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E.T. A LOCAL WAY OF LEARNING
Title: THINGS THE EYES DON'T SEE
Author: Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School
Environmental Education Team
Grade Level: 1-2
Concepts: Disciplines:
2. Ecosystem 1. Science
4. Water 2.Social Studies
5. Resources 3.Language Arts
4. Art
Objective:
The students, in groups, will collect samples of soil, water, damaged leaves and rotten wood. With the use of
microscopes and magnifying glasses, the students will identify and discuss objects which they could not see
without mechanical aids. An adult will record the observation.
Rationale:
Even at an early age, children may learn to use a microscope to make some broad observations of life in
seemingly dead or other situations. By following the directions, and with the help of older or adult leaders,
such observations can be recorded and, later, drawn, adding excitement and understanding to a study of the
natural world.
Materials Needed:
Microscope or hand lens (magnifying glass).
Directions:
At school talk about the things which can be present even though we can't see them. have the students make
a list of items which they can't see. Ask the students how we know they're really there. Explain to them
what a microscope and magnifying glass is. If possible, borrow a microscope and have the students practice
looking at hair, coins, pencils, etc.
Arrange for parent team leaders for each six children. Divide the class into three groups, each group will be
collecting something different.
Group 1 With the use of an aquatic net, collect a sample of water from a pond
or small puddle.
Group 2 Using hand trowels collect soil samples including the top litter from
a forest or field.
Group 3 Gather leaves which have been damaged, eaten or shriveled. Also gather pieces of bark or rotten
wood.
E-22
E.T E-22
THINGS THE EYES DON'T SEE
Have the group return to school where the microscope has been set up. The parents or teachers should set up
the materials under the microscope for the children to look at. Using a tape recorder or keeping track on
paper, record the observations of the children. Have the children tell what they see that they couldn't see
before, include colors shapes, living things, ext.
Make up a story about the life of critters seen under the microscope.
Start the story and then point to a child and have them pick up the story.
Go around the room until everyone has added to the story. Try to get the students to think about what the
little critters are doing, what they eat, who eats them.
For example, an insect in a tree stump is helping turn the wood into soil and is food for a hungry lizard.
Back at school have each child draw a picture of something they saw under the microscope. Display the
picture under a picture or drawing of the material they were found on.
E.T
THINGS THE EYES--DON'T SEE
TEAM MEMBERS
OBSERVATION RECORD
SAMPLES COLLECTED THINGS I SAW WITH A MICROSCOPE
SOIL 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
WATER 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
ROTTING WOOD 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
ROTTING LEAVES 1.
2.
3.
4
5.
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