Life science learners need to be able to use a microscope. With this comprehensive resource, they first experience how lenses and magnification work, and then get familiar with using a compound microscope. Tremendous background...

Don't have an electron microscope? Have your classes build the next best thing! A hands-on lesson plan asks scholars to build a model of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). They then use their models to identify the function of each...

The big world is full of tiny surprises. Classes discover all things big and small while completing the second instructional activity of a five-part series comparing macro- and micro-objects. Learners collect items from around the room...

In this science worksheet, students calculate the size of different samples using the microscope as part of a formal lab assignment.

Students compare fossilized specimens to contemporary specimens. They use a computer and a Proscope Digital USB Microscope to collect and compare images of ferns, sand dollars and sow bugs to those of similar fossilized samples.

What better way to learn how to use a microscope than building your own? A lab investigation has scholars use lenses from magnifying glasses and sheets of cork to design their own compound microscopes. They calculate focal length...

Young scholars explore the world of the very small using a Flash plug-in Virtual Electron Microscope. They complete and discuss an activity in which unknown samples are placed under the computer simulated microscope to determine where...

Objects are larger (or smaller) than they appear! Scholars use a laboratory investigation to explore the difference between resolution and magnification. The activity allows them to calculate the size of the field of view of their light...

Students examine a microscope from the 18th century. In this microscope lesson, students investigate how it works, what it was used for and how the tool has evolved through the years. Students also build knowledge on how compound...

Dust is everywhere around us; it's unavoidable. But what exactly is dust and are certain locations dustier than others? These are the questions learners try to answer in an interesting scientific investigation. Working independently or...

Students explore the use of microscopes and the creation of slides. They practice using, adjusting and viewing with a microscope. they view slides of familiar substances such as blood and fibers. In addition, they create slides using...

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.

Students explore scientific observations by examining the parts of a microscope. In this optics lesson plan, students discuss the importance of a focal point and focal distance when utilizing an optical device such as a microscope....

Students identify the different uses of lenses. In this physics lesson, students compare lenses with different magnifications. They record data and discuss results in class.

Students explore vision by experimenting with lenses in equipment. For this optics lesson, students define the different technology that enhances vision such as microscopes, telescopes and cameras. Students experiment with these devices...

Students examine microscopes and how to calculate total magnification.  In this calculations lesson students complete an activity of calculations. 

Students explore light. In this properties of light lesson, students define the terms refract, reflect, and diffract after listening to the teacher's description. Students listen to the book Light Magic and observe a spoon in a glass of...

Students explore magnification. In this scientific observation skills instructional activity, students observe sea life items and draw pictures of what they observe. Students predict which lens will have the strongest magnification when...

Third graders utilize the scientific method to explain light and optics in this five lessons unit. Through experimentation and discussion, 3rd graders canvass the concepts of light traveling, reflection and refraction.

For this microscope worksheet, students complete 15 review questions of labeling, defining and short answer after finishing a compound microscope lab. Lab included.

Students predict, observe, and explain the details of salt as they view it under a variety of magnifications. They observe salt with the naked eye, and then under a hand lens, microscope, and the electron microscope.

Students view macroinvertebrates, or discuss previous collection activity. They graph data on macroinvertebrates in the Hudson River. Students discuss the relationship between habitat, environmental changes, and invertebrate diversity or...

Students explore the parts of a microscope. In this microscope lesson, students examine simple and compound microscopes. Students discover how the parts of a microscope work together to generate an image.

Fifth graders investigate the relation between vibrations and pitch. They observe and discuss an experiment involving a bicycle and a piece of cardboard in the spokes, listen to a comb with cardboard, and listen to various sounds and...