Paleonet: USB microscopes versus dissecting microscopes for labs

[Brian Bodenbender]

Hello Paleonetters-

I'm seeking advice on microscopes for the laboratory portion of a
paleontology class.  We currently have a collection of dissecting
microscopes that is, to be diplomatic, eclectic and aging.  Re-equipping
our lab will be a significant expense.  As an alternative to traditional
dissecting microscopes, I'm wondering if anyone has tried USB microscopes
for regular use in paleontology labs.  The downside is that students would
have to bring their own laptops to connect to the scopes, but that could
lead to new activities in terms of taking photos so they can build their
own fossil guides or complete other image-based lab assignments.  A second
alternative would be to try phone-based enlargement, but not all students'
phones would have that capability and everything just seems more awkward on
a phone.  The USB microscope idea raises questions of durability,
workability, flexibility, and accessories such as stands.  Thanks for any
comments or experiences you can share.
-- 
Dr. Brian Bodenbender
Professor and Chair
Geology and Environmental Science
Hope College
35 E. 12th St.
Holland, MI, USA 49423
PH: 616 395-7541      FX: 616 395-7125  CELL: 616 405-7833
--Global warming’s real name is overpopulation.--
--Overpopulation leads to underpopulation.--
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://lists.paleonet.org/pipermail/paleonet/attachments/20210209/a96a227f/attachment.htm>