This is a great website for learning how to use a microscope. BioNetwork’s Virtual Microscope is the first fully interactive 3D scope - it’s a good practice tool to prepare you for working in a science lab. Learn terminology, usage, and care by interacting with a fully functional, virtual microscope.
Type of Material:
This site is a simulation about using a microscope and visualizing a few example specimens.
Recommended Uses:
Homework - Students can perform the activity at home and bring images of different magnification of materials to evaluate various cell size
Team work- Project Based Learning to compare various cells types at various magnifications
Technical Requirements:
This site requires use of a Web Browser such as Firefox or Google.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Students will learn what is a microscope
Students will be able to explore parts of microscope
Students will be able to apply the knowledge, concepts and skills to navigate through the website to learn about operation of a microscope
Students will be able to explain what is magnification and resolution
Students will understand the importance of microscope in evaluating components of nature
Target Student Population:
Middle School, High School, College General Education, College Lower Division, as well as Upper Division students, will benefit from the material at this site.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
There are no prerequisites for this site, although some knowledge of biology will help in understanding what is presented.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The information is accurate and provides a good basic background about the material
Quality of graphics is very good
The topics are well-organized
Each step is clearly shown
The microscope images are very realistic
Concerns:
There were no concerns about content at the time of this review
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The images shown are colorful and engaging
Demonstrates magnification and resolution
Material promotes conceptual understanding
Material is intuitive and easy to learn from trial-and-error
The learning experience is interesting
Information provided helps students understand the relatedness of the topics
Concerns:
Integrating a few research articlesfor purpose of discussion and assessment comparing various types of images would be useful
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Detailed, clear and sequential information
Material is intuitive
The interactivity is exceptionally well done and engages users to learn material
The material is logically presented
Concerns:
The learning object loads fairly slowly for some computers
Other Issues and Comments:
The authors have done a great job with this site.
Creative Commons:
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