Teaching biology laboratories without the microscope

Abstract

Experience and observations by the author and others indicate that the compound microscope is an inefficient and excessively expensive teaching device as currently employed in the beginning biology laboratory. In an effort to improve upon the difficult teaching environment engendered several alternatives instructional methods based upon projected images. Direct projection of specimen preparations and indirect projection and indirect projection by means of 35 mm. transparencies have both been considered with all results indicating that indirect projection is the method of choice. This is particularly true when it is supplemented by a "handout sheet" containing monochromatic reproductions of the projected transparencies for student not and review purposes. Experimentation with and examination of currently available consumer type photographic equipment indicate that it is entirely possible for the teacher in an institution of moderate means to produce high quality 35 mm. transparencies in nearly any teaching laboratory, though one of the more sophisticated photomicroscopes would certainly be preferred if it could possibly be secured. ...