Through the Microscope

Through the Microscope is a Baby CTY course in which students learn to use a microscope to see different types of organisms and learn about the history of it as well. Its course code is SCOP. This course is offered:

First Session Only: Brooklandville and San Mateo

Second Session Only: Alexandria

Both Sessions: Los Angeles (Windward) and Sandy Spring

Course Description

From the CTY Summer Catalog:

In 1665, Robert Hooke used a microscope to examine cork, providing the first clues that living things are made of cells. Today, the microscope remains a crucial tool for scientific investigation. In this course, students use microscopy to discover the living and non-living world around them, acquiring an introduction to science in the process.

This course begins with an overview of scale and size and an introduction to the history and proper use of microscopes. Students then examine and compare living one-celled and multi-cellular organisms such as algae, elodea, rotifers, and paramecia as they differentiate between bacterial, animal, and plant cells. Emphasis is placed on cell structure, nutrient needs, and growth. Students also gain a new appreciation for the intricacies of familiar things such as newsprint, fibers, or blades of grass. They develop laboratory skills including staining, preparing wet mounts, DNA extraction, and inoculation.

After their introduction to the microscope and cell biology, students consider atoms and larger molecules like DNA, learning why some things can’t be seen with light microscopes. Students also explore the various ways microscopes are used in the field as they investigate forensic science and pathology. Through laboratory work, model building, drawing, writing, and research, students leave the course with an understanding of microscopy and its role in science.

Lab Fee: $65

Students must have completed grades: 3 or 4