We’ve featured many weird and wonderful Lego creations here on Geek Gadgets over the years, but now Lego master builder Carl Merriman has created a fully functional Lego microscope.
Carl has been building with Lego for over 27 years, and his latest creation was inspired by the Lego X-Pod sets, which have now unfortunately been discontinued. The X-Pod sets were known for their compact and versatile design, allowing builders to create a variety of models from a small number of pieces. This versatility seems to have sparked Carl’s imagination, leading to the creation of this unique microscope.
Innovative Design and Functionality
Carl Merriman explains a little more about his new Lego microscope creation:
“While trying to find a use for the pod itself, I realized that it was very close to a deep petri dish. I used a planetary gear system to allow both coarse and fine adjustment of the objective “lens”. A little more tinkering and I connected the focus to a magnifying glass and fiber optic light in the eyepiece, so adjusting the focus knobs would actually bring the writing on a LEGO stud in and out of focus.”
The use of a planetary gear system is particularly ingenious. This type of gear system is often used in complex machinery to provide precise control over movement, making it an excellent choice for the fine adjustments needed in a microscope. By incorporating this system, Carl has ensured that his Lego microscope is not just a static model but a functional tool that can be used to observe small details.
Educational Potential
This creation is not just a testament to Carl’s building skills but also highlights the educational potential of Lego. By building a functional microscope, Carl has demonstrated how Lego can be used to teach complex scientific concepts in a hands-on and engaging way. This could inspire educators to incorporate more Lego-based projects into their curriculum, making learning more interactive and fun for students.
For example, students could build their own microscopes and use them to observe different specimens, learning about both the mechanics of the microscope and the biology of the specimens they are observing. This kind of project-based learning can help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and retain information more effectively.
Moreover, Carl’s creation could inspire other Lego enthusiasts to push the boundaries of what can be built with Lego. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity and ingenuity, builders can create functional models that serve a practical purpose.
For more information on the new Lego microscope, jump over to the Carl Merriman website for details.
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