In this class, we got to experiment with and set up digital microscopes! Enjoy this reflection of what we did!
What we did:
Each teacher candidate was given a digital microscope (available at theĀ District Resource Centre) that we were invited to set up and play around with. While this was a great introduction with us, if doing this with students, it would be very important to teach and model how to use them, as well as how to safely set it up and use. We were then instructed and invited to explore what different objects look like under the microscope and magnify these different natural objects, as well as objects around the classroom.(Bones, wood, pinecones, desks, foam, plants, etc.)Our next task was to draw a picture of what we saw through the microscope. And finally, our last step was placing our natural object with our drawing on a table for our peers to guess which drawing matches to what object.
AHA Moment:
This activity showed me how introducing something different and letting students experiment and play by themselves could be so engaging, thought provoking, and informative. Throughout the activity, I was able to reflect on my own experiences in science growing up and I wish I was able to have the opportunity to muse these microscopes at an earlier age. It was a low-stakes activity so it allowed students to take as much time as they needed to focus an object. I am not the greatest artist but this activity allowed me practice and understand what a scientific drawing is.
Curriculum Connections:
Using aĀ digital microscope connects to the BC curriculum by supporting inquiry based learning acrossĀ Science, Applied Design, Skills and Technologies, (ADST) and the core competenciesĀ (Communication, Thinking, and Personal & Social).