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Technology Infused Lesson Plan

Title: MicroWorlds

Subjects: Science, Technology

Learning Level: 4th Grade

Abstract:

This unit builds on the Duluth School District's Science Activity Kit (SAK) called MicroWorlds. Through this unit students learn about the power and value of magnification to investigate the natural world. Inquiry approaches are used as students learn to use microscopes, microprojection, and computer technologies to discover and study micro-organisms in pond water. After students have been introduced to the microworld of pond water through a micro-projector, they find and identify organisms in their own water sample. They also identify organisms, create a log of their discoveries, and capture digital pictures of some organisms for a final report. CPS (the Classroom Performance System, which uses personal responders) is used to assess students on pre- and post-tests.

Objectives/Outcomes:

• Students will be able to:
• Properly use a microscope.
• Calculate magnification for a microscope.
• Identify common micro-organisms found in pond water.
• Identify basic body structures of micro-organisms and their functions.
• Use technology to explore and report on micro-organisms.

Invitation:

There is a world invisible to the naked eye in each drop of pond water. When we look very closely at a drop of water, we sometimes find living things moving in that drop. In this unit we will each be scientists who use technology to explore our own microworld. What will you discover?

Tasks:

1. Students learn and demonstrate how to correctly use a microscope and prepare microscope slides.
2. Students learn to calculate magnification of microscopes.
3. The whole class observes micro-projections of pond water and identifies common micro-organisms.
4. Each student completes a log book identifying protozoans through a microscope and identifying some basic structures.
5. Students complete a report on a micro-organism using digital pictures for illustration.

Situations:

This unit was completed with three sections of a fourth grade class in a setting where students rotated to the teacher who specialized in science. Science class periods were typically only 40 minutes long. The unit took four weeks to complete. One or two days of each week could be spent in the computer lab, where each student could work on her/his own computer.

Interactions:

The unit begins with a pre-test using CPS (the Classroom Performance System). The first week is dedicated to assisting students to learn how to correctly use a microscope, prepare microscope slides, and calculate microscope magnification. The teacher uses demonstrations, worksheets and hands-on lab experiences throughout the first week.

The second week begins with students examining "mystery" slides and speculating about what is being magnified. This tends to get the students excited about the power of magnification. This experience is then followed by an introduction to micro-organisms found in pond water, which is presented as a whole class presentation and discussion using micro-projection through a digital camera attached to a microscope that is then linked to a large screen monitor. After students have some idea what they are looking for, they begin completing a log book of their observations of protozoans that are observed with microscopes.

Beginning in week three, the students watch a QuickTime movie on the computer of protozoans they have observed through microscopes. Students then complete an AppleWorks file that presents key information on the protozoans and labels the protozoans and their parts.

Week four of the unit begins with students completing and sharing their AppleWorks projects. One day of week four is devoted to review, and then a post-test is completed using CPS.

Tools:

• Microscopes
• Digital videocamera and adapter for microscope objective
• Monitor
• Computers
• AppleWorks
• QuickTime movies of micro-organisms in pond water
• Microscope worksheets
• Protozoan worksheets
• Log books

URLs:

• Nanoworld and Magnification:
  http://www.uq.edu.au/nanoworld/scalemag.html
• Rotifers:
  http://dmc.utep.edu/rotifer/info.html
• Digital pond life movies:
  http://www.microscopyu.com/moviegallery/pondscum/index.html

Assessment:

1. A pre-test and post-test were administered using CPS (the Classroom Performance System).
2. Student logs of science learning and discoveries were created and evaluated.
3. Student groups prepared reports on micro-organisms that included the use of digital pictures which students modified with arrows and labels.

Standards: (Minnesota Graduation Standards and ISTE)

3501.0465 PREPARATORY CONTENT STANDARDS IN LEARNING AREA SIX:  APPLIED SCIENTIFIC METHODS. 

Subpart 1:

Primary content standard; direct science experience. A student shall demonstrate knowledge of basic science concepts of physical science, life science, and earth and space science through direct experience, including an understanding of:

5. The characteristics of objects or phenomena, including measuring changes that occur in objects or phenomena as a result of interaction, sorting and classifying objects based on one or two properties, displaying information using graphs, and describing how previously learned concepts apply to new situations.

Subpart 2:

Intermediate content standard; living and nonliving systems I. A student shall demonstrate:

A. An understanding of:

• (3) Cycles and patterns in living organisms, earth systems, and physical systems;
• (5) Characteristics of the physical world.

Worked to fulfill the profiles for technology literate students by:

1. Requiring the use of general purpose productivity tools;
2. Assisting students in using technology tools for collaborative writing and communication;
3. Using online resources to gather information;
4. Using technology resources for self-directed learning.

Projects:

See student work examples.

Author(s): Bruce Munson and the TechnoRibbits Collaboratory.

Submitted by: Bruce Munson and the TechnoRibbits Collaboratory, Arrowhead "Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology" Project, Dept. of Education, University of Minnesota Duluth.

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