Applications of microscopy in science education: gifted youth, public school, and the next-generation science standards (NGSS)

Microscopy is not specifically mentioned in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and consequently secondary education limits its use to learning parts, procedures, and observing fixed specimen slides. However, when alternative approaches (See Section IV in this paper) are encouraged, micros...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of biological education Vol. 55; no. 5; pp. 518 - 527
Main Author Cohen, Joel I.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Routledge 20.10.2021
Subjects
Academic Standards
Academically Gifted
Biology
biology education
Cytology
Gifted and talented
Gifted Education
Grade 7
Hands on Science
Laboratory Equipment
Microscopy
NGSS
pollution
protists
Science Education
secondary education
Secondary School Science
Skill Development
Summer Programs
Water
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Summary:Microscopy is not specifically mentioned in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and consequently secondary education limits its use to learning parts, procedures, and observing fixed specimen slides. However, when alternative approaches (See Section IV in this paper) are encouraged, microscopy provides opportunities for hands-on learning, engagement, use of models, and gaining a sense of size, scale, and hierarchical organisation. This article reviews living organism- and ecosystem-based microscopy originally designed for gifted and talented education, and how it could support the NGSS Life Science Framework. The paper begins with a review of curriculum, then discusses (1) five ongoing microscope applications relevant to the NGSS, including mini-ponds modelling ecosystem-organism functions; (2) data from pre- and post-testing as a measure of comprehensive learning; and, (3) a culminating communication project/exhibit on pond life, environmental conditions, and pollution effects.
ISSN:0021-9266
2157-6009
DOI:10.1080/00219266.2020.1720772