The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Learning to Use Microscopes

Learning to use Microscopes

A 7th grade STEM lesson

Jessica Evans

5/25/2024

Notes for teachers

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• This lesson takes place in a science lab or classroom for 2-3 class periods.
• This lesson also focuses on animal and plant cells and the differences between the two but most of that lesson is separated from the microscope portion
• Students may work in small groups of 2-4.
• Focus should be on students using microscopes correctly especially when observing specimens

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List of Materials

• Microscopes
• Prepared slides of various microscopic organisms (e.g., plant cells, animal cells, bacteria, protozoa)
• Worksheet
• Lab notebooks

This lesson can also double as a review for mitosis and show the stages of mitosis on the slides.

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Science Standards

7.L1U1.8 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to provide evidence that all living things are made of cells, cells come from existing cells, and cells are the basic structural and functional unit of all living things.

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7.L1U1.9 Construct an explanation to demonstrate the relationship between major cell structures and cell functions (plant and animal).

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Technology Standards

ISTE Standard 1: Empowered Learner

Activity: Students will use online research tools to gather information about importance of microscopes in science. They will learn how to evaluate the credibility of sources and synthesize information from multiple resources.

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Writing Standards

7.W.2 f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

Objective(s):

Students will learn how to properly use and care for a microscope, understand its parts, and prepare and observe slides.

Students will identify plant and animal cells and differentiate between the two

Students will explain the difference between the cells they observe

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Agenda 1.5-2 hours

Introduction (15 minutes):

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Activity 1: Demonstration (20 minutes)

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Activity 2: Hands on Practice (30-40 minutes)

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Conclusion (15 minutes)

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*This lesson can be lengthened or shortened to fit your class periods

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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1) Why would a scientist want to know about the microscopic world?

2) What are living things made of?

3) What is the difference between structure and function in plant and animal cell organelles?

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Activity Instructions

Introduction (15 minutes):

1. Greeting and Objective Introduction:
• Welcome students and introduce the objective of the lesson.
• Discuss the importance of microscopes in scientific discovery.
2. Parts of the Microscope:
• Use a diagram of a microscope to introduce its parts: eyepiece, objective lenses, stage, light source, coarse and fine focus knobs.
• Explain the function of each part.

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Activity Instructions

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Activity 1: Demonstration (20 minutes):

1. Demonstration:
• Show students how to carry a microscope correctly.
• Demonstrate how to set up the microscope, including how to adjust the light source and focus using both coarse and fine focus knobs.
• Explain how to clean lenses with lens paper.
2. Observation:
• Use a prepared slide to demonstrate how to place it on the stage, secure it with stage clips, and bring it into focus.
• Show the difference between low and high magnification and how to switch between objective lenses.

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Activity 2: Hands-On Practice (40 minutes):

1. Group Work:
• Divide students into small groups and distribute microscopes and prepared slides.
• Guide students as they practice setting up and focusing their microscopes.
• Encourage students to adjust the light and try different magnifications.
2. Slide Preparation:
• Provide plant and animal cell slides for each group (or rotate)
• Have students observe them under the microscope.
• You could also have students prepare their own slides but for this lesson I provided prepared slides of plant and animal cells
3. Worksheet Completion:
• Distribute worksheets for students to record their observations.
• Include sections for drawing what they see at different magnifications and noting any differences observed.

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Slide Images

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

Activity Instructions

Conclusion (15 minutes):

1. Review and Q&A:
• Gather the class and review the key points of the lesson.
• Discuss common issues students encountered and how to resolve them.
• Answer any remaining questions.
2. Care and Maintenance:
• Emphasize the importance of proper care and maintenance of the microscopes.
• Instruct students on how to properly clean and store the microscopes after use.
3. Closing:
• Summarize the day’s activities and what they have learned.
• Complete worksheet that was provided

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Worksheet

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Microscope Worksheet

Assessment

• Monitor student participation and understanding during the hands-on practice.
• Review completed worksheets for accuracy and detail.
• Evaluate the assignment to ensure comprehension of the importance of microscopes in science.

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Differentiation

Have students working in a group for peer help

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Teacher walking around the room observing and helping those in need

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Assign a brief task, such as researching a famous discovery made with a microscope and writing a short paragraph about it.

Allow students to view other slides available beyond plant and animal cells

Utilize online virtual microscope tools to allow students to explore different types of cells and organisms that they might not have access to in the classroom.