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The role of observation in science

Observation is something we often do instinctively. Observation helps us decide whether it’s safe to cross the road and helps to determine if cupcakes are ready to come out of the oven ...

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ARTICLE

Exploring with microscopes – introduction

We live in a beautiful world – and that beauty and complexity extends far beyond what humans can see unaided. From plant and animal anatomy to cells and proteins and even down to the level of ...

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ARTICLE

A closer look at the cell’s antenna

We know a lot about how cells work and about the organelles they contain (the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and so on). However, scientific knowledge is always changing. Even when ...

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ACTIVITY

Observing harakeke

In this activity, students discuss the importance of observation in science. They are given the opportunity to observe harakeke and record their observations. It is important to seek knowledge ...

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ACTIVITY

Modelling animal cells in 3D

In this activity, students make 3D models of specialised animal cells, imitating what can be seen under high-resolution microscopes. By the end of this activity, students should be able to: name ...

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ACTIVITY

Using shadows to build 3D images

In this activity, students model how scientists interpret microscope data by using shadows of an object from different angles to build up a 3D image. By the end of this activity, students should ...

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Explore related citizen science projects

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Etch a Cell – Zooniverse

In this online citizen science (OCS) project, participants analyse electron microscope images taken of a range of biological samples, helping scientists better understand cancer, infectious ...

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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT

Fossil Atmospheres – Zooniverse

By comparing some features of fossilised plants with the same features of plants living today, scientists hope to be able to learn more about the effect of changing carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in ...

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TEACHER PLD

Planet Earth and Beyond – The night sky

The Science Learning Hub has lots of resources for primary teachers related to the night sky in the Planet Earth and Beyond strand of the New Zealand Curriculum. The night sky is fascinating to ...

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Explore related videos

VIDEO

Exploring harakeke on the SEM

Dr Bronwyn Lowe (University of Otago) describes her use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore harakeke leaves. Bronwyn found that different harakeke varieties have differently ...

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VIDEO

Making neurons glow

Dr Rebecca Campbell (University of Otago) discusses the importance of fluorescent molecules in confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (‘confocal microscopy’) of cells. She explains how ...

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VIDEO

A 3D model of the primary cilium

Associate Professor Tony Poole (University of Otago) explains how electron tomography can be used to build up three-dimensional models of structures in cells. He describes how his PhD student ...

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Explore related interactives

INTERACTIVE

Which microscope?

Explore the features of different microscopes and learn how scientists choose which ones to use in their research.

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INTERACTIVE

From mountains to microscopes

In this interactive follow a core sample as it makes its journey from the Alpine Fault to microscopic examination.

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INTERACTIVE

Microscopic scale examples

This interactive diagram shows a selection of objects on the microscopic scale – learn more by selecting an image.

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