4^th Grade Microscopic World Unit Blueprint

Pacing Suggestions:
1 Day

Teacher Resources:
Tips	Strands of Thread Observation Sheet (Microsoft® Word®) Strands of Thread Observation Sheet (Adobe® Reader® PDF) Pictures of Strands of Thread (50 and 100 times magnification)

12D(3-5)#2: Make sketches to aid in [reporting observations and] explaining procedures or ideas.

12A(3-5)#1: Keep records of their investigations and observations and not change the records later.

12C(3-5)#3: Keep a notebook that describes observations made, carefully distinguishes actual observations from ideas and speculations about what was observed, and is understandable weeks or months later.

Strands of Thread Observation Sheet (Teacher-generated sheet)

• Do the drawings show that the student has in fact observed an object and drawn what was seen?
• Does each drawing have an “individual character” and is not a stereotype of what the student expected to find?
• Do the drawings show relative size, shape, texture, shading, position, and complexity?
• Do students’ written observations describe relative size, shape, texture, color, and other relevant details?
• Do students refrain from changing their observations (written and sketches) once class sharing has occurred?
• Do students record observations, not inferences, ideas, or speculations?

District Written Benchmark: Use a microscope properly and be able to bring an object into focus.

Teacher observation of students using the microscopes

Observation of Student Use of Microscope

Are students able to:

Proper handling of the microscope:

• Do student hold the microscope by the arm and base?
• Do students start focusing with the lowest objective?
• After using the microscope, do students lower the body tube and place it on the lowest objective?

Note: These skills and behaviors should improve over time.