plant and animal life. Volume 2. The Painted Lady Butterfly Life Cycle - follows the metamorphosis of the butterfly through egg, caterpillar, chrysalsis, and adult stages. Beautiful body forms beyond naked-eye perception delight the eyes in this extraodinary collection of images.. Volume 3. Mitosis and Meiosis - contains specimens of plant and animal cells during the process of cell division, lucidly illustrating chromosome dynamics involved in the processes. SCIENCE LEARNING RESOURCES • gduncan@science-learning.com