Microscopy: Grade 5-8

This book 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.Skill Activities: Look CloselyUsing a Hand LensMaking and Recording ObservationsMicroscope AnatomyCaring for Your MicroscopeFocusing the MicroscopeChanging the LensObserving Objects in Three DimensionsUsing Top and Bottom LightingHandling Small ObjectsDry Mounting MethodWet MountingMaking Section MountsUsing Stains Investigations: Physical Science: Letters Up CloseWhich Paper Is Which?Sand MysteryRock ClassificationCrystal Shapes Growing CrystalsSoil SamplingPhysical Science Independent InvestigationHuman Science: Making a Cheek SmearObserving BloodComparing FingerprintsHair MysteryHuman Science Independent InvestigationSingle-Celled Organism Science: Growing YeastExamining BacteriaSingle-Celled Organisms Independent InvestigationAnimal Science: Observing Microscopic AnimalsInvestigating InsectsAging FishAnimal Science Independent InvestigationPlant Science: Exploring Celery CellsLooking at LeavesExamining RootsObserving PollenSpice MysteryPlant Science Independent Investigation Assessment and Evaluation: Student RubricsGroup Work RubricShort Answer Class ChecklistIndependent Investigation RubricExtras Include: Vocabulary ListMaterials ListCross-Curricular ExtensionsMicroscope Term and Function Mix and MatchMicroscopy Crossword