Areas of Learning: Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creative Development.
Context: Exploring mini beasts found in the school environment.
Learning Intentions: To observe and find out about features in the place that they live and the natural world (KUW).
To find out and identify some features of living things (KUW).
To look closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change (KUW).
To choose colours and tools for a purpose (CD).
Success Criteria : I know/can record what I can see through the microscope or magnifier.
I know/can look for similarities and differences between mini beasts.
I know/can use different different tools and colours to draw on the screen.
Key Vocabulary: microscope, image, laptop, screen, mouse, click, cursor, arrow, tool, tool size, colour, undo, print.

You will need: magnifiers, digital microscope.
As a class, we identified and discussed some of the insects and animals that we found on our 'mini beast hunt'.

We used the digital microscope on a large screen to name, describe and observe the 'mini beasts' that we had found.nn.

In small groups, the children used magnifiers and the digital microscope with a laptop to observe the 'mini beasts'. The children recorded their observations.

The children were given the opportunity to use a simple paint program to record their observations.

Activity one:
You will need: black sugar paper, washing up liquid bottle, glue, glitter.
The children filled the washing up liquid bottle with glue and used it to create a spiders web pattern on the paper. They covered the glue with glitter.

Activity two:
You will need: simple paint program.
The children selected an appropriate colour and used the spray tool to create a spider web on the screen. They printed their work.

Activity three:
You will need: mini beast modeller.
Create your own imaginary mini beast!

Thinking Questions: Can you name the parts of the mini beast?
How did using the microscope help you?
Would you use the microscope or the magnifier next time?
How did you record your ideas?
Which tools did you use?
How did you choose the spray tool?
How did you change any mistakes you made on the screen?
How did you print your work?

Plenary/Recall: Discuss how using the digital microscope or a magnifier helps them to make their observations. Compare whether it is easier to make an observation using the microscope or a magnifier. Share the different ways that the children recorded their observations.