« Designing experiments with Gummi Candy | Main | How big is That Cell? »

Students were introduced to microscopes in today's class activity. Following the lesson, students should be able to:

1. use the appropriate terminology to describe the parts of the microscope
2. demonstrate the correct use of a compound light microscope
3. calculate the total magnification of the various objectives on the microscopes
4. explain how to prepare a wet mount slide

I asked students to check the blog tonight for some interesting links relating to microscopy. Check them out.
How do images from compound light microscopes differ from the images from electron microscopes? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Which do you prefer?

Another thing to ponder---how do advancements in technology affect our understanding of the natural world?

P.S. Today (officially), our solar system has only 8 true planets. What a wonderful example of how science is constantly changing because of new information. My 6th period was most mournful of the demotion of Pluto to dwarf planet status; I was surprised that they were so passionate. They are already trying to rethink that familiar phrase..."My very earthy mother just served us nothing (or was that nachos?)" .

Books will be assigned on Monday! It is time for us to begin learning about living things and the nature of their cells.

Parents please plan to attend open house Tuesday evening. I am anxious to meet you.

There is no homework this weekend. We will complete the lab write up and lesson extensions on Monday. Journals will be checked next week, so have them completed and on the shelf. You should have one writing assignment, an experiment on Gummi candy, and the activity on using a microscope in your journal.

Posted by Mrs. Carroll