The use of digital microscopes for studying physical phenomena: New opportunities for school education

Abstract

The modern educational process requires the introduction of the latest technologies that contribute to a better understanding of complex scientific concepts. The use of digital microscopes opens up prospects for developing practical skills, improves students’ analytical thinking, and supports the integration of physical phenomena with the real world. This study was devoted to the analysis of the possibilities of using digital microscopes in teaching physics at school. A series of experiments was conducted aimed at determining the dependence of the rate of chaotic motion of particles on the viscosity of the medium. The use of video analysis software established that as the milk concentration decreases, the particle velocity increases, which is consistent with the Stokes-Einstein model. In addition to the experimental part, a survey was conducted among students and teachers to assess the effectiveness of using digital microscopes in the educational process. The results showed that 85% of students suggest that digital microscopes have made studying physics more interesting, and 78% said that observing microscopic phenomena has contributed to a deeper understanding of theoretical material. The analysis of students’ academic achievements showed an increase in the level of knowledge and improved academic performance in comparison with conventional teaching methods. The results confirmed the feasibility of integrating digital microscopes into physics curricula, especially in STEM education. It was proposed to develop methodological recommendations for the introduction of digital microscopy in the school physics course. The results of the study can be used by physics teachers of general education institutions to improve the effectiveness of teaching, developers of educational programmes for integrating digital microscopy into a school physics course, and in STEM centres and scientific communities to develop practical research skills in students.