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| The key to using the WebSEM is to remember that it is one more way to
learn, one more piece of scientific equipment to use in your classroom.
Lessons can be long or short depending on your need. Using the microscope
can be the main theme of the lesson or it can be supporting evidence for
learning that has been accomplished by other methods. You can schedule
small lessons throughout the day or you can schedule time for one or two
longer lessons. There are several Lesson Plans
available on this web site to provide educators with ready-made lessons
as well as inpiration.
Educators must first contact Scott or Amy Chumbley and schedule a time for a lesson as well as choosing or sending a sample. When the day of the lesson arrives, the classroom computer should be set according to the Computer Set-Up instructions in preparation for connecting. The WebSEM Operator will arrive at ISU at the scheduled time, insert the sample to be viewed and turn on the server linking the SEM to the Internet. The educator goes to the website and clicks "Connect to WebSEM" and chooses "WebSEM Client". Following the input of a username and password, the SEM console and image appear on the classroom computer screen. The class is now free to manipulate the specimen and learn, learn, learn. During the session, chat messages can be sent back and forth between the classroom and the SEM Operator to answer questions and clarify their knowledge of what they are viewing. All instructions necessary for setting up the classroom computer and operation the WebSEM are available on the web site under the Instructions link. When it comes to what to view, many classes elect to send in their own samples. Although it is not necessary to send in your own, many teachers have found that students, especially elementary, are more interested in viewing objects that they selected. Insects are an eternal favorite of all students as are classroom items (erasers, pencil lead, crayons, paperclips) but consider the interesting microscopic differences between brands of toilet paper or relating aborbency of paper towels with microscopic structure. One teacher sent a dried blood sample without a cover slip allowing a surface view of the cells. Another sent a variety of minerals and rocks to compare fracture surfaces and elemental composition. Many classrooms have used the SEM to compare 'crime scene' clues such as glass fragments, powders, fibers, and hairs. If you are interested in using the elemental analysis capabilities, consider the chemical composition of the items remembering that all biological items will show the same carbon and oxygen make-up (hydrogen is too small to be detected). If you are unsure of what to view, talk over your goals and ideas with Amy as she has seen many successful lessons. |
Contact us: achumbley@yahoo.com. |