Kids compare what printed text looks like with the naked eye and under magnification. They discuss the extremely small scale that must be used to measure the size. They learn about the micrometer unit, then draw scale models of a variety of microorganisms based on information obtained from a microbe scaling chart. The result is a "Microbial Mural." Incorporate art and math into your life science by implementing this resource.

Concepts

microorganisms

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Additional Tags

micrometer, microorganism, scale model, science

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Pros

• A beautiful chart of microorganisms provided for student reference
• Incorporates math and art with science
• Thoroughly written teacher's guide

Cons

• Scale models of such tiny units may be above the heads of many middleschoolers; if your class lacks the skills, scaffolding is needed