Virtual Labs: Using the Microscope Lesson Plan

Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12

In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 6-12, students practice using a microscope in a virtual lab. Using BrainPOP resources, they first learn how microscopes work, and then through a virtual lab, students practice choosing the correct microscope lens, adjust lighting and magnification, and prepare a slide for viewing on a compound optical microscope in order to analyze yogurt samples and test for Salmonella and E. coli.

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

Lesson Plan Next Generation Science Standards Alignments

Students will:

  1. Explain the basic functions of a microscope.
  2. Practice choosing the correct lens, adjust lighting and magnification, and prepare a slide for viewing on a compound optical microscope.
  3. Analyze whether a yogurt sample may be contaminated with a harmful pathogen.

Materials:

  • Computers with internet access
  • Interactive whiteboard LCD projector

Preparation:

This lesson plan features an interactive lab titled Using the Microscope developed by our partner New Mexico State University (NMSU).  Through the virtual lab, students will analyze yogurt samples to test for Salmonella and E. coli. Through this lab, students will become familiar with food science lab equipment and standard techniques for this specific procedure. They will also learn to choose the correct lens on a compound optical microscope, adjust lighting and magnification, and prepare a slide for viewing. The animation guides students through theory and practice of using a microscope so that they will have familiarity with the equipment and procedures when encountered in a real lab. Students will need to handle the equipment and simulate the proper procedures to be able to move on to the next steps.

The example in the virtual lab focuses on viewing bacteria with different stains as a way to analyze whether a yogurt sample may be contaminated with a harmful pathogen. If you teach younger students, you may choose to concentrate your lesson on the main workings of the microscope as well as how to multiply for correct magnification. More advanced students can use the interactive to explore the process of Gram staining and the study of food safety. We encourage you to preview both the BrainPOP movie and virtual lab in advance to plan how they can be adapted for your students' needs.

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Have students open the Microscope Labeling worksheet and challenge them to label the parts of the microscope.
  2. Have students check their work by watching the Microscopes movie. If students have many incorrect labels on their Worksheet, show the movie through once for them to just watch and then play it a second time, pausing for them to correct their work, and discuss the concepts in the movie.
  3. Display the virtual lab, Using a Microscope. Model how to do the first part of the simulation to familiarize the class with how to advance through the various types of tasks assigned through the lab.
  4. Have students complete the lab on their own computers with a partner.
  5. Assess individual student understanding of microscopes by completing the Microscope Challenge. You may also have students apply their new knowledge by conducting a real-life investigation using a real microscope.

Extension Activities:

Be sure to check out the other Virtual Labs games on GameUp!

Related:

    Filed as:  6-8, 9-12, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.9, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2