Modeling what the students should see under the microscope with a digital microscope during our plant unit on the Cleartouch was a game changer this year. Each group was challenged to identify stomata on an inch plant . After each group successfully identified their stomata, they were able to put their sample on the digital microscope and share with the class. Student engagement was much higher when they were tasked with sharing their samples with the class. Students asked for additional plants to identify stomata.  

Pre-AP students were also identifying stomata of plants under the microscope, but they used a mint leaf. Digital microscopes were connected to a Cleartouch panel and students could clearly see the stomata under medium power and ever more clearly under high power. These students were then tasked with drawing their samples and labeling the layers of the epidermis layer visible in their field of view. Students could share their samples also on the digital microscope for their teacher to inspect.  

The image above came directly from a student. He was able to clearly identify stomata from a mint leaf and take a photo with his iphone to share with others. I challenged the best photo from the lab to appear on my website! This image was the winner! It is difficult to take a picture through the eye piece of a microscope. The image was also shared on the Cleartouch.