Wow, that’s big! Have some fun with magnification using a few simple household objects; no fancy microscope needed! Because it’s also plastic, the Magnificent Magnifying Bucket can go anywhere so you can explore all the wonderful finds in your backyard, like bugs, flowers, and interesting rocks. Getting up close and personal makes for a great science adventure!
What you need:
- Large plastic container (from yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream)
- Clear plastic wrap
- Large rubber band
- Water
What you do:
- Measure 1 inch up from the bottom of the container and carefully cut a hole in its side large enough for a child to insert his hand through.
- Cover any sharp edges around the hole with layers of masking or duck tape.
- Place a piece of clear plastic wrap loosely over the top of the container.
- Use the rubber band to secure the plastic wrap to the top of the container.
- Pour a small amount of water on top of the plastic wrap to cover the surface.
Now, place objects through the hole in the side of the container and look down through the water at the object underneath. Everything should appear much larger and more detailed!
Why does it work?
By using the plastic wrap and water, you are creating a convex lens. A magnifying glass is a convex lens that is used to produce a magnified image of an object. It magnifies because the lens curves outward and forms a dome. The parallel rays of light entering it on one side will converge (meet) at a particular spot on the other side of the lens and create a larger image. Magnifying glasses and microscopes use convex lens.
