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Biology Lab Essential Series - Microscopic Inquiry (High School Biology)

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Play
Jennifer Anderson
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(15)
As part of their Biology lab experiments, High School Biology students will learn how to make wet-mount slides and observe prepared microscope slides. They will examine specimens from each kingdom to fulfill lab requirements. #ACADEMIC

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
9 lessons//9 Weeks
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Week 1: Introduction to Microscope
Introduction to microscope and all its features. Practice viewing news print and sketching. Wet-mount slide: (1) newsprint and (2) swab cheek cells with toothpick and Methylene Blue (optional).
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Week 2: Kingdom Monera/Protista
Observe and draw prepared Protista slides as viewed under microscope. Wet-mount slide: aquarium, pond, lake or ocean water sample if available, use to prepare slide and view sample.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Week 3: Cell Structure
Wet-mount slides (1) red onion and water, (2) red onion and salt water solution. Prepared slides ranunculus root, zea mays root.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Week 4: Kingdom Fungi
Wet-mount slides from (1) either wild or purchased mushroom at room temperature, and (2) bread or fruit mold specimen. Optional: Camembert cheese sample for wet-mount slide
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Week 5: The Cell
Wet-mount slides: (1) cork sample and (2) onion (iodine optional) / red onion. Prepared slides: animal cells, (hydra), plant cells
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Week 6: The Cell/Cell Reproduction DNA
Wet-mount slide: (1) banana sample (optional - iodine stain) and (2) Anacharis leaf (or other thin plant leaf). View prepared slides: Root tip slide - Allium root tip, Ascarsis mitosis.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Week 7: Invertebrates Of Kingdom Animalia (Includes Insects)
Wet-mount slide: natural sponge spicules using sample from natural sponge. Prepared slides: sponge, hydra and planarian - insect slides
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Week 8: Kingdom Animalia: Phylum Chordata
Optional: wet-mount slides - red blood cells. Prepared slides: frog blood, red blood cells. Observation of different kinds of tissue cells under microscope Prepared slides: muscle tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue, connective tissue)
 Week 9
Lesson 9
Week 9: Kingdom Plantae
Wet-mount slide: flower pollen and petals. Prepared slides: Zea mays (corn) stem, Zea mays (corn) root, Ranunculus stem, Ranunculus root.
This class is taught in English.
  • In this course, you will: - learn how to use a compound microscope and create wet-mount slides - gain the skills to confidently view both wet-mount and prepared slides - conduct experiments and produce lab reports - optional digital photography may also be included.
I have taught in-person Biology labs that frequently used microscopes and slides made in lab. Incorporating technology allows students to aim to support your student in building confidence and practical skills through guidance in their studies. Although books have their uses, nothing compares to the benefits of hands-on learning and witnessing the marvels of Biology. My love for Biology stems from its deceptive simplicity, which upon deeper examination reveals a truly astounding complexity.

My area of study is Biology, and I hold a Bachelor of Science degree where I learned about mammalogy, ornithology, ecology, marine biology, microbiology, histology, and aquatic invertebrates. In my co-op lab classes, I gained hands-on experience with microscopes and learned how to create slides rather than just viewing prepared ones. I am now providing microscope classes through Outschool, where students are encouraged to use their compound or digital microscopes during open lab time. I utilize digital cameras to share my own microscope view,  as well as encourage students' to share their microscope view. While I value traditional lab techniques, I also believe that technology can enhance the lab experience when appropriate. see more clearly what they are looking for and share what they are seeing, allowing for an enhanced lab experience.

Personally I am an ever curious Biologist - I've studies mammalogy, marine biology, ornithology, microbiology, and more. In my classroom I encourage my students to explore and follow there curiosity, ask questions and find answers. I enjoy incorporating traditional learning with technology, helping students gain a deeper understanding material in practical ways. 
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: included
Feedback: included
Details: Most labs will be completed during class, occasionally you will need to do some work prior to class (collect leaves, pond water, grow mold). The purpose of the course is to support what you are studying on your own in your text book, topics can be found in CK-12 Biology FlexBook if you would like to study topic further.
Assessment
Frequency: included
Details: Students are responsible for keeping lab reports in their notebook. (optional)
Weekly supplies are mostly household items, as listed in description and will be given again on class page.

Compound microscope 
              - If your student already has a microscope that works, wonderful! 
              - If not check library, rentals, or Amazon. 
              - Must have light source/ cord, coarse/ fine adjustment, optical lens
Basic Slide preparation kit (recommended)
             Blank slides (~5), coverslips (~5),  eye dropper, scalpel/ knife, (optional: microtome), probe (pin), tweezers
             Optional Dyes: Methylene Blue, Iodine 
Prepared slide kit - 
 -many microscopes come with some prepared slides, substitutions of similar slides are fine. 
- Basic Biology Slide Kit (25 slides) recommended, larger slide kits welcome based on your learners interest
             - prepared slides we will use:
                   Week 1 --
                   Week 2: Protista: amoeba, paramecium, euglena, volvox, spirogyra, diatom
                   Week 3: --
                   Week 4  --
                   Week 5: animal cells (hydra), plant cells 
                   Week 6: Allium root tip, Ascarsis mitosis
                   Week 7: sponge, hydra and planarian, invertebrate/ insect
                   Week 8: frog blood, red blood cells; muscle tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue, connective tissue
                   Week 9: Zea mays (corn) stem, Zea mays (corn) root, Ranunculus stem, Ranunculus root
Compound microscopes:  It is assumed that all learners have a properly functioning microscope. I will provide guidance to help learners become more comfortable using all the microscope adjustments to view slides successfully. Please make sure that all parts of your microscope are present and functional. 

*If learner has microscope with limited viewing, they will be able to observe experiments and views on screen as well. I do encourage learners to either use a digital microscope or download app to allow higher camera magnification in such cases. 
Supportive texts for students: 
CK-12 Biology for High School (FlexBook) 
Joined August, 2021
4.9
15reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from State University of New York College at Brockport
Associate's Degree from Salvation Army School for Officer Training
I am excited for your learner to join my classroom soon, now that summer is here. 

My teaching philosophy is centered on making learning enjoyable, relevant, and interesting. Moreover, I believe that intelligence and creativity are closely... 

Reviews

Group Class

$14

weekly or $125 for 9 classes
1x per week, 9 weeks
45 min

Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
1-4 learners per class

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