Microbiology & Microscopy with a Real Scientist
Step into the hidden world of microscopic life with Oliver, a professional microbiologist and high school biology teacher.
In this 12-lesson series, students will learn how to use a real microscope, prepare slides, and explore organisms that are invisible to the naked eye. From plant and animal cells to pond microorganisms, students will discover how scientists observe, analyze, and understand the living world at the smallest scale.
These lessons go beyond just learning about biology — students will see how real scientists work, ask questions, and make discoveries through observation.
Topics include:
- How microscopes work and how to use them effectively
- Preparing wet mounts, dry mounts, and basic staining techniques
- Observing plant cells, animal cells, and microorganisms
- Exploring pond life, water bears, and aquatic ecosystems
- Real-world microscopy techniques used by scientists
Each lesson is designed to be engaging, hands-on, and accessible, whether students have a microscope or are learning through guided observation.
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Lesson #1
Join us and get introduced to the microscope with Oliver, our microbiologist! You don't need any materials, just join the class and let's explore how a microscope works and what it can do.
Lesson #2
Join us for this fun class where we learn how to look at potato cells, red onion cells, and a surprise that Oliver found in a swamp muck sample hidden in a corner of his lab.
Lesson #3
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn about skin cells, eyebrows, and fingerprints under the microscope!
Lesson #4
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn about cells by looking at plants like onions.
Lesson #5
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to do top illumination techniques and find microorganisms in sediment and sand!
Lesson #6
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to prepare microscope slides including wet mount, dry mount, and basic staining techniques!
Lesson #7
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to do microscopy in the cold winter months using vegetables from the grocery store!
Lesson #8
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to do microscopy looking at water bears, pond microorganisms and mosquito wings!
Lesson #9
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to do microscopy with marine life and fresh water aquatic creatures!
Lesson #10
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to do microscopy and learn how to prepare different kinds of slides for different specimens!
Lesson #11
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to do microscopy and learn the fundamental basics of using a real microscope!
Lesson #12
Join us for a fun Field Trip with microbiologist Oliver as we learn how to do microscopy and learn the fundamental basics of using a real microscope!
10 Things I wish I knew when I started Microscopy
Microscopy is a great hobby, and not difficult to do, but I wish I knew some things when I started it. I hope you enjoy this and learn so you have an enjoyable experiencing looking and observing through your microscope.
Ten common mistakes when using a Microscope
Try to avoid these mistakes when using a microscope! We all make mistakes, and hopefully by learning about the most common mistakes, you'll understand more about how microscopes are meant to be used.
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