Students label the parts of a compound microscope. After studying cell structure and as a way to reinforce and simulate the concept of magnification, students create Microsoft PowerPoint slides containing one plant and one animal cell.

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Grades:

7th - 8th

Students explore the history of the microscope. Find out what organisms can be seen under the microscope's lenses. explore how many different types of microscope exist today and how to take care of the instrument.

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Grades:

4th - 5th

Students use a microscope in a series of activities that are designed to help them explore the "invisible world" and make meaningful microscopic discoveries and learn the importance of the microscope as a tool in science and research.

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Grades:

6th - 12th

Students use a light microscope to observe the organisms living in a sample of ocean or fresh water. Students create a drawing of the organisms that they observe. Students then discuss the different body plans of the organisms and the importance of clean water as a habitat.

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Grades:

6th - 9th

Students are shown a PowerPoint called "What in the World?" that shows images taken with microscopes. They are asked to guess what the images are, and what type of microscope they were taken with. Students are able to define magnification and are able to calculate magnification from magnifying power of ocular and objective lenses.

Overall Rating:

Grades:

9th - 12th