Science and Mathematics Using a Digital Microscope

areas with an asterisk (*) are required; all other areas are recommended

lesson title* Observing Characteristics of Objects Using a Digital Microscope
subject area* Science
secondary subject Math and Technology
grade* 2nd
duration/time* 2-5 days; Lesson 3 may be taught later than Lessons 1 and 2
overview* Few things inspire student enthusiasm more than seeing "gross" things magnified and using computer technology. Using digital microscopes in life science and mathematics lessons will take advantage of this student interest to enhance learning.  In the following lessons, the students will learn to use and manipulate a digital microscope to observe objects. Students will classify common objects and substances. Students will measure and graph objects by their common characteristics.
technology overview*
Level 1: Students will access information 
When making observations, we may need magnification to allow more detailed observations.  Students use digital microscopes as a tool to help them make closer observations of objects than are possible with the eye or a hand lens.  In Lesson 1, students learn to take pictures with the digital microscope.
Level 2: Students will collect data for research
 In Lesson 2, students use digital microscopes to gather images of different objects.  In Lesson 3, they use the time-lapse feature to record mealworms at various life cycle stages.
Level 3: Students will analyze information.
 In Lesson 2, students will sort and organize their digital images using traditional graphic organizers:  Venn diagrams, concept mapping, and designing their own charts.  In Lesson 3, students apply what they have learned about insect life cycles to interpret their time-lapse photographs.
Level 4: Students will synthesize and communicate information
In Lesson2, students will use their digital photographs to make a chart showing their classification scheme to share with the class.  In Lesson 3, students post examples of insect life cycles on the school web page.
focus questions* How can we sort things using characteristics that we cannot see? How are things the same?  How are they different?  Can things that appear the same actually be different?  Can things that appear to be different actually be the same.
content standards and benchmarks*

Science Strand I: Construct New Scientific and Personal Knowledge
Manipulate simple devices that aid observation and data collection. (SCI.I.1.E.3)
Construct charts and graphs and prepare summaries of observations. (SCI.I.1.E.6)

Science Strand IV: Use Scientific Knowledge from the Physical Sciences in Real-World Contexts
Content Standard 1: All students will measure and describe the things around us; explain what the world around us is made of; identify and describe forms of energy; and explain how electricity and magnetism interact with matter (Matter and Energy)
Classify common objects and substances according to observable attributes/properties. (SCI.IV.1.E.1).

Mathematics Strand III: Data Analysis and Statistics
Content Standard 1:  Students collect and explore data into a useful form and develop skill in presenting and reading data displayed in different formats. (Collection, Organization and Presentation of Data)
Collect and explore data through counting, measuring and conducting surveys and experiments.  (M.III.1.E.1)
Organize data using concrete objects, pictures, tallies, tables, charts, diagrams and graphs.  (M.III.1.E.2)

Secondary Standards and Benchmarks

Career Employability Skills Standards and Benchmarks 
technology standards and benchmarks* National Educational Technology Standards for Students

T.EE.1   Use input devices (e.g., mouse, keyboard, remote controls) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer) to successfully operate computers, VCRs, audiotapes, and other technologies.

T.EE.4   Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning.

T.EE.2   Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.

 Secondary Standards and Benchmarks
lessons/ resources* I. Using the Microscope:  (1-2 Days) 

II. Individual Explorations Using the Digital Microscope: (1-4 Days)
example student materials Example of student images:

Magnified Eye

Beetle Movie

Meal Worm Movie
assessment* To assess the student's ability using the microscope, each student is required to save 3 snap shots and 1 movie clip into the collection.
reflection When students are given the opportunity to explore, the boundries are unlimited. This lesson guides students to learn about the world around them as they explore objects using the digital microscope.  When presenting an open-ended lesson like this one, students unknowingly make connections between prior knowledge and what they are learning at the time.
home activities Students can gather things around the house that they would like to investigate with the digital microscope.
credits Barb Ryan  Lincoln Elementary School, Manistique Area Schools, Manistique, Michigan  bryan@dsisd.k12.mi.us

Beth Larson, Tri Township Elementary School, Rapid River, Michigan  blarson@rapidriver.k12.mi.us