Life Size: Line 'em up!

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In this activity on page 1 of the PDF, learners compare the relative sizes of biological objects (like DNA and bacteria) that can't be seen by the naked eye. Learners will be surprised to discover the range of sizes in the microscopic world. This activity can be followed up with a second activity, "What's in a microbe?", located on page 3 in the same resource.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Individual word labels
  • One sheet of paper

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
      • Viruses and Bacteria
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • DNA Structure and Function
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Yu, Julie

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2006

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0610238
  • National Science Foundation, 0925383