Open 6.1 Int.-6.1 Introduction to Microscopy-01 4
Open 6.1 Int.-6.1 Introduction to Microscopy-01 4
Lesson 1
Introduction to Microscopy
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Learning Competency 2
Learning Targets 2
Knowledge Kickstarter 2
Warm-Up 4
Learn about It 6
Significance of Microscopy 6
Early Microscope Inventions and Pioneers 7
Key Points 11
Check Your Understanding 12
Self Assessment 13
Reflection 13
Attributions 14
References 14
Answer Key 16
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Science 7
1 Introduction to Microscopy
Figure 1. A young student gazes through a microscope, unveiling the hidden wonders of the
microscopic world.
Introduction
Some of the most amazing discoveries in our world started with a simple act of
looking closer. Whether it is examining the wings of a butterfly or spotting bacteria
on a petri dish, microscopes have unlocked worlds within worlds. Imagine doctors
peering into the secrets of cells to beat diseases or scientists observing tiny life that
teems in a single drop of pond water. This powerful tool has not only changed
science forever but also opened up endless possibilities in understanding life itself.
Microscopes take us from our eyes to very small worlds, showing us that sometimes
the biggest wonders are in the tiniest details.
Learning Competency
At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to understand the significance and
historical evolution of microscopy in scientific research and discovery (prerequisite
competency).
Learning Targets
Knowledge Kickstarter
Choose the best answer for each question to show your initial understanding of
microscopy.
4. In what way has microscopy been crucial for the medical field in the
Philippines?
A. by enabling space exploration
B. by facilitating the diagnosis of diseases
C. by allowing the development of new sports equipment
D. by contributing to the manufacturing of electronics
Warm-Up
Microscopic Debates
Materials
● debate cards
● timer
● presentation tools (whiteboard, projector, or paper for posters)
Procedure
1. Form groups of four to six learners. Each group will be assigned as either Group 1
or Group 2.
2. Group 1 will receive a debate card with a statement supporting the significance of
a specific microscopy discovery. Group 2 will receive cards that oppose or present
alternative views.
3. Each group will have 15–20 minutes to research their position, prepare arguments,
and anticipate counterarguments using provided materials.
4. One member from Group 1 starts by presenting their argument within a 2-minute
window, followed by a 2-minute rebuttal from a member of Group 2.
5. This pattern continues until all points are debated. Each learner should present at
least once, ensuring an active role for each participant.
6. After the debate, learners will create a poster summarizing their arguments and
responses to the opposing group's points.
7. Each group presents its poster to the class. The group members will explain their
reasoning and how the debate informed their understanding of microscopy's
impact.
Guide Questions
1. How did the invention of the microscope change scientific inquiry and our
understanding of the world?
2. Can you think of a modern problem that microscopy could help solve? Provide
reasoning for your answer.
3. Reflect on how the opposition's arguments changed or reinforced your views on the
impact of microscopic discoveries.
Essential
Question How might the ability to see tiny things lead to big
changes in the world?
Learn about It
Through the lens of a microscope, an entirely new dimension of life opens up to us.
This device, so crucial to scientific discovery, allows us to explore the structure of cells,
the composition of materials, and the intricacies of microscopic organisms.
Microscopy has become an invaluable tool in various fields, such as medicine, where it
aids in diagnosing diseases and marine biology by enabling the study of the rich
biodiversity in our seas.
Significance of Microscopy
Microscopy has been pivotal in numerous scientific breakthroughs, particularly in
understanding diseases and developing medical treatments. In the Philippines, where
dengue fever and tuberculosis are significant health concerns, microscopy allows for
the timely diagnosis and treatment of these diseases by revealing the presence of
pathogens in blood or tissue samples. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in biology
education, as Filipino students learn about cellular structures and functions through
direct observation. This makes the learning process more concrete and engaging.
In agriculture, a sector vital to the country's economy, farmers and researchers use
microscopes to identify plant diseases and pests. By understanding the microscopic
causes of agricultural problems, they can devise effective strategies for crop protection
and improve food security.
Zacharias Janssen, along with his father, Hans Janssen, in the late 16th century in the
Netherlands, is historically recognized for their pioneering work that led to the
development of the compound microscope. Their innovative design consisted of
placing one lens at the top and another at the bottom of a tube and making it so that
the tubes could slide within each other, adjusting the magnification. This rudimentary
form of the microscope allowed for an increase in the observed size of small objects. It
was a considerable leap from the simple magnifying glasses used before.
Through the ages, the progression in microscopy from the Janssens' model has been
monumental. Each contributor added layers of complexity and capability, enabling us
to delve deeper into the microscopic world.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, often called the “Father of Microbiology,” crafted fine,
high-quality lenses. The use of these lenses revealed the existence of bacteria and
protozoa, which he called animalcules. His meticulous observations laid the foundation
for microbiology.
