How to Magnify an Ant

Ants are more interesting up close.

The human eye is only capable of detecting so many details on very small objects and creatures. When these objects are blown up or magnified, you may find entirely new features that you never knew existed. Magnifying ants and other tiny bugs can help demonstrate the unique qualities of these tiny creatures and deliver a better understanding of how they move and what they do.

Instructions

1. Find some ants on a sidewalk or in your driveway. Ants are usually easiest to find during warm summer weather, trekking through direct sunlight across sidewalk cracks.

2. Lean down close to the ants, being careful of where you place your hands to avoid interrupting their activities.

3. Hold the magnifying glass about 3 inches away from one of your eyes.

4. Move the magnifying glass and your head closer or farther from the ant in order to focus the image in the glass. You should be able to make out details like the ant's legs, mandibles and antenna.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be careful when examining ants. Some ants can deliver painful stings to the careless investigator.

References

• Backyard Nature: Magnifying Glass