12 Exciting Things to See Under the STEMscope (with videos!)

The world is filled with exciting things to offer.

And even though our eyes can feast on the beautiful sights and sceneries surrounding us, microscopes help us uncover a whole new mind-blowing realm through their lenses.

This is an astonishing experience, especially for children.

Do you remember how many times you’ve curiously sneaked a peek at your microscope in science class back in the day?

The selfsame urge remains irresistible to kids nowadays!

Help your kid appreciate the world and see it from a fascinating new perspective through a microscope. If you haven’t gotten your child a microscope yet, maybe this list of exciting things to see under the STEMscope will change your mind.

We’ll be using the STEMscope here!

Kids' microscopes come in various shapes and sizes.

Tabletop microscopes remain fixed in a specific location so your kid can scour the whole block looking for specimens and get right back to the same spot to examine the compelling samples they got.

While there are portable microscopes that, as the name suggests, are lightweight, pocketable, and readily accessible no matter where your child is, this means the whole world is theirs for the taking (and exploring!).

The STEMscope is a prime example of a portable kids’ microscope, and my outdoorsy children have a wonderful time using it for their daily adventures.

And the same device was used for the captivating specimens listed below!

12 Fascinating Things to Magnify Using the STEMscope

We asked our customers to send out the most riveting things they magnified with the STEMscope. Here’s a list of what they’ve discovered!

P.S. You could do the same too! All you need is the STEMscope, and you might want to throw in some prepared microscope slides into the mix.

1. Banana

@thestemkids Which fruit should we zoom in on next? 🤔🍌 Grab this awesome toy! Link in bio! #banana #microscope #kidstoys #viral #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - TheSTEMKids

If you ask your child how to describe a banana, only one thing comes to mind…

“Yellow”

And they’re not wrong!

But who knew bananas aren’t simply the sweet, curved, yellow fruit we all know and love? Instead, what’s gripping about them are the microscopic black spots distributed throughout their thick skin that kids might not notice in one glance.

A microscope reveals realities that the eyes never could.

Got other fruits at home? Let your child see how everyday things look under a microscope too.

2. Diamond Ring

@thestemkids Thanks to the STEMscope, I would say YES! 💎 Link in bio! 🖱 #fyp #engagementring #diamond ♬ original sound - TheSTEMKids

If jewelers have a loupe to see diamonds, your child can also awaken their inner jeweler/gemologist as they take a closer gaze at the shimmering crystal, using the STEMscope.

Diamonds are one of the most enchanting things under a microscope. The magnificent lattice structure of the crystal is distinguishable thanks to the powerful magnifying prowess of the STEMscope.

Got some flashy gems in your jewelry box? Let your child immerse in their splendid microscopic charm!

3. Sponge

@thestemkids What's your answer? 🤔 Get the STEMscope on our official website [Link in our bio] 🖱️ #fyp #foryoupage #microscope #kidstoys #toysforkids #sponge ♬ Drilla - liverpoolfans.com

Perhaps sponges are one of the nastiest things everyone has at home. Because they scrub grease off plates and absorb all grime-y fluid their surface adheres on.

But that didn’t stop one of our buyers from checking their appearance under the STEMscope.

The battle-scarred scouring pad reveals the multiple micro-bristles in shambles from the many times they’ve used it. Indeed an interesting (and spooky) sight!

Although, I really wish they’d now let the hideous thing retire in the trash bin.

4. Stuffed toy

@thestemkids Did you think it was candy floss too? 🍭🤔 #foryou #toys #toy #tiktokmademebuyit #amazonfinds ♬ Away With Me - Andrew Joy

Is your child one of those kids that can’t sleep without their stuffed toys? Because mine is.

But in all those years they’ve been sleeping side-by-side, my kids never considered what stuffed toys look like up close and personal until a customer from Asheville sent us this video.

You’d think they’re candy floss at first glance, but the STEMscope could see even the fibers making up a stuffed toy’s outer coat.

It’s an interesting view. Maybe different stuffed toys also reveal various sights? Try it with yours!

5. Eye shadow

@thestemkids It looks so magical! 😍 STEMscope link in bio! 🔬 #eyeshadow #fy ♬ swing lynn - lovdfilmz

As I watched the video above, I realized how thought-provoking things as simple as eye shadows were.

"People mark their eyes with eye shadows, but their eyes never truly understand what this makeup looks like under close inspection."

The paradox is beguiling. Either that or I’m just feeling the weight of my eyelids at 2 A.M.

Nevertheless, thanks to this video, we can now have a clear perspective of how these things look from a meticulous viewpoint! Your child might wonder how pressed powder looks when magnified, and the STEMscope can satisfy their curiosity.

6. Couch

@thestemkids An adventure for sight even at home with the STEMscope! 🛋 Order now [Link in bio] 🖱 #microscope #kidstoys #educationaltoy #fyp #viral #foryou ♬ original sound - TheSTEMKids

It’s easy to dismiss the beauty of the things around us when we don’t look close enough. The thing about microscopes is that it helps us appreciate the intricacy of any object’s construction when magnified.

