Microscopes

Grade Level: 7

Unit: Micro-Life

Assignment type: In Class with a Homework Blog

Lesson objectives:
 * Student will understand the different magnifications of a compound microscope and how to properly focus the microscope.
 * Student will be able to utilize a compound microscope to observe a cheek cell and Elodea.
 * Student will understand basic care of the compound microscope, including how to safely transport it and how to clean it.

Time required to complete this lesson: 1 day

 Title of lesson: Microscopes

Resources/materials needed:
 * Compound Microscopes
 * Slides and cover slips
 * Toothpicks
 * Iodine
 * Elodea Leaf

Description of lesson: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For this class assignment, student will be viewing their own cheek cells and a plant cell (Elodea Leaf) with a Compound Microscope. We will begin class with a class discussion on proper care of the microscope. We will then discuss the different magnifications. Students will learn to start with the lowest magnification of 4X an then move to higher magnifications. After the class discussion and all questions are answered students will begin the lab portion of the class. With a lab partner, student will create a slide of 1 persons cheek cells. Student will first place a drop of iodine on the slide and then gently scape the inside on 1 persons cheek cells with the toothpick. by swiping the inside of their mouth with a toothpick, the cells will then be transferred to the slide by placing the tip of the toothpick in the iodione. A cover slip will then be placed on the slide and they students will view the cells first at lower magnification and then at higher magnification. Students will be asked to draw what they see and identify any cellular components that they had learned from the previous class.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Next students will view an Elodea Leaf under the microscope. A drop of water will be placed on the slide and the Elodea Leaf will be paced in the water. A cover slip will then be placed on the slide. Students will then look at the leaf at lower and higher magnification. Students will draw what they see. After viewing both cells, students will write three differences they noticed between the cheek cell and the Elodea Leaf.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Assignment: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As homework, students will blog their experience using the Compound Microscope. They will share what worked for them and what did not work for them. Essentially students will share best practices.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Technology used: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Computer and On-Line Class Blog. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The technology used in this lesson changes the teaching / learning in this way: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By blogging about their experience with the microscope, students will be able to express and trouble they had utilizing the microscope as well as anything that worked well for them. This will encourage open discussion and will allow students to gain a better understanding of how to use the microscope.