A microscope is an optical instrument that can be used for magnification. It's often made up of multiple parts, including: * optics (lens, focus, calibration) * a camera * a lighting system * a moving stage to hold slides Not all are necessary to view something microscopic! [![IMG_20180417_190644_1024x1024.jpg](https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/024/647/large/IMG_20180417_190644_1024x1024.jpg)](https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/024/647/original/IMG_20180417_190644_1024x1024.jpg) ## Basic Microscope Kit While there are lots of different microscopes -- both commercial and open source (see below) -- we're highlighting an **introductory-level Do-It-Yourself microscope kit** that's a good place to start: > [Basic Microscope Kit](/basic-microscope) -- prototyping kit now available for pre-order [in the Public Lab store](https://store.publiclab.org/products/microscope) **** ## Microscope projects What kinds of microscope are available, both Do-It-Yourself ones and commercially available ones? We've [posted this question here](https://publiclab.org/notes/warren/10-02-2017/how-do-diy-microscopes-compare-cost-ease-of-use-resolution-to-commercial-options), and are keeping a comparison table below. See and edit the [full spreadsheet here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CgidY7auptZcLJ_FmbfoTkye_29LqR29tVmciRyd_0Y/edit#gid=0) ## Questions Questions can be either frequently asked questions, or "next step" challenges we're looking to solve. [questions:microscopes] ## Activities Activities show how to use this project, step by step. [activities:microscopes] ## Updates [notes:microscopes]