NORWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Technology-Enhanced Learning Activity Summary

 
Name: Molly Fedele School: Sparrell
Learning Activity Title: Computer Microscopes - Lesson 2 Mystery Substances
Grade Level(s): 5 Subject Area: Science
Description of Activity: What is the learning experience? What will teachers and students do during the course of the activity? Through what performances or products will students demonstrate what they know and are able to do?

Students in groups of four or five will report to a microscope/laptop station. The task is to identify the "mystery substance." Provide the students with a slide of the "mystery substance." Then give them five substances to be compared to the "mystery substance." For example, five substances could be corn starch, sugar, salt, Jell-O, and flour. Another example might be a piece of yarn, string, cotton ball, lace, and fabric. The mystery slide is made up of one of the five from the set. The students must prepare a slide for each of the substances and draw a detailed picture of each. They complete the worksheet and decide what the mystery is from their observations. After the first round try it with another set of substances.

Technology Standards Addressed: This learning activity will allow students to develop proficiency in the following Norwell Public Schools technology standards:

  1.0 General Computing Skills

Skills and Concepts (see Scope and Sequence)

1.04

Curriculum Standards: Which curriculum frameworks, strands, and learning standards does the activity address?

The Intel Microscopes allow students to see on the computer screen what the microscope is seeing. You can take still pictures of the image being viewed. Students are more aware of what they are really seeing than with a standard school microscope. As a teacher walking around and observing you can make sure the students see what you intended for them to see. The photographs can be returned to at a later date. If time runs short getting back to the photos is easier than setting up the whole activity again.

Materials & Equipment: What specific software, hardware, websites, handouts, and other printed materials are involved in this activity?  Attachments included

Intel Microscopes

Laptop computers loaded with microscope software

Mystery substance slides prepared by the teacher, baggies of sets of substances, slides and cover slides to prepare slides of the five substances

 

Teacher Tips and Notes: What strategies are recommended regarding logistics, preparation, classroom management, or other implementation concerns?

Think about the make-up of your groups. Substances may not have enough difference and therefore it will be difficult for the students to decipher the mystery material. Task sharing and taking turns on the microscope may be difficult for some students.

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