Embarking on my "Microsafari" series for Middle/Hi

John S. Mead · Post by **John S. Mead** » Mon Mar 03, 2014 10:06 am

Greetings all -- been far too long since I have been active here -- Thought I'd share my latest project -- thanks to the great folks at EXO LABS in Seattle I have acquired one of their superb FOCUS Microscope cameras that allows video capture thru a microscope into an iPad app. I do a microscope project with my 6th grade students here in Texas called "Microsafaris" where we learn about 15-20 species in culture & then test our knowledge in the "real world" with local samples of pond, stream, puddle, and aquarium waters. I am beginning to produce videos of the species to share with the world -- here is my first attempt -- it deals with Euplotes -- There is no narration here, but there will be in future videos. Please enjoy and feel free to offer your thoughts on improvement as I am open to the immense amount of experience I know resides on this site!
http://youtu.be/YPODyDyzrpk

Protos · Post by **Protos** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 3:21 am

Hi John !
this is a cool and exciting project. My coin: how about using oblique light to get a better 3D image of Euplotes cirri ?

Bruce Taylor · Post by **Bruce Taylor** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 5:43 am

Great project, John! I did something like this with kids of mixed ages, a while ago, and found that real-time video made it easy for several kids to work at one station without becoming bored.

John S. Mead · Post by **John S. Mead** » Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:51 am

Protos -- Thanks for the idea --- I am always open to suggestions as my microscopy skills can always use some help!

Bruce - I am lucky to have acquired a "FOCUS Microscope camera" from Exo Labs, a start up in Seattle that is keen on making video microscopy ( and science in general) more accessible through the iPad -- it is a great step forward for classroom microscopy and being able to share what kids see as well as we allowing them to tell the stories of their "micro adventures" -- thus the idea of my "Microsafaris" as a tool for youth to explore one of the few worlds that is not readily available to them through most modern media!

http://exolabs.com/