Microscope Center Instructions
STOP!!!! WARNING!!!!! If you are working at this center you should have already completed the Pond Observation Center.
In addition to the macro-organisms (living things big enough to see) you’ve been studying in the pond, water ecosystems also have microorganisms. These are living things that are too small to see with just your eye. At this center you will complete your experiment by observing microorganisms from the pond water with a microscope. The microscope is a tool that will let you see very small organisms that you could otherwise not see with your naked eye.
Instructions:
- As a group, answer Question #1 on the experiment guide BEFORE YOU START YOUR OBSERVATIONS.
- Find an adult in the room who is not working with others to assist you. If one is not available raise your hand and one will come to you.
- WITH THE ADULT, collect a drop of water from the pond using a water dropper.
- Carefully put the drop of water on a microscope slide and cover it with a cover slip.
- When your slide is ready, you will begin observing the organisms just like in the Pond Observation Center; only this time you will do it through a microscope.
- After close observation, be sure to fill out your data sheets completely and write down all observations.
- To complete your experiment, use the scientific method to answer the questions on the experiment guide.
