This topic enables students to make observations using the eye, hand lenses and
compound microscopes. The focus is, however, on the compound microscope.
Students will learn important skills for observing, recording observations, and
manipulating a compound microscope. Once these skills are established,
students will explore the amazing microscopic world of minerals, humans,
single-celled organisms, plants and animals. A variety of mounting techniques
will allow the students to examine both living and non-living samples in
ethically sensitive ways.

Each section also includes an independent investigation based on the section
topic. A number of suggested questions are provided, but the students are
encouraged to choose questions of their own and use the microscopes as
scientists would. These independent investigations could be the basis for
science fair projects.

These independent science projects also incorporate skills from fine arts, language arts, and social studies.

Teacher Instructions Includes:

• At a Glance 
• Introduction 
• Objectives 
• Assessment and Evaluation:
• Student Rubrics  
• Group Work Rubric 
• Short Answer Class Checklist 
• Independent Investigation Rubric 
• Vocabulary 
• Bibliography 
• Materials
  

Lesson 1 - Microscopy Introductory Skill Activities

Activity 1 - Look Closely

Activity 2 - Using a Hand Lens

Activity 3 - Making and Recording Observations

Activity 4 - Microscope Anatomy

Activity 5 - Caring for your Microscope

Activity 6 - Focusing the Microscope

Activity 7 - Changing the Lens

Activity 8 - Observing Objects in Three Dimensions

Activity 9 - Using Top and Bottom Lighting

Activity 10 - Handling Small Objects

Activity 11 - Dry Mounting

Activity 12 - Wet Mounting

Activity 13 - Making Section Mounts

Answer Key

Cross Curricular Extensions

Teacher Instructions and Assessments
Lesson Two: Physical Science:

Letters Up Close

Which Paper Is Which? Observation Sheet 3

Sand Mystery

Rock Classification

Crystal Shapes

Growing Crystals

Soil Sampling

Physical Science Independent Investigation

Lesson Three: Human Science:

Making a Cheek Smear

Observing Blood

Comparing Fingerprints

Hair Mystery

Human Science Independent Investigation

Lesson Four: Single-Celled Organism Science:

Growing Yeast

Examining Bacteria Key to Bacteria Shapes

Single-Celled Organisms Independent Investigation

Lesson Five: Animal Science:

Observing Microscopic Animals Key to Microscopic Animals

Investigating Insects

Aging Fish

Animal Science Independent Investigation

Lesson Six: Plant Science:

Exploring Celery Cells

Looking at Leaves

Examining Roots

Observing Pollen

Spice Mystery

Plant Science Independent Investigation.

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