Digital Blue QX5 Microscope: Advantages, Disadvantages

Advantages-
It is cheap (~$100)! You can buy several for a classroom, ideally one for each pair of student. The software control is excellent and intuitive for children. I have tried this microscope with 2nd grade students and they can use it. Also, as stated before, Digital microscopy uses a ccd camera rather than the human eye as a detector, and the image is displayed on a computer screen (or can be projected onto a TV monitor so that the whole class can see). Thus, it is possible for several people to examine the image at the same time, thereby making it a much more interactive learning experience. Students can discuss what they are seeing among themselves. Microscopy becomes interactive!

Digital Blue is particular good for imaging finer details in “larger” objects- ie. Insects, rocks, fragments, plants (see exercises described in this www site). There are many investigations that are great to do with elementary school students. You can see smaller objects such as cells as well using natural or artificial dyes.

I should add that I have no financial interest in Digital Blue, or benefit in any way from the sale of the QX5 microscope.

Disadvantages-
Digital Blue has sufficient magnification to see small objects such as cells. However, it lacks optics for introducing image contrast, which is often necessary to distinguish small creatures from the background light. (For those who know something about microscopy, Digital Blue uses “bright field microscopy” and cannot perform phase contrast, dark field or epifluorescence, which are optical techniques found in research microscopes. But hey- what do expect for $85!). Thus, if you are expecting to see lots of fine features in pond water creatures, you will be disappointed. However, see also my powerpoint on ways to improve illumination using simple techniques like using a LED flashlight (How to use Digital Blue QX5).

More advanced tips for improving image quality for intrepid teachers and advanced students can be found at:

http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/optics/intelplay/qx3techniques.html