Free online teaching resources
3D Microscope: Online Virtual Lab
An interactive 3D microscope lab for identifying parts, coarse and fine focusing, changing magnification, adjusting illumination and aperture, moving the image, and exploring image orientation.
What to explorePractise focusing and compare magnification and images.
Identify the eyepiece, objectives and focusing controls, then change magnification and compare the field of view. Connect each operation with the image it produces.
Using it in classPredict, operate, then explain what changes.
For junior secondary lessons on microscope parts, correct operation, and image orientation; for senior secondary lessons on high-power use, magnification and field of view, and tracking Paramecium movement.
Ask students to predict what will happen to the field of view at higher magnification. Let them test their prediction and explain the observation.
Virtual microscope questions
What can I practise with this virtual microscope?
Identify microscope parts, practise coarse and fine focusing, change magnification, adjust illumination and aperture, and explore image movement and orientation.
Is the online microscope free to use?
The online activity is free to access from the button on this page. Reuse and distribution of materials follow the site’s copyright terms.
How can I use it in a biology lesson?
Use it for a teacher demonstration, practical preparation or revision. Give students a prediction question, let them operate the model and ask them to explain what they observe.
Does it replace a real microscope practical?
It supports demonstrations and preparation. Hands-on skills such as preparing slides and handling a physical microscope still require practical work.