Teaching approaches for measuring micro-scale objects using a handmade eyepiece and stage micrometers : a case study for STEAM education in on-demand and face-to-face biology laboratory classes

自作ミクロメーターを用いた微小物計測に関する指導法 : オンデマンドおよび対面方式による生物学分野の授業におけるSTEAM教育の一実践

Teaching approaches for measuring micro-scale objects using a handmade eyepiece and stage micrometers : a case study for STEAM education in on-demand and face-to-face biology laboratory classes

In science classes, the use of a microscope evokes an enthusiastic and exciting response from students. When students attempt to gain an understanding of the size of samples under a microscope, micrometers of two types are generally required to measure sizes. An eyepiece micrometer contains an attached eyepiece lens, while a stage micrometer is placed on the stage to provide accurate information pertaining to length. When the magnification of the objective lens is changed, the scale of the eyepiece micrometer is changed. Hence, we need to measure the scale of the eyepiece micrometer before observation for each magnification. However, students can find this principle difficult to comprehend when calculating the ratio. In this study, we introduced teaching material demonstrating the eyepiece micrometer using a kitchen towel wick in an effort to explain the principle of scale when using a microscope. This approach should prove useful in helping to clarify the principle using simple material that students can easily make themselves. Finally, this method should facilitate an understanding of difficult concepts by encouraging students to experience changes in image size from different perspectives using familiar materials, or in other words, elements of “STEAM”.

Creators Kitazawa Chisato

Creators Yamanaka Akira