Microbiology

This morning, we went to our second science class at Crystal Springs Preserve.  Today's topic was microbiology!

My crew- ready and waiting

The children learned about the different parts of a microscope, how they are used, and why they are important.

They just finished labeling their microscope pictures

They also learned about some common micro-organisms that live in the waters of Florida.

The next step was to go out and actually take samples of the water.  They children waded out in a bout knee deep water (saw a Gator about a 100  yards away from us), and took samples of the water.

Hannah and Nate, trying to decide where to take their water sample

Nicole and her buddy Rocco, scoping out the waters

Then, we went back to the outdoor lab and did something I've never done before.  We did a task called centrifuge.  First the children used pippets to insert a portion of their water sample into their test tube.

Oh- the concentration

If his mouth isn't open, the water doesn't go in ;)

 Then, we put a lid on the test tube and tied a string around it.  The kids then spun this tube for about 2 minutes in circles.  This process forces the microbes down into the flat, bottom portion of the test tube.  This process made it easier to find out microbes using our microscopes.

spinning, spinning, spinning

Isn't this a cool outdoor learning lab?  I love this place!

I think we found an amoeba, several Euglena, and a paramecium or two.

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Nicole and Rocco- working together with their microscopes

Hannah and Nathan were doing their best.

Another fun day of being a homeschooler :)  The children all did something I have never done before...that's what it's all about!

Ms. Sonya's microscope, up on the big screen:)