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Science Sunday: learning how to use a microscope
I mentioned in the Moses and the Burning Bush post that we were studying snakes, well here’s one of our projects. The boys got a snake skin from the Nature Center, and couldn’t wait to observe it. It being the ridiculously delicate thing it was, it had already broken into a few smaller pieces, this worked perfectly because I had three stations for the kids.
A few months ago (and by a few I mean more than 6) I got a deal on The Magic School Bus – Microscope Lab
Rules for learning how to use a microscope
- First learn how to use a magnifying glass. A magnifying glass uses the same principles, but is more easy to learn and maneuver. If you can learn to move things under it, you can move items under a microscope.
- You MUST follow directions, because microscopes can be expensive, if you play around you will break an expensive tool. Which leads us to:
- This is a tool not a toy.
- Only one kid may use the microscope at a time, there is no horseplay near it.
Procedures for learning how to use a microscope (these will change by microscope)
1. Know your tools, these are slides, cover slips, and prepared slides. Before a slide can be put under the microscope, it must have a cover slip or be a prepared slide.
2. Be ready to work, have your notebook, and pencil handy. If you are not ready, then it will become another person’s turn.
3. Ensure the microscope is ready. Move the barrel all the way to the top, make sure the slide clips are in place so your slide does not move, and make sure the light is flipped off before starting and when ending.
We went over all of these steps several times, and then they got to their observations (which I’ll share about later).
Let’s see what others did this week:
Each week I’m spotlighting a few posts that were shared previously. Many posts get linked up later in the week and they don’t always get as many clicks as they deserve, so I’m trying to spotlight a few every week.
Inspired Montessori and Arts at Dundee Montessori shared a cool tree of life activity that she made. Now, I want to look into how it’s used in a Montessori classroom.
<div align="center"><a href="https://ticiamessing.com/category/science-sunday/" title="Science Sunday"><img src="https://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g344/Ticia1/AiMScienceSundaycopy.jpg" alt="Science Sunday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
Now link up your SCIENCE posts for the week, and then visit some of the other posts linked up and say hi. I’m going to be pinning, commenting, FBing or tweeting all of the posts linked up as the week goes by.
Comments
17 responses to “Science Sunday: learning how to use a microscope”
Sensible microscope rules. I must get round to getting one. Looking forward to hearing more about what they learned. Thanks for hosting 🙂
I look forward to putting it together. Someday, I have one more activity I want to get done, we’ll see if it happens.
This is a great post. I never thought to post about microscope use. Wonderful.
Thanks, I have to admit, I almost didn’t write it, but writing these sometimes helps me figure out what my goals are for the future.
I love your microscope rules. We have a microscope too, but Anna was way too young when we got it out for the first time. She might be more ready now, and I will certainly be introducing your rules then.
So Ticia — I just looked at the Magic School Bus microscope and kit on Amazon. It didn’t get very good reviews, but I would be interested to hear what you thought of it. Is it worth it for me to get for Grant (he’ll be 9 soon)?? Thanks for the rules for use… I’m pinning this post!
I have a tendency to see my own eye reflected back at me when I look into the lens of a “real” microscope…not my favorite tool.
I struggle with that too. I can’t wink, so I have to hold my other eye closed, it’s kind of silly.
What fun and great way of teaching how to use a microscope!
I loved, loved, LOVED playing with my microscope as a kid! I felt like I was a real scientist, on the verge of some microscopic discovery- I hope your kiddos feel the same way!
I’m hoping they will too.
What a great idea to have rules for the use of microscope. I never thought of doing that. The microscopic world is fascinating. I look forward to reading about what they’ve discovered!
I am also curious to hear what you think of this microscope – eventually I would like to buy one for my kids, but haven’t had much luck finding one with consistently good reviews.
I emailed Mary, since I didn’t have great internet access to answer online, but this way I can make sure everyone hears the answer 🙂
The microscope isn’t all that great of quality, it’s okay, but rather flimsy. It’s a good start for us because my kids aren’t quite ready for a high quality one because they’re still learning the right skills. The slides that come with it are plastic, and the slip covers are a sticker. Which to me is odd. Probably in a year or so, possibly sooner if they can master using this one.
I need to do some research to find a better one next time, this one is rather so-so. It’s a good start if you’re dealing with lots of young kids, like in your house, because I doubt they can really damage it. But, you’re not going to get great quality studies from this one.
Great Post Ticia!
Only just now getting enough time to link up, so thanks for hosting!!This is a great post because microscopes are not toys and starting kids young, they can learn responsibility and respect for major tools! We’ll be starting microscopes in one of my co-op classes this fall, so this post has perfect timing. I bet the snake skin looked really neat!
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