Microscopes are an essential tool to use when studying cells. They allow us to see things that we wouldn’t be able to see with the naked eye. In order to study cells in detail, it is important that students learn how to use a microscope. Before your students use microscopes in the classroom, they should understand the names and function of each part. In this activity, students will create a poster labeling the parts of a microscope. This is a great activity to complete at the beginning of either the school year or the unit on basic cells.
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Eyepiece Lens | The part of the microscope where you look through |
| Arm | Supports the eyepiece lens and connects it to the base (also a handle for carrying) |
| Objective Lenses | Three or four lenses with a range of different magnifications |
| Stage | A platform which holds the slide for observation |
| Slide | A thin piece of glass that holds the specimen |
| Focus Wheel | Used to bring the object in and out of focus |
| Lamp | Provides light to illuminate the specimen, sometimes a mirror is also used |
| Base | Supports the microscope |
In addition to optical microscopes, also have your students look at electron microscopes, which allow scientists to see things that are much smaller and in much greater resolution than optical microscopes. As an extension, have your students create a narrative storyboard on how to correctly prepare and observe cells using a microscope.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
In order to carry out an investigation to show that living things are made of cells you need to be able to use a microscope. Knowing the names of the different parts of the microscope is essential to be able to use one properly. Create a poster that labels a the parts of a microscope and includes descriptions of what each part does.
Grade Level 6-8
Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)
Type of Assignment Individual or Group
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labels | All the labels are correct. | Most of the labels are correct. | Some of the labels are correct. |
| Functions | All the functions are correct with no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Most of the functions are correct with some grammar and spelling mistakes. | Some of the functions are correct with many grammar and spelling mistakes. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
