How to Test Middle School Students in Microbiology

Testing the abilities of middle school students in science subjects is usually done using a basic quiz. However, this is not the only testing option that is available. Teachers may find it more helpful to test their students' skills with microbiology concepts using more demonstrative testing methodologies.

Testing Method #1 - Labeling Tests

A good way to test a student in microbiology is to set up slides on a variety of students' microscopes. Each slide will contain a specimen that has been prepared for a specific question. To complete the test the student will need to examine the slide using the microscope and then label a drawing on their test that corresponds to the slide.

This is a great testing option if you are working on a unit about cell division or on cellular structures. This testing option can be used to test the students' abilities to use a microscope, their ability to label drawing or to test their ability to identify objects in a slide. This is a great testing option for both spot quizzes and unit quizzes.

Testing Method #2 - Use of the Microscope

Since the use of the microscope is so important in science class, teachers need to evaluate how well their students understand how they are used. After introducing the microscope to a class a teacher will want to quiz their students on its use. This initial test will ask the student to perform tasks with the microscope to demonstrate their skills. These tasks can include things like creating a slide, bringing a slide into focus and changing the lens magnification.

As students master the basics of microscope use the teacher can introduce more advance microscope use skills. For example, they can introduce students to the oil emersion slide process or the use of digital microscope features. Again the teacher will want to test their students' abilities to use these new processes.

Testing Method #3 - Making Observations

A microscope is a tool for making observations. It is because of this that students will need to be tested on their ability to use a microscope to make observations. This can be done in several different ways.

The first way to test a student's ability to use a microscope to make observations is to give them a prepared slide and to then ask them to answer questions about the slide. The second option is to base the quiz around the completion of a lab activity or an experiment. The final option is to have students complete a microbiology science fair project or class project. The may that they use their microscope to collect data for their project will be the test for their mastery of microscope use.

Conclusion

Teachers need to understand that testing students in science subjects is not solely for producing a grade for the grade book. It is intended to gauge how well they understand a concept. This information is intended to inform teachers when students need extra help, as well as to inform teachers when their teaching methodologies need tweaking.

Written by :

Shimo