Science Fair Project Research Report

Concept 6.1 Biologists use microscopes and the tools of biochemistry to study cells 1. The study of cells has been limited by their small size, and so they were not seen and described until 1665, when Robert Hooke first looked at dead cells from an oak tree. His contemporary, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, crafted lenses and with the improvements in optical aids, a new world was opened. Magnification and resolving power limit what can be seen. Explain the difference. Magnification is the ratio of an object’s image size to its real size. Resolution is a measure of the clarity of the image; it is the minimum distance two points can be separated and still be distinguished

For this experiment, the formulas used are the lens equations 1/f = 1/di + 1/do to find the focal lengths of the lenses, M = fo/fe for the prediction of magnification, and M = Hi/Ho for the actual measurement of magnification. According to theory, a telescope consisting two convex lenses acting as objective and eyepiece lens will form an inverted, magnified and virtual image. From the pictures taken using the telescope, this theory has

Resolution is the most important variable in producing a quality, detailed image. The formula for resolution in a microscope is: R=λ/2NA where λ is the wavelength of light and NA is the numerical aperture of the objective lens. A higher value equated for R will give a poor resolution, whereas a lower value will form a more detailed resolution. A higher NA will produce a superior resolution because R will be reduced. Also, the smaller the wavelength, the lesser R will be, generating more detailed resolution. Because of this, the wavelength of blue/violet light is significantly smaller and will produce a very highly detailed resolution. From this, it can be understood that methods of illumination have significantly developed since the first compound microscope and shorter wavelengths of light produce much more superior quality images and are ideal for use in microscopes. (vetmed.vt.edu).

The telescope is an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer. It contains an arrangement of lenses or mirrors or both that gathers visible light, permitting direct observation or photographic recording of distant objects. (Lacki, B. C. 2011). With the use of telescopes we have been able to learn a lot more about the planets in our universe. It has helped us understand about some of the history of everything around us. Also it has been able to track asteroids and comets or any randomly flying objet in outer space that might become threatening to our planet.

The illuminating parts of a microscope enable us to see the detail of the subject placed under the microscope. The three main parts that enable us to do this are: the condenser which illuminates the object that is placed under the microscope, the objectives which forms the magnified image, and the eyepiece which enables us to see the magnified

A telephoto lens can also change the perspective of the picture, giving a completely new angle or focus to your photo. Also, telephoto lenses are handy at compressing perspective. This is when the background of a photo appears to be closer to the subject than what is experienced with the naked eye. This is beneficial when you cannot physically move your subject closer to the background.

The resolution in microscopy terms refers to the numerical aperture of the objective lens. The higher the numerical number the better the resolution of the image; also the shorter the wavelength the better the resolution (Alonzo p55).

According to article, “In a high-quality program, there is a focus on developing healthy and strong human relationships (p. 40). The program takes place in Condor Elementary School. They used the cafeteria to give them a snack, and make Woven Baskets for children in Protective Services. They had plenty of space to do their project, there were many tables and benches for them to openly do their work, as well as move around. They had a 12-child/2-teacher ratio, which facilitates the supervision of the children. They provided all the material (had plenty of them). They also had board games, plenty of art supplies, and books. In addition, they were provided with outdoor physical activities.

Earlier on, dating back to the Romans, glass was used to magnify objects for easy viewing and by the 13th century the first glass eyepiece was invented by the Italian inventor Salvino D'Armate. Through the years, methods were developed to created magnifications up to 3x-5x. These primitive lens were frequently used during examination of tiny insects such as ants or fleas.

First, we discovered that we should start with low power objective to observe. To focus the image, use the coarse adjustment knob to adjust it. When looking at high power objectives, the fine adjustment knob can be used. Also we discovered that when you move the slide towards you, it appears to move away. When observing the letter “e”, we discovered that the images observed under the light are inverted and reversed. Although we could not easily tell with the feather, threads, and potato, it became noticeable with the letter “e”. The “e” was placed like “e”, however when looked into the eyepiece, the “e” was upside down. This shows that the microscopes works in an inverted way. We also discovered that to adjust the amount of light entering the microscope, we could use the iris lever to adjust the diaphragm. For example, the white thread required little light to see the cotton fibers, compared to the feather or letter “e”. Therefore, we learned that by altering the diaphragm, we can fix many of the problems associated with the observations. Lastly, we discovered that only one depth can be seen clearly at a time under high power. When working with the crossed strands of thread, we had to turn the fine wheel adjustment back and forth while looking through the microscope to focus one strand. All in all, the lab supported the purpose. We were able to identify,function the parts of a light microscope, and prepare a wet mount(of a feather, letter “e”, black and white thread, and a potato). Furthermore, we located objects using high and low power objectives, adjusted the diaphragm to attain correct lighting, and used stains for an easier and more detailed

My investigative question is does microwaved water stunt plant growth? I was interested in learning more about this topic because I wanted to know if microwaves can put chemicals in your food causing you to not get all of the nutrients from the food. The purpose of my experiment is to see if water set to a boil on the stove, water set to a boil in the microwave, or water from both the microwave and stove will make plants grow more, also to see if the microwave puts bad chemicals into your food. My independent variable is the type of water used. My dependant variable is the height of the plant. My hypothesis is, if plants are grown with microwaved water then they will not grow as much as plants grown with water heated from the stove.

Margaret Milcoff, a student of Mill Creek Middle School, participated in an activity called the science fair. Her topic was “Does temperature affect the growth of basil plants?” Margaret has a rich desire to absorb all of the facts of the future, so she did this particular science fair experiment to find out if simple plants, such as basil, would be able to survive the deadly affects of global warming. Margaret used the scientific method through her trials of the science fair. So without further a due here is Margaret’s very successful and meticulous science fair journey.

A convex lens (with an index of refraction greater than the surrounding medium) causes the light from a given source on one side of the lens and passing through the lens to converge on the other side of the lens, forming an image at the focus. A concave lens with the same properties would cause that light to diverge, or spread out.

In 1590, a few people started experimenting with different types of glass lenses. In the process of a very important discovery they started adding many lenses inside the tube. Looking through the glass tube objects at the end of the tube would appear much bigger than other magnifying glasses that couldn’t do so. The first microscopes were not very clear because they had just started using these materials to create it.

Most microscopes, including those in schools and laboratories today, are optical microscopes. They use glass lenses to enlarge, or magnify, an image. An optical microscope cannot produce an image of an object smaller than the length of the light wave in use. To see anything smaller than 2,000 angstroms (about 1/250,000 of an inch) a wave of shorter length would