1.31 What Is That: Using a Microscope
This is a small-group lesson from the National FFA “Grow Your PALS Program Guide” (Lesson 1.31, Mathematical Applications unit) that introduces young students to the compound microscope. Through an interest-approach guessing game with magnified images and hands-on exploration, students learn the purpose of a microscope, identify its main parts, and practice setting it up to view common items up close.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Explain the purpose of a microscope.
- Identify the main parts of a compound microscope.
- Properly set up and adjust a compound microscope.
- Describe what common items look like under a microscope.
- Time required
- 50 minutes
- Materials
-
- Compound Light Microscopes – one for every three students (at least); Dissecting Microscopes would work as well
- Prepared Slides – pre-made slides with various items to view, one per microscope
- PALS1.31.SG.TM.A – either printed or on overhead
- PALS1.31.SG.TM.B – either printed or on overhead
- PALS1.31.SG.TM.C – either printed or on overhead
- PALS1.31.SG.TM.D – either printed or on overhead
- PALS1.31.SG.TM.E – either printed or on overhead
- PALS1.31.SG.TM.F – either printed or on overhead
- PALS1.31.SG.AS.A – one per student
- PALS1.31.SG.AS.B – one per student
- PALS1.31.SG.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Unit
- Mathematical Applications
- Lesson Type
- Small Group
- Precepts
- J. Mental Growth; J1. Think critically; J5. Commit to life-long learning; P. Technical and Functional
- Key Terms
- Microscope, Eyepiece, Focus Knob, Stage, Light
- Resources
- Any biology book would provide information on microscopes and how they work. National FFA Organization. (2003). LifeKnowledge Precepts and Signs of Success.
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- NM-MEA.PK-2.2Apply Appropriate Techniques, Tools and Formulas to Determine Measurements
- NS.K-4.3Life Science
- NS.K-4.4Earth and Space Science