Do You See What I See?

Overview

Students investigate small objects using microscopes. Students draw diagrams and describe features of everyday items under a microscope. They also work to identify everyday objects from a zoom-in of the object under a microscope. Making detailed scientific observations is emphasized throughout and a discussion of how microscopes work is included. 

Example Handout

  • Grades K-3
  • In person and virtual visit options available.
  • For in person visits, access to a power outlet is required.
  • For virtual visits, neither students nor teachers will need to supply a microscope. Instead, Science on the Move staff will use a digital microscope that allows the microscope view to be streamed directly to the computer screen. This allows for students to view objects remotely in live time.

Materials

  • Microscope
  • Coloring pencils

Follow Up and Resources

These videos offer more examples and some history about microscopes: 

Standards

Earth in Space and Time 

  • SC.1.E.5.3: Investigate how magnifiers make things appear bigger and help people see things they could not see without them.

Earth Structures

  • SC.4.E.6.5: Investigate how technology and tools help to extend the ability of humans to observe very small things and very large things.

The Practice of Science

  • SC.K.N.1.2: Make observations of the natural world and know that they are descriptors collected using the five senses.  
  • SC.K.N.1.4: Observe and create a visual representation of an object which includes its major features. 
  • SC.1.N.1.2: Using the five senses as tools, make careful observations, describe objects in terms of number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and motion, and compare their observations with others.