Microscope Lab I

A basic microscope is required for this course.

Students taking this lab will conduct experiments both during and in between classes. The homework in between classes will be conducting additional microscope observational labs. For example, it has been said that each leaf is as unique as a fingerprint. For this homework lab students would gather 2-3 leaves from the same tree and examine them with their microscope. They would then report their findings and conclusions at the start of the next week's class.  We will  use both the Scientific Method and Microscope Lab PDFs for each experiment. 

Instructor will use a USB microscope during class to show students both prepared slides and magnifications of common household objects. 

There will be a trivia slide at the beginning of each class. (a mystery object at a high-level magnification – students will be asked to guess what the item is prior to the instructor reveal)
Students please bring the following items to the 1st class:
1)	Cabbage, Onion, Spinach or Lettuce Leaf
2)	Sugar, Salt and Pepper
3)	Printed Page (Laser or Inkjet), Newspaper Page, Magazine Page

2nd Class
1)	Spider Web or Cob Web
2)	Leaf from two different trees
3)	Thread from 2-3 different pieces of fabric 
(Items 1 and 3 will need to be mounted on slides)

3rd Class
Plant leaves, stems and buds
We will compare student samples with prepared slide samples

4th Class
Cat, Dog or Human Hair
We will compare student samples with feather and hair samples from a variety of animals.

Students will need to have a basic microscope for this class. Magnification should be at least 40 – 250x. Plastic or glass slides and holders would also be helpful. Students will be asked to gather materials for the following week’s lab. Slides should be prepared before that week’s class.