Library Closure

Due to concerns for staff and patrons, Veterans Memorial Library will be closed due to the treatment of bed bugs.

STEM Kit - USB Microscope and Slides

A Brief Overview

This guide will walk you through the basic operation of the USB Microscopes, Slides and Chromebook included in the STEM Kit.

USB Microscope STEM Kit Contents

Image of USB Microscope in plastic circulation container.
USB Microscope STEM Kit container.

 

  • 1x USB Microscope
  • 1x Acer Chromebook
  • 1x Powercord for Chromebook
  • 1x Microscope Stand 
  • 1x Case for Microscope and Stand
  • 12x Microscope Slides
  • 1x Box to hold Slides
  • 1x Book - The World of the Microscope

Basic Setup

 

  1. Remove the carrying case containing the USB Microscope and stand as well as the Chromebook and the accompanying charger.
     
  2. Turn on the Chromebook, and plug the Microscope into a USB port.
     
  3. Set Microscope into included stand and adjust until it is in a suitable position.
     
  4. Press the white circle App Launcher in the lower-left of the screen, and select the Camera app in the lower-center.
     
  5. In the camera app, click the Camera Swap button in the lower-left to switch from the Chromebook webcam to the USB Microscope.

Looking at Slides

Image of USB Microscope and slide connected to a Chromebook displaying image of from microscope.
Slide image being displayed on Chromebook.

 

Remove the microscope lens cap and center a slide beneath the lens.

Adjust the focus by turning the knob until the image becomes clearer.

Image of USB microscope connected to a Chromebook
USB Microscope connected to Chromebook via USB cable.
Image of Chromebook screen with red circles around App and Camera links.
Chromebook App launcher in lower left, and Camera app link in center.
Image of Chromebook Camera app with red circle around camera swap button.
Camera swap button in lower-left.

Additional USB Microscope Experiments

Here are some more experiments for you to try at home! Explore...

Sand!     Snowflakes!     Ants!     Worms!     Chalk!     Paper!