Half Term Science: Weaving Microscopic Patterns

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Diatoms are microscopic algae with wonderfully detailed, symmetrical patterns. They inspired the Victorians to create miniature masterpieces which were shown at social gatherings.

Inspired by the microscope slide collections at the Booth Museum of Natural History, contemporary basket-maker Mary Crabb created a step-by-step guide to weave your own diatom pattern in this mindful activity for half term.

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Weaved diatom

Step-by-step instructions

Download the Diatom weaving activity or follow the steps in the photos below. The guide has been adapted by Amy Charlton, Booth Museum volunteer.

Discover more

• Diatoms aren’t just pretty, find out how diatoms help to mitigate climate change and provide a window to the past in our blog post Diatoms: Hidden Climate Heroes
• Learn more about the Booth Museum’s microscope collections on our website

Amy Charlton, Booth Museum of Natural History volunteer