Magnify It
Summary
In this lesson students will view their finger from various viewing distances to discover that their visual field is limited and a magnifying glass is a tool that can extend that limit. Students will record what they see and compare their observations with classmates and in class discussion.
CollapseLearning Goals
This activity is designed for students to discover that when observing a subject, a maginfying glass is a tool that can help you see things you can't see without it. Teachers should guide students to define "magnify" as to "make something look bigger". Depending on grade level, possibly relate it to the words "magnitude" and "magnificent," which they might have heard to reinforce bigness.
Context for Use
K-2 Lesson
Time:20-30 min.
Whole class
Magnifying glass for each student
Paper/science journal for recording observations
Time:20-30 min.
Whole class
Magnifying glass for each student
Paper/science journal for recording observations
Description and Teaching Materials
Situate students at tables or desks so they can easily extend their pointer finger out without touching anyone. Explain and model to students how to extend their pointer finger out in front of them and focus on their finger tip and on their paper and draw what they see. After 5 min or so allow students to share observations. Have them consider the following questions:
What could you see? What was hard to see?
Continue discussion by asking:
What could we do to make it easier to see your finger tip?
Do you know of any tool that might help you see your finger tip up close?
As they discuss possible answers to the first question, make sure they understand that their vision is limited. As they discuss the second question, you might also encounter names of other tools=binoculars, glasses, microscopes etc. Hand out magnifying glasses and ask if anyone knows what it is, has used one or knows anything about it. Allow for free exploring time. Encourage students to look through it with both eyes open and one closed, and holding it at various distances from the eyes to find the best way to use it. They will probably see best with the non-viewing eye closed and with the magnifying glass held 5-6 inches away from their face. Stress there is not a "right" or "wrong" way to use the magnifying glass but they should find the way that works best for them. Once students have determined the way the magnifying glass works for them, have them observe their finger tip again and draw/record what they can see.
What could you see? What was hard to see?
Continue discussion by asking:
What could we do to make it easier to see your finger tip?
Do you know of any tool that might help you see your finger tip up close?
As they discuss possible answers to the first question, make sure they understand that their vision is limited. As they discuss the second question, you might also encounter names of other tools=binoculars, glasses, microscopes etc. Hand out magnifying glasses and ask if anyone knows what it is, has used one or knows anything about it. Allow for free exploring time. Encourage students to look through it with both eyes open and one closed, and holding it at various distances from the eyes to find the best way to use it. They will probably see best with the non-viewing eye closed and with the magnifying glass held 5-6 inches away from their face. Stress there is not a "right" or "wrong" way to use the magnifying glass but they should find the way that works best for them. Once students have determined the way the magnifying glass works for them, have them observe their finger tip again and draw/record what they can see.
Teaching Notes and Tips
I have always assumed all students have used a magnifying glass and knows its purpose. After taking a science inquiry class, I decided this lesson was an important one to do with my kindergarten students.
Assessment
Have students compare their drawings of what they saw with and without the magnifying glass. Have them discuss the following questions:
Students should be able to conclude from their drawings that the magnifying glass makes objects larger and is a tool that helps to see things they can't easily see without it. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to verbalize the importance of a magnifying glass as a tool in their lives.
- Are your two drawings the same or different?
- How did the magnifying glass affect what you could see?
- When might it be useful to use a magnifying glass?
- How might people use magnifying glasses in real life?
Students should be able to conclude from their drawings that the magnifying glass makes objects larger and is a tool that helps to see things they can't easily see without it. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to verbalize the importance of a magnifying glass as a tool in their lives.
Standards
K.I.B1-Scientific Inquiry