A scanning electron microscope in the classroom – resources
Use this interactive to discover a range of resources that support learning about microscopes and help prepare students to get the most out of their experiences with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Select here to view the full transcript and copyright information.
This interactive provides a selection of resources from the Science Learning Hub, Inspire STEM Education and the University of Waikato initiative Magnifying curiosity by investigating the very small. They provide helpful background information for teachers and students.
Click on the labels for links to supporting articles, media and student activities.
To use this interactive, move your mouse or finger over any of the labelled boxes and click to obtain more information.
The article Mobile scanning electron microscope provides background about SEMs and explores how they can develop curious minds.
The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao would like to thank Inspire STEM Education for the opportunity to host their resources.
Transcript
Using the Hitachi TM4000 scanning electron microscope
Technology is providing some amazing opportunities for teachers and students. This is a desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) that can be transported easily to schools and interested groups. This model was part of the University of Waikato outreach programme in 2024. Reach out to your local university to see if it runs a similar programme.
The SEM lets us see the surface of three-dimensional objects in high resolution. It works by scanning the surface of an object with a focused beam of electrons and detecting electrons that are reflected from and knocked off the sample surface. At low magnifications, entire objects (such as insects) viewed on the SEM can be in focus at the same time. That’s why the SEM is so good at generating three-dimensional images of lice, flies, snowflakes and so on.
All about light and electron microscopes
The following resources provide background information about light and electron microscopes and how they work.
Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao resources
Articles
Videos
Interactive
Activity
Microscopes and the nature of science and technology
Many scientists see microscopes as the most important scientific instruments available. Microscopes are a prime example of how technology drives science and how data gained from their use changes and enhances our understanding of science.
Using microscopes is also a practical hands-on way to develop each of the science capabilities. For younger learners, the focus might be on observation (gather and interpret data), while older learners could also explore using evidence and critiquing evidence.
Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao resources
Articles
Videos
Teaching activities for use with the SEM
The scanning electron microscope lets us see the surface of three-dimensional objects in high resolution. The images that we see can be quite different to what we experience with light microscopes.
Use these teaching activities prior to the SEM’s arrival so that students become familiar with the types of images they are likely to see. Alternatively, use them to lead discussions or engage students during small-group rotations when using the SEM.
While observing the images, ask questions regarding the artefacts they see in the slideshow or matching activity. Encourage students to justify their answers using evidence.
What is the artefact’s shape? How might this help you identify it?
Does it have repeating patterns? How might this help you identify it?
Is the sample two dimensional or three dimensional?
Do you think the artefact was living or non-living? Why? What clues are you using?
How might you group artefacts with common characteristics?
Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao resources
Which microscope is best? – activity
Which microscope? – interactive
Microscope parts – activity
Label the microscope – interactive
Inspire STEM Education resources
Magnification and resolution – key concepts
Explore some of the key science concepts that underpin how microscopes work.
Diagrams offer authentic literacy and numeracy learning opportunities and support the science capability ‘Interpret representations’.
Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao resources
Articles
Diagrams
Video
Interactive
Activities
Which microscope is best? – activity
Which microscope? – interactive
Inspire STEM Education resources
Real-world uses of electron microscopes
Scanning electron microscopes are used across science, mātauranga pūtaiao and technology. Use the resources below to discover how they are being used in Aotearoa and across the world and the information they provide.
Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao resources
Articles
Interactives
Inspire STEM Education senior science resources
STEM Takes Flight - IES Paper – using a tabletop SEM to teach physics and biology together through imaging butterfly wings – PDF
Using an electron microscope in physics – using a SEM to measure the track spacing of CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs – PDF
Enhancing SEM images
The following resources will help users improve the overall look of their SEM micrographs.
Inspire STEM Education resources
Phytoplankton micrograph: Jeremy Young, CC BY-SA 4.0
