Microscope Station

  • Microscope Station
  • Microscope Station
  • Microscope Station

At the microscope station, the students get to see things that few kids (or adults for that matter) ever get a chance to see! They peer through microscopes and identify live specimens of aquatic invertebrates that inhabit the vernal pools at Mather.

Although some of the specimens are visible with the unaided eye, through the microscopes the students see incredible details on each tiny animal.

In addition to identifying the specimens, the students also answer a question about each animal. These questions are designed to focus their observations, aid in the identification process, and encourage them to use deductive reasoning to come up with an answer.

There are twelve microscopes, each with a different specimen, and the students visit as many microscopes as possible during their time at this station.

Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
Did you know there are tigers in vernal pools?

This is an Aquatic Beetle larva, more commonly known as a "Water Tiger." It's pincers are like hypodermic needles and it uses them to suck the fluid out of its prey. Yummy!

Learn more about Water Tigers!
Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
One of the best field trips ever!

Overall, I think that you have one of the best field trips ever!! My students love the Vernal Pools unit and have learned a lot about their watershed and the importance of keeping our waters clean. The unit incorporates numerous core standards and students now have a sense of 
responsibility to their environment.

-- Trudy Cambra, 5th grade teacher, Anna Kirchgater Elementary

Find out more about this exciting program!
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