Why microscopy?

[fischerl]

For Biology I'm having DS use the microscope to view slides, then draw and label what he sees. He doesn't see the point in this, and I'm having a hard time articulating the value of this exercise. Can you provide a good explanation for him?

[Jane in NC]

Much of biology is determined by the cellular process. Perhaps the issue is that your son is not making connections??

[fischerl]

That's probably true, as I am putting together my own program, and I am not a biologist. The problem is most likely gaps in my planning. Thank you—I really appreciate that insight.

[EKS]

It may or may not be valuable.

 

Is he doing it in conjunction with learning the parts of the cell? This is valuable up to a point, but the problem is that many of the cell parts aren't overly visible under a light microscope.

 

Is he doing something like identifying the different cell types in a plant specimen? That can be pretty cool, but only if he is also learning about the structure of leaves and stems (or whatever). Same with looking for the stages of mitosis--it's only neat if he's also learning about it.

 

If you're just having him look at a bunch of slides without having it relate to his biology studies, then I can see his point. Even if they are related, I'd pick one or two of the best ones (that really illustrate the topic at hand) and have him mindfully draw and label those.

[fischerl]

It may or may not be valuable.

 

Is he doing something like identifying the different cell types in a plant specimen? That can be pretty cool, but only if he is also learning about the structure of leaves and stems (or whatever). Same with looking for the stages of mitosis--it's only neat if he's also learning about it.

 

 

 

Thank you! He was looking at 4 different plant specimens and comparing them. He has been reading about leaves. But what is the specific connection I should help him make?