Take this couch, for example. Who would have thought that the arrangement of the weaves and strands would be in perfect synchrony?

Sights like this remind us how wonderful life is if we just try to look closely.

7. Guava

@thestemkids What fruit should we zoom on next? 🤔 Learn more with the STEMscope [Link in our bio] 🖱️#microscope #kidstoys #tiktokusa #fypシ #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Jr Stit x bruno mars x adele - Margaux_lbt

Guava looks as beautiful as it is delicious. If you haven’t been to the tropics, tasting this healthy fruit should definitely be a part of your bucket list.

If you’re wondering why they’re white, it’s another cultivated variety with higher vitamin C, sugar, and seeds than their red counterparts. Nevertheless, they're equally appetizing to look at both inside and out!

Interestingly, the smooth surface on the inside appears bumpy and somewhat granular when viewed microscopically.

8. Coffee molds

@thestemkids The best educational toy for your kids! 🔬✨ Order now [LINK IN BIO] 🖱#fyp #xyzbca #microscope #microscopezoom #kidstoy #coffee #molds ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

Some people are just more curious and daring than others.

The same can be said of this group who, before throwing out their moldy coffee mix, checked first how the molds looked like under the STEMscope.

Honestly, coffee molds appear quite fascinating and haunting at the same time. Perhaps, because the fungal growth resembles cotton candy floss.

Now, you won’t see cotton candies the same way ever again.

9. Coleus

@thestemkids What have you seen up close lately that makes your brain Coleus? 👀 STEMscope 2.0 - Link in bio! 🔬 #kidstoys #toysoftiktok #microscope #coleus #fyp ♬ Moshi Moshi (Part 1)-剪辑版-剪辑版 - Official Sound Studio

Like the guava, coleus is another representative specimen from the tropics!

The magnificent coleus plant boasts of leaves variegated with green and crimson accent. And they’re as beautiful in the detailed inspection as they are when seen with the naked eye.

You’ll surely love to have this plant growing on your lawn!

10. Catmint Plant

@thestemkids Did you know flowers look like that zoomed?🌸 Order to discover more! Link in our bio!🔬 #microscope #usainbolt #kidstoys #toysoftiktok #fypシ #foryou ♬ LEMON TREE - @anton.giriel on IG

Originally native to Asia, Europe, and Africa, the U.S. has found a way to naturalize this wonderful plant that cats love!

Catmint, more known as catnips, display an array of beautiful lavender-colored flowers that appear even more stunning when magnified!

In scrutiny, each petal reveals purplish spots that accentuate its allure! Better plant one of these in your garden so your child can experience catnips’ glamor.

11. Seashell

@thestemkids What’s your reaction? 🤔🐚 STEMscope 2.0 link in bio! 🔬#fyp #iknowsomethingyoudont #kids #toys #microscope #seashells ♬ original sound - TheSTEMKids

There are no other places like a beach. This narrow strip of land houses a vast reserve of natural treasures everyone should get to witness at least once.

Thankfully, in non-heritage and protected areas, we’re free to pick out seashells as a memento of the beach’s wonders.

These shells may seem odd at face value, and they get more hauntingly remarkable as you relish their magnified beauty. They exhibit a sponge-like presentation similar to that of bone marrows.

Seeing what other shells look like under the microscope would make a fun learning activity for kids!

12. Tree trunk

@thestemkids What caused this Green Pigment? 😮🌲 #fyp #foryou #microscope #kidstoys #toys #usa_tiktok ♬ Love Nwantiti(Dance Ver) - FYP🖤🇲🇺

You might be surprised how different tree trunks turn up when seen with the naked eye and viewed through a microscope. The brown, bumpy, and woody bark shifts to a greenish hue.

This color transformation may be attributed to microorganisms called lichens that live on the surface of the trunk. Worry not. These micro-mysteries don’t harm trees. But they both coexist harmoniously.

I’m certain that kids wouldn’t even notice these lichens' existence if not through the help of the STEMscope!

Common Household Items to See Under a Microscope

There are tons of things to see when using the STEMscope or any other microscope of your choosing. Here are some other excellent specimens you can zoom into:

Salt
Velcro
Coin
Sugar
Sand
Strand of hair
Blood
Pollen
Pond water
Pencil lead
Dental floss
Fish scale
Teeth plaque
Scab
CD

The World Awaits Your Child’s Exploration

Nowadays, the wildest, weirdest, and most bizarre magnified specimens are easily Google-able. Everything is accessible with one online search query.

But nothing beats the real excitement of magnifying samples in person. And kids would appreciate the euphoria of operating their own microscopes.

And if you run out of things to explore, you can always get prepared microscope slide kits to support your child’s adventure.

If you’re interested to learn more about the STEMscope and our complete science gadget collection, feel free to visit and see what they’re all about.