|
|
|
|
Actual microscopic slide of paramecium (long,pink,central nucleus), blue-green algae (long,blue-green), and amoeba (splat-like shape with center nucleus).The microscopic world is full of simple and complex organisms, which crosses all five kingdoms; animal, plant, moneran, fungus, and protist. Because these organisms are not seen with the naked eye, many people forget to realize their importance in the ecosystem. In fact, a lot has been learned about the importance of their job in maintaining a healthy balance in the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay. To see the thousands of one-celled and many-celled organisms we utilize the microscope.
INFORMATION LINKS
- www.geo.ucalgary.ca/~macrae/palynology/dinoflagellates/modern_dinoflage
- What are dinoflagellates?
- www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Colleges/LFSC/life_sciences/.plant_biology
- Algae Alert! Scientists Set to Search for Pfiesteria to Determine if Problem in the Chesapeake Bay
- www.cbl.umces.edu/
- UMCES - Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
- www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/project/aquatic_botany/pfiest.html
- Botany and Pfiesteria
- www.col-ed.org/cur/#sci
- Lesson Plans in Science 5 - 12
- www.encarta.msn.co./schoolhouse/lessons/advsearch.asp
- Lesson Plans for K - 12
LESSON PLAN GOAL: The students will explore the world of microorganisms and determine if an organism is one-celled or two-celled.
OBJECTIVES:
- Classify organisms as being one-celled or many-celled
- Compare and contrast the different organisms
- Draw and label the different organisims
- Understand the importance of microorganisms in the ecosystem
MATERIALS:
- Microscope (with computerized video camera if available)
- Slides of one-celled organisms and two-celled organisms
- Extra light source if necessary
- One raw egg
- Large flat dish
- Magnifying glass (computerized video camera if available)
- Middle Grades Science Text - Science Interactions - Course 1 - Glencoe, 1995 pgs.248-249
- Teacher-made lab procedures paper
- Science activity journals
PROCEDURE:
- WARM-UP: List the six characteristics of living things.
- CLASS/LAB ACTIVITIES:
- With video camera focused on dish, have a student break the egg into the dish. Point out that the yolk is a single cell. Explain that a cell can range in size from microscopic to huge.
- Read from text and facilitate a class discussion.
- On the computer video, show picture of microorganisms. (Or make copy for overhead)
- Set up students in small groups and appoint each one a job (observer, materials manager,etc.)
- Hand each student a copy of the lab procedures.
- Students will begin the lab and take notes in their science activity journals
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT: 1) Students will draw the two different organisms that they observed. 2) Students will make a table comparing and contrasting the characteristics of the one-celled and many-celled organisms.
Return to Intro - Return to Top of Page