2008 Grant Proposal Details

Hand Held Microscopes   Twin Oaks Elementary

Total: $500

Description:  Twin Oaks teachers love teaching science. There is one particular unit that relies on elementary style microscopes. They work as well as a powerful magnifying glass. This unit would be greatly enhanced with the use of a Proscope, a hand held USB digital microscope which connects to a computer and has a power of up to 200. It has the capacity to take video, time lapse and still photos.

Why is this important?  This project is important to the teachers that teach this science lesson. The Proscope will give students an opportunity to view objects up to 200 times their normal size projected onto a screen. Classroom discussions and inquiry can occur when the teacher is confident that all students have seen the magnified images. I am sure that once teachers see the proscope they will find many other uses.

Who will be served?  Over time, all 225 students will have the opportunity to benefit from lessons taught with the Proscope.

How will this be evaluated?  The principal will design a teacher survey to find out how often the Proscope is used, by how many teachers and their opinions of its usefulness in teaching science. I think that one Proscope in a building our size will be sufficient. However, the survey could indicate that a second scope is needed.

Does this build on existing programs?  As noted above, this would be a teaching tool to be used with the district science kits.

Budget:  $275 ProScope $159 200 power lens - $84 Scope stand $53 Scope and accessories case Total $571 (Twin Oaks can cover the $71)

Proposal #:  111