Microworlds (4th or 5th grade)

Students examine everyday objects as well as microorganisms with a variety of magnifying devices. They begin by investigating several common objects with the unaided eye. Using a variety of lenses, including hand lenses, acrylic spheres, and water drops, they learn that a magnifying lens must be transparent and curved.

Next, students use a microscope to view inanimate objects. They learn proper focusing and lighting techniques, as well as how to prepare slides. Students prepare a section of onion skin and observe its cells.

Students' attention then turns to living specimens. Using a microscope, they view three microorganisms—Volvox, Blepharisma, and the vinegar eel. They study the cell structure of these organisms and observe how the organisms feed, grow, and multiply. In a final challenge, students use the microscope to examine cultures they have grown from hay and grass infusions.

Microworlds Storyline (pdf)

Supplemental Literacy Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Sponsored By

Student readers have been generously provided for this unit by The Cornerstone Foundation of Northeastern Wisconsin.