Making a Basic Laser Microscope

Hi! I found this concept in a Sonlight Discover & Do science experiments textbook. I tweaked the project so it would work with the materials I had on hand. I thought it was cool to watch all the microorganisms swimming around.

Here are two similar Instructables:

https://www.instructables.com/Laser-Microscope-Laser-Diffraction/ by Vishwas Navada and

https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-the-Simplest-Microscope-for-Water/ by LqudIce404

To make this Microscope, you will need:

2 Large Water Glasses

1 Oral Syringe

Masking/Painter's Tape

1 Laser Level (works best because it holds itself steady)

1 Piece of White Paper/Cardstock

Water (see Step 1 below)

Towel (optional)

Completely Dark Room

Flat Surface Near a Wall (for the microscope)

The best place to get water for this project is in a puddle, birdbath, pond, etc. We want something pretty dirty, which will hold the most microorganisms, so no filtered or tap water. Fill your syringe with a small amount of water.

Now, get the glasses, syringe, and tape. These will make up the stand. Balance the wings at the top of the syringe on the edge of each glass and tape them to steady it. Place a towel under the stand to catch drips, if you want.

Take the tape once again and attach the paper to the wall. This is the screen, where you will see the microorganisms.

Gently push down on the plunger (the top part of the syringe) until a drop of water is just about to fall. Place the laser level behind the stand, aiming directly at the water droplet, and turn it on. Adjust the screen or laser level as needed, so as to get the best possible view of the microbes. The syringe's shadow might show up on the screen. If so, use this to reposition the laser level accordingly. CAUTION: Do NOT look directly at the laser beam. Doing so will harm your eyes.

Congratulations! You've made it to the end! Now, make sure your laser is on, darken the room. The amount of living things in a drop of water is incredible! Isn't this amazing?