Activity Title: Exploring the World of Cells with Microscopes

Learning Outcomes: - Students will be able to identify different types of cells and their functions. - Students will be able to use a microscope correctly to observe and analyze cells. - Students will develop an understanding of the structure and variety of cells.

Curriculum Links: - SCN 3-12a: Using a microscope, I have developed my understanding of the structure and variety of cells and of their functions.

Materials: - Microscopes - Prepared slides of different types of cells (e.g. plant cells, animal cells, bacteria) - Blank slides and coverslips - Droppers - Staining solution (optional) - Microscope guidebook

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin by asking students what they know about cells and their functions. 2. Introduce the topic of cells and body systems, and explain that we will be using microscopes to explore the world of cells. 3. Show students how to use a microscope correctly, including how to adjust the focus and how to handle the slides.

Activity (40 minutes): 1. Divide students into pairs and provide each pair with a microscope and a prepared slide. 2. Instruct students to observe the slide under the microscope and identify the type of cell they are looking at. 3. Encourage students to use the microscope guidebook to help them identify the different parts of the cell. 4. Ask students to draw and label the cell they are observing, including any structures they can see. 5. After a few minutes, ask students to switch slides with another pair and repeat the process. 6. If time allows, students can create their own slides using samples from around the classroom or school grounds. They can use droppers to place the sample on a blank slide, add a drop of staining solution (if desired), and cover with a coverslip.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Bring the class back together and ask students to share their observations and drawings. 2. Review the different types of cells and their functions. 3. Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how using a microscope helped them develop their understanding of cells.

Assessment: - Observe students as they use the microscope and identify different types of cells. - Review students’ drawings and labels of cells to assess their understanding of cell structure and function. - Ask students to write a short reflection on what they learned and how using a microscope helped them develop their understanding of cells.