Paleonet: USB microscopes versus dissecting microscopes for labs

[Eliana]

 Hi Brian, I have seen these USB microscopes in action, but I have not used them. I share with you the concern about durability. In my Palaeobotany class we have microscopes, some are a bit old. For years the students have been bringing their own phones and using them to take pictures through the oculars. Then they usually make facebook or whatsapp groups where they share these photos. There are adapters that allow you to put the phone in the microscope, which can be printed with a 3D printer. Current phones have quite large screens so they are a good tool to discuss a specific part of the material.

As you rightly point out, not everyone will have laptops to carry around, but perhaps they could do the editing part at home. For example, for this year if my course becomes blended, we are thinking of having the students take the photos of the material and then upload the photos to the Moodle activities. In the middle of that task will be the process of editing the photo and completing a guide. I think that how to use editing software, and how to perform the task, should be explained in the classroom as an example. I recommend that each class should be re-explained because the use of editing software is not as intuitive if it is not used frequently.  
Greetings!Eliana



-------Dra. Eliana P. Coturel
Museo de La PlataFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y MuseoUniversidad Nacional de La PlataArgentina

    El martes, 9 de febrero de 2021 11:14:45 ART, Brian Bodenbender <bodenbender at hope.edu> escribió:  
 
 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
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