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Microscopes & Microscopic Organisms
How does an object change as it is magnified?
Students will engage in a variety of experiences that will help them to further develop understanding of magnification and scale. Students will learn how to use a microscope and prepare a slide for observation. Students will investigate plant and animal cells, and unicellular organisms. It is suggested that the light unit be taught before the microscopes and microscopic organisms unit. This ensures that students have an understanding of reflection of light off of mirrors that is required to make the light microscopes work properly. In addition, if students have an understanding of lenses and how they affect the behavior of light they will have a better understand of how a microscope works to magnify objects. Other concepts such as transparent, translucent, and opaque also play a role in understanding microscopy.
The elementary science curriculum is designed to develop students’ ability to think scientifically while learning about their world. Science process skills are introduced developmentally throughout the elementary grades. As students are acquiring the skills of scientific thinking, they are also studying concepts that help them understand their world. During the K-5 years students study various topics in life, earth, and physical science. Two common themes are present at every grade level; classification, and adaptation. At every grade level students sort and classify organisms or objects according to their characteristics to address guiding questions.
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