The 1st Magnifying Glass

The very first magnifying glass was invented around 1021 by Alhazen, an Arab/Persian scientist and mathematician. Alhazen was very fascinated with the human eye. He wanted to know all he could about what we couldn't see but might be there. Most people have heard of him because he is referred to as" the father of optical science" and was also the first to play with optical illusions.

He also wrote a book called, The Books of Optics. This book detailed how magnification, mirrors, and refraction are related in order to see things that the naked eye can not see alone.

Using the magnifying glass in class (for non-science people):

The lens of a magnifying glass is curved. The distance that the light must travel from the object, through the lens and into the eye of the person viewing it is different for everyone. This is why when seeing something under the magnifying glass it is important to to center the object under the center of the glass (focus). 

Different people looking at the same object will hold the glass at different distances because all of our eyes are unique. Each human eye is unique, and each person must find the correct distance in order for them to see the object in focus.

This would be a great introduction lesson on talking about how many different ways glass is used. Some things that kids like to look at under a microscope or magnifying glass:

cork

panty hose

thin material (silk or satin)
yarn