Bugscope

Today, we start our weekly series on exciting Web 2.0 tools for the classroom.

The first tool we’ll be taking a look at is the Bugscope Project at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.  The Bugscope is an internet-connected scanning electron microscope that teachers can request access to for their classrooms.  The intent is that classrooms will send insect samples to the Bugscope team, who then prepare the samples for use with the electron microscope and schedule a session with the teacher.

During the session, the teacher and students are able to control the electron microscope in real-time using a web interface.  They are able to select which of their prepared samples to view as well as control the magnification and placement of the sample platform.

The interface also includes a chat room so that students may interact with each other and the university imaging team during the session.  Visitors from around the world are also able to join a session in progress and participate in the chat.  This is a great feature if any of your students are absent on the day of the Bugscope lesson as they can participate from home.

The Bugscope is appropriate for all grades K-16 and the imaging team is very professional and skilled with interacting with students during the session.  The Bugscope would be easiest to integrate into a Life Sciences course, but with a little creativity, it could be used in any of the sciences.  It could also be a neat addition to a religion unit about the wonders of God’s Creation.

Best of all, the University of Illinois provides the Bugscope as a free service to schools.  Take the opportunity to schedule a test session or join in on an in progress session to learn more.  The schedule of upcoming sessions is available on the Bugscope home page.