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Foldscope Explores... MicroRealms Explorer Cards!

This is such an exciting time for Foldscope users! MicroRealms Explorer Cards are a brand new product that I am having so much fun with - and I think that you will, too! These cards provide a whole new way to think about and use prepared slides.

Picture of MicroRealms Explorer Cards
Figure 1. Picture of MicroRealms Explorer Cards
(Photo Credit: Foldscope Instruments)

What are MicroRealms Explorer Cards?

MicroRealms Explorer Cards turn traditional prepared slides into an exciting microscopy experience! They are compatible with the Foldscope 2.0 and the Foldscope Mini. The cards are made of sturdy paper and have real specimens mounted on them. In addition to being beautiful, each card has many distinct features.

Picture of MicroRealms Cards inserted into the Foldscope 2.0 (left) and the Foldscope Mini (right)
Figure 2. Picture of MicroRealms Cards inserted into the Foldscope 2.0 (left) and the Foldscope Mini (right)
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)

Macroscopic and Microscopic Illustrations

Each card has both a macroscopic illustration showing what the whole specimen looks like and a microscopic illustration showing a specific callout feature that can only be seen with a microscope.

Close up of the Penicillium Mold MicroRealms Explorer Card illustrations (left) and the Penicillium mold viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification with 5X zoom on phone (right)
Figure 3. Close up of the Penicillium Mold MicroRealms Explorer Card illustrations (left) and the Penicillium mold viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification with 5X zoom on phone (right)
(Photo Credit: Foldscope Instruments (left) and Holly A. Stuart (right))

Scientific Name, Information, and Fun Facts

MicroRealms Explorer Cards are not just aesthetically pleasing, they are full of valuable information, too! Each card contains the common name and scientific name of the specimen that is embedded in the card. There is a detailed description of the callout feature located underneath the name on the card. And all around the border you can find interesting fun facts about the organism as a whole!

Picture of a stack of MicroRealms Explorer Cards
Figure 4. Picture of a stack of MicroRealms Explorer Cards
(Photo Credit: Foldscope Instruments)

Color Coding

If you have visited the Microcosmos, then you know that there are different classifications you can choose from to identify the specimen you are observing under your Foldscope. MicroRealms Explorer Cards are color coded to match five of the Microcosmos categories - fungi, plants, microorganisms, invertebrates, and vertebrates.

Picture of MicroRealms Explorer Cards and the Microcosmos icons
Figure 5. Picture of MicroRealms Explorer Cards (top) and the Microcosmos icons (bottom)
(Photo Credit: Foldscope Instruments)

I hope this inspires STEM and STEAM enthusiasts everywhere to dip your toes into the fascinating world of microscopy! Start collecting your MicroRealms Explorer Cards now - more sets will be coming out in the future!

Picture of MicroRealms Explorer Cards
Figure 6. Picture of MicroRealms Explorer Cards
(Photo Credit: Foldscope Instruments)

Have you already looked at MicroRealms Explorer Cards under a Foldscope 2.0 or a Foldscope Mini? Share your microscopic images and thoughts on the Microcosmos. Be sure to tag us on social media when you post the results of your explorations, creations, and discoveries! We love to see how Foldscopers around the world are using their Foldscopes in new and innovative ways!

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