3-D Digital Microscopes
Applicant: Nancy Culliton, HKMS Teacher
Target Population: HKMS 7th Grade Students
Content Area of Project: Science
Amount of Grant: $1,465 in 2008
The ELF grant provided six digital 3-D microscopes to provide many advantages in the 7th grade science classes. The digital microscope connects to a desktop computer or laptop computer via a USB port. Mrs. Culliton, the 7th grade science teacher, has a digital microscope which can be easily connected to her class computer, which in turn is connected to her SMARTboard. Students can readily use the microscope to magnify everyday objects, including skin and hair cells, insects, etc. There is no “prep” time needed; software has been loaded onto the computer which enables the digital image to be quickly displayed, and saved as needed.
With six digital, hand held microscopes, students can now work in groups of four and capture their own microscopic images. These images can be saved and be retrieved later when presenting their information; for example, within a PowerPoint presentation.
These microscopes enhance the classroom experience by enabling students to view matter in 3-D, to learn how to operate the microscopes themselves, and to save the data for research analysis.
