Tuesday, July 16, 2013

LEGO Cells and the Virtual Microscope

Hello All,

I recently ran across a terrific introduction to cellular biology video, Cells - The LEGO Building Blocks of Life! by ExSciEd. As the title suggests LEGOs are used to introduce the basic building blocks of life, cells. Click below to see more:  

Still thinking of cells, there are numerous interactive microscope sites out there. Many are geared toward simply clicking on a slide to instantly view. Some allow zooming in and out. The most well known interactive microscope site for intermediate school to high school use is probably Bob Ketcham’s UD Virtual Compound Microscope. The simulation is a wonderful substitute if one does not have access to compound microscopes in the classroom.  It's also possibly a good way to cut back on damaged slides or objectives by having students practice before using an actual compound microscope.  The site offers a detailed interactive tutorial from the on-off switch to fine adjustment. Through the simulation, students are provided opportunities to view some of the more common curricula classic slides such as the onion root tip, bacteria capsule and cheek smear. 

Celebrating the cell,


Mrs. A


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