Magnifiers
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, mirrors, spring scales, pan balances, triple beam balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, compasses, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices, including clocks and stopwatches; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums.
Essential Understanding
The student knows how to use a variety of tools, materials, equipment, and models to conduct science inquiry.
Science Background
Tips for Selecting Hand Lens Magnifier: Kooter’s Geology Tools (website) - Hand lenses are a basic tool for many types of scientists. Learn about how hand lenses work, and important factors to consider when deciding on hand lenses to use with your students.
Tips for Selecting Hand Lens Magnifier
Kooter’s Geology Tools (website), www.kooters.com
Magnifying Glass Information: See It Bigger (website) - A wealth of information on magnification including history, uses, lens size and focal length.
Magnifying Glass information
See It Bigger, www.seeitbigger.com
Signature Lesson
Magnify That: Elementary Globe (PDF) - Students use hand lenses to practice their observation skills, collect and analyze information, learn what magnification is, and to begin to understand how tools can aid in scientific observations of very small objects.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Magnify It: Science NetLinks (website) - To understand that there are limits to what the eye can see, and understand how a magnifying glass can extend those limits, students employ a hand lens while observing, collecting, recording and comparing information about various common objects.
Magnify It
Science NetLinks (website), www.sciencenetlinks.com
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
Simple Magnification: Science, Optics & You (website) - Information and fun interactives that explore the world of magnification. Click “Student Activities,” “Teacher Resources,” etc. in the left-hand margin for links to numerous lessons and resources.
Simple Magnification
Science, Optics & You (website), www./micro.magnet.fsu.edu
Assessment Ideas
Have students observe one side of a penny for 60 seconds and draw what they can remember about the coin. Then distribute hand lenses to the class. Have students view a penny for one minute using a lens, draw what they see, and compare the drawings of their two observations.
Literature Connections
Lenses and Mirrors. Delta Education (ISBN-13: 978-0875041155)
You Can Use a Magnifying Glass. Blevins, Wiley (ISBN-13: 978-0516273280)
Adventures with a Hand Lens. Headstrom, Richard (ISBN-13: 978-0486233307)
Additional Resources
The Rolie Polie: PBS Teachers (video) - Use the “Magnification Observation” activity to familiarize students with magnifying glasses and the microscopic world. Then, scroll toward the bottom of the page and click on “I Magnify,” a music video clip from an episode of Sid the Science Kid.
The Rolie Polie
PBS Teachers (video), http://www.pbs.org/teachers/sid/activities/tools/
TEKS Navigation
Grade 4
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