[en] This educational paper aims to assist physics teachers in explaining the concepts and principles of material composition and deformation by describing how to perform a microscopy investigation of a deformed wrought magnesium alloy test piece. By examining the changes taking place at the different length scales from macro to nano it is possible to understand how changes in the microstructure influence the macroscopic appearance and properties. The microscopy techniques employed for the investigation of each length scale—light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy—are explained along with the procedures of specimen preparation. A background is given to help teachers explain the microstructure of magnesium, the role of magnesium alloys in modern industrial and technological contexts and the historical developments of microscopy. The paper can also be used to assist teachers in laboratory courses to describe the principles and methods of scientific experiment. The work is fully referenced and a reading list is included, making it suitable as a teaching resource for academic courses or for solo study. (paper)