Making Microscopy Motivating, Memorable, and Manageable for Undergraduate Students with Digital Imaging Laboratories

Abstract

Microscopy and precise observation are essential scientific skills that are challenging to teach effectively to large numbers of undergraduate students. In this presentation we describe how we have implemented student-driven digital imaging assignments for microscopy in a large-enrollment laboratory for organismal biology. We detail how we promote student engagement with the material and how we assess student learning in both formative and summative formats using digital images. In our course, BIOL310, students work in pairs to collect over 60 digital images of their microscopic observations over the semester and then individually create electronic portfolios, which are submitted for a grade. However, the equipment and student engagement strategies we use are transferable to any course that requires the use of microscopy or seeks to develop students' ability to critically interpret and analyze visual information