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Understanding Magnification and Scale
Activity supplied by Swift Optical Instruments, LLC
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: Middle & High School
Time Requirements:
One (50 minute) session—Note: If students are new to the use of the digital
microscope, this activity may take longer.
National Science Standards Alignment
MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances
before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction
has occurred.
• DCI: PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
• Each pure substance has characteristic physical and chemical
properties (for any bulk quantity under given conditions) that can be used to identify it.
Materials:
• Digital microscope, such as Swift Digital Microscope
• Microscope slides and cover slips
• Computers
• Projector (for one computer)
• Transparent ruler (with microns)
• Meter stick or ruler
• Table salt
• Dark paper
• Clay
Purpose:
To explore scale and magnification for the purpose of preparing for the following activities, and to understand that things viewed
under a microscope might look two-dimensional but do actually have depth. This will lay the groundwork for later activities
Introduction:
Students observe and measure salt crystals at various magnifications and as viewed at different scales, including with the naked
eye, through the various lenses of the microscope, on the microscope's mini-digital screen, on a computer screen, and projected
in front of the class. They consider physical models of salt crystals at various scales. They consider how the field of view decreases
with an increase in magnification.
+
ward
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science
Salt Crystals
Safety
Remember to practice proper safety techniques in all science laboratory activities and to teach your students
how to conduct themselves responsibly in the lab or classroom. We support proper safety techniques and
practices. We hope these activities and proper adherence to safety guidelines give you and your students the
opportunity to teach, learn, and practice responsibility in the science lab.
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