OK, so I do not know if you read this great hack that was published on Instructables and promoted on Hacker News a while ago. The basic idea is that inside of a laser pointer there is a lens that could be used as a microscope. Pretty neat.
One of my favourite gadgets for the iPhone 4S is the olloclip so I though about doing based upon the same idea but using this lens to have a microscope instead of a macro/fish-eye/wide lens. If you want those get an olloclip.
I broke an old laser pointer to check if it really worked (you can get yours for almost nothing). Turns out laser pointers need lens to narrow down the beam and we can use that to build a crappy and fun microscope too. I watched the video on YouTube and it all seemed quite big and also I did not have a drill nor plexiglass at home. But I do have a 3D printer.
The result is more compact and portable, but you will need to hold steady the iPhone because the bigger the zoom increment the harder is to focus. Also, you will need some extra light to see the details or just use it against the window on a clear day.
Here are some samples taken using Camera+. A green leaf, a finger joint and a fingerprint (in hipster-scope):
If you want something to use in a classroom probably the other design is better, you will get better images and better image quality. But if you want something to play around and keep on your backpack I think this could work for you.
Just download the source files under the files folder and customize it. I used an Ultimaker and Cura with the best quality setting. It took around 20 minutes to print and then I glued the lens to the plastic, but you may have to adjust the diameter of the hole. If you have an iPhone 5+ I am sorry, you will have to model it yourself. I will not sell these either, this is just a weekend project hack.
It is amazing that this thing actually works. It has a problem though. You really need to be still to get the lens to focus and see something. I have to take lots of photos just to get one that looks right. I like that I can take with me this lens instead of the original design, but it makes sense to have something that sits on a table for the stability and easier focus.
Anyway, lets go explore the micro-world!