Using a MicroscopeComputers In the Classroom LTEC 4100

Jane DoeSeptember 16, 2009

University of North Texas

Microscope Unit

• Topics – Care and instructions– Making a wet mount– Collecting specimens– Analyzing specimens

The TEKS• 112.5 Science, Grade 3

(b) Knowledge and skills(4) Scientific processes. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.

The student is expected to:(A) collect and analyze information

using tools including calculators, microscopes, cameras, safety goggles, sound recorders, clocks, computers, thermometers, hand lenses, meter sticks, rulers, balances, magnets, and compasses

(8) Science concepts. The student knows that living organisms need food, water, light, air, a way to dispose of waste, and an environment in which to live.

The student is expected to:(A) observe and describe the habitats of

organisms within an ecosystem;(B) observe and identify organisms with

similar needs that compete with one another for resources such as oxygen, water, food, or space.

Analyze Learners

• Twenty-two third grade students• 12 females, 10 males• Age range: 8 – 9 years old• Current Knowledge, Prerequisites, and Notes

about Learner Attitudes– Previous knowledge of lab safety procedures– No previous knowledge of microscope use

• Mental, Social, Physical, Social Notes such as:– Disabilities: 2 students with ADHD– Learning Differences: 3 gifted students– Cultural/Ethnic Notes: 9 white students, 8 African

American students, 4 Hispanic students, 1 Chinese student

• Learning Styles – Visual: 20 % of students– Auditory: 20% of students– Kinesthetic (Hands On): 60% of students

Objectives

• After completing the lesson, the student will be able to:– Identify the parts of the microscope and describe their

function (Knowledge)– Demonstrate the proper procedure for making a wet

mount slide (Application)– Demonstrate the proper procedure for viewing a

prepared slide (Application)– Discover and illustrate microscopic organisms within an

ecosystem (Application/Analysis)

Students will learn through…

• Verbal and Visual Instructions– How to carry a microscope– How to set up/use microscope– Slide Preparation– How to clean/put away equipment

• Hands on practice– Set up and put away microscope– Identify parts of microscope– Practice finding & focusing on objects– Prepare culture medium for organisms– Prepare slides– Draw observations

• Outdoor investigations– Prepare equipment for collecting specimens– Identify collection area (ecosystem)

• Pond• Puddle• birdbath

– Collect organisms

• Technology Applications– Virtual Microscope

• http://www.udel.edu/biology/ketcham/microscope/scope.html

– Identifying microscopic organisms• http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/

– Practice quiz for microscope parts• http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzbio.html

– Drill & practice games• http://www.quia.com/jg/509402.html

Click the mouse over each organism to display its fact file

A Virtual Pond Dip

Evaluation

• Observation of student – Preparing a wet mount slide– Focusing the microscope

• Evaluate drawings– Ecosystem– Organisms

• Quiz: Parts & use of the microscope– Multiple choice - Interactive – True/False– Short essay

Reference/Credit

• http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter112/index.html

• http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kdzbio.html

• http://www.microscope-microscope.org

• http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/

• http://www.quia.com/jg/509402.html

• http://www.udel.edu/biology/ketcham/microscope/scope.html