Miller GT

The fourth grade GT students just finished working on a “short course” learning unit about cells, microscopes, and microscopic organisms. Beginning with the basics, they learned about eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and then plant and animal cells, cell structures and the differences between them. Their primary investigation of microscopic organisms focused on nine specific organisms utilizing web pages created by Miss Hunt and Mrs. Pettit. These organisms were those that they were going to be viewing with a microscope.

When the lab days arrived, students were very excited! To see organisms like these Stentors and Rotifers (top of page) that were 40, 100, and 400 times their actual size was just fascinating! The microscopes used were digital compound microscopes that were connected to the computer and capable of taking photos and videos of samples seen in them. Students were trained in how to use these, including how to take photos and videos of the things they discovered before they began the lab.

Student scientists worked in collaborative groups and had to identify each organism they saw using several identifiable characteristics they studied in the week leading up to the lab. After looking at the organism, they had to determine what it was by examining its color, shape, how it moved, and means of propulsion. It was quite a learning experience! They not only discussed and defended their ideas within their own group, but also with the entire class. It was exciting to see these budding microbiologists put all of their knowledge into practice!

Pseudopod, cilia, flagella, axopods...these are just some of the words our junior microbiologists needed to know and understand to identify their finds in the microscope! Check them out in these photos and videos that show you what they are!

Throughout the two-day lab, we took photos and videos of the organisms using our digital microscopes. All organisms were alive and moving, so it was sometimes a challenge to keep up with them! Check out the pictures and videos found here from our labs. Click on each to see what our student scientists saw live!

Besides the organisms we studied, we also found lots of other cool critters too! Remember, there are over 100 million microorganisms in the world, so many of our finds went unnamed, but that didn't stop us from taking photos and videos! Thankfully, there were a few that we were able to identify though, like the hydra! Check it out in the photo to the left and the video below for the hydra, and look at some of the other critters we found as well!

**Please note that while we strive to include as many students and their work as possible, we cannot promise to get everyone in to each issue. Thank you for your understanding!