Using a Microscope Computers In the Classroom LTEC 4100 Jane Doe September 16, 2009 University of North Texas

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

The TEKS 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 – Identifying microscopic organisms – Practice quiz for microscope parts – Drill & practice games 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