In order for my students to be globally competitive in the Sciences, my classroom vision includes as much exposure to technology as possible. Microscopes are one way for my students to better understand the world around them and become global scholars.
This year, my 7th Grade Science students are some of the most capable and hard-working students that I have encountered in my 5 years of teaching.
They are hungry for hands-on learning and have a curiosity that I have not yet come across in a group of students.
My school is a low-income, open enrollment public charter school in a rural community that believes that all students will leave with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed at the college of their choice, strengthen their communities, and go on to fight for social justice. In order to do this, my students go to school from 8 am until 5 pm. Many students ride on buses from over an hour away! Seventy five percent of my students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Despite their circumstances, my students continue on to show a 100% graduation rate from the sister high school proving that all students can and will achieve!
My Project
My students will be using the compound microscopes and microscope slide kit in many ways this year and in the years to come. Our unit on life science begins with an in depth investigation into animal and plant cells for students to become grounded in the beauty and complexity of life. Students will learn about the background of microscope discovery and learn about the microscope parts before comparing life on many platforms. Starting from just observing simple cells, students will then move to locating their own samples and preparing their own slides with organisms that they find in the local (unfortunately polluted) waters. We will then use the microscopes to follow the organization of the body as we move from learning about cells to tissues, organs, and the whole organism. Using the microscopes for several activities will ensure they have a working knowledge of a lab skill that will later serve them in high school Biology and beyond.
I truly believe that my children are the future.
In order them to be fantastic doctors, environmental lawyers, or simply knowledgeable members of society, they must have access to technology as early and often as possible. The skills that my students will learn with these resources are invaluable as they proceed through school and become our future!
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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