In the 17th century, Robert Hooke, with his pioneering compound microscope,
documented his observations in Micrographia. He coined the term cell and brought the
cellular structure of plants and other organisms into focus. The figure below shows a
detailed drawing representing a magnified view of cork tissue, where the
honeycomb-like structure of the cells can be seen. These were the first plant cells to be
observed. This led Hooke to coin the term cell due to their resemblance to the cells of a
monastery.
Figure 5. Robert Hooke’s microscope invention; The image at the left depicts the
cellular structure of cork as seen through early microscopy, highlighting the
compartmentalized spaces that led to the coining of the term cell.
Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe's partnership later transformed the field of optical
microscopy. Their collaboration in applying complex mathematical principles to lens
design in the 19th century led to microscopes with greatly improved clarity and
magnification..
Figure 6. Carl Zeiss (left), Ernst Abbe (middle), and their microscope invention
Key Points
● Microscopy reveals a hidden world that is too small for our eyes and essential for
scientific and medical discoveries.
● We can diagnose diseases by identifying pathogens in blood or tissue samples using
microscopes.
● The evolution of microscopes, from simple to complex, has been driven by the
innovations of many scientists over the centuries.
● Microscopes are not just for scientists; they are important tools in education, helping
learners in the Philippines and worldwide learn about biology.
● Advancements in microscopy, like the electron microscope, have allowed us to see
things at the cellular and molecular levels.
Determine if the statements are true or false based on the lesson. Write true if the
statement is correct according to the lesson discussion. Otherwise, write false.
____________1. Microscopes use lenses to magnify objects that are too small to see
with just our eyes.
____________2. Zacharias Janssen is credited with the invention of the electron
microscope.
____________3. The compound microscope was a significant improvement over the
simple magnifying glass.
____________4. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is the “Father of Microbiology” because he
built the first compound microscope.
____________5. Robert Hooke coined the term cell after observing the cells of a cork.
____________6. The electron microscope uses glass lenses to magnify objects.
____________7. Microscopy has been important for the Philippine agriculture sector by
identifying crop diseases.
____________8. Dengue fever can be diagnosed by observing blood samples with the
help of microscopy.
____________9. The first microscope was developed in the 16th century.
____________10. Knowing how to use a microscope is only important for those who
want to become scientists or doctors.
____________11. Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe's partnership led to the improvement of
telescopes.
____________12. Microscopy is only important for scientists and has no role in
education.
____________13. Microscopes have not evolved much since the Janssens’ first model.
____________14. Electron microscopes have allowed us to view objects at a molecular
level for the first time.
____________15. Microscopes can be used to observe living organisms in their natural
habitats without disturbing them.
Self Assessment
Reflection
I plan to ___________________________________________________________________________________.
Attributions
Close-Up Photo of a Smart Girl Looking at the Microscope is licensed under CC0 via Pexels.
Portret van Zacharias Jansen, RP-P-1906-4235 by Rijksmuseum is licensed under CC0 1.0 via
Wikimedia Commons.
Jaansen Microscope by Alan Hawk is licensed under CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek's Microscope by Ryan Somma is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via
Flickr.
Carl Zeiss (6909161791) by ZEISS Microscopy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia
Commons.
Ernst Abbe (6892931486) by ZEISS Microscopy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia
Commons.
1896 Greenough-type Stereo Microscope by Carl Zeiss Jen by ZEISS Microscopy is licensed
under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr.
References
Alberts, Bruce, et al. 2014. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th ed., Garland Science.
Gardner, William H. 2003. Fundamentals of Electron Microscopy. 4th ed. Prentice Hall.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 2021. “The Evolution of Microscopy in the Filipino
Scientific Community." NHCP Publication.
Santos, Maria Angelica. 2019. "The Role of Microscopy in Philippine Medical Diagnostics." Philippine
Journal of Pathology 45, no. 1 (2019): 24–30.
Torres, Paulo, et al. 2020. "Microscopy and the Fight Against Infectious Disease in the Filipino
Context." Manila Science Bulletin 55, no. 2 (2020): 142–158.
Answer Key
Knowledge Kickstarter
Instructions: These are the correct answers for the Pre-assessment.
Warm-Up
1. How did the invention of the microscope change scientific inquiry and our
understanding of the world?
2. Can you think of a modern problem that microscopy could help solve? Provide
reasoning for your answer.
Microscopy could help in the ongoing efforts to combat diseases by allowing for
the observation of virus structures at a very high resolution. This can aid in the
design of targeted drugs and vaccines.
3. Reflect on how the opposition's arguments changed or reinforced your views on the
impact of microscopic discoveries.