After reading a summary about the microscope and how it can be used, students complete a fun crossword puzzle to reinforce their knowledge of microscope parts and different types of microbes. Students then research microbes and present the characteristics of these microbes in order to compare them as a class. Also have students discuss how a microscope can make studying microbes easier.
Objectives Observe how a microscope works.
Learn the parts of a microscope. Describe a particular microbe. Compare and contrast microbes. If slides are unavailable, save or print photos from the listed Web sites. Steps Share the book summary with students and invite them to comment on microscopes and how they help scientists to study and understand microbes.