| Description | I teach all fifth graders, approximately 80 - 90 students, in my building how to use microscopes using the Carolina Biological Kit called Microworlds. One class per quarter investigates in my classroom the properties of magnification, safety of microscopes in lab, cell characteristics, and observation and drawing techniques. We observe three live microscopic organisms, (vinegar eels, blespharisma, and volvox) on hand held-microscopes and a few higher-powered microscopes. One of the organisms is a single-celled animal. Since the students learn about the parts of the cell, they are always interested in observing the actual parts. The microscopes that we use in the classroom do not enable the students to see these fascinating features. The bugscope will give the students opportunity to view higher levels of magnification and incorporate technology into this science unit. Once students can observe the organisms, they can use comparison / contrast skills to distinguish the differences in the images that each microscope produces. They will also be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using all three types of microscopes and have a clear understanding on the parts of a cell. I envision three days in a row per quarter where students will be at stations observing the three different organisms. The three stations will be the bugscope, the 4 higher-powered microscopes and hand - held microscopes. They will record observations both in words and drawings paying close attention to details in journals. We will have class discussion on the different types of microscopes. The students will already know how to handle microscopes, how to prepare slides and how observe, so the three days will be spent entirely on observation and discussion. |
