How did they engage with the microscope?
Editors note microscope and, from a neutral position, I observed their general reactions. Six children, because of their initial interest, were then chosen as the group to be more closely observed and subsequently interviewed. This group were given no instructions about what the microscope did or how to use it, but were given the freedom to work with it. The class topic was health and growth, so I cut up some fruit and vegetables for the children to investigate using the microscope. It was explained to the children that if they needed help they should ask an adult. However, they never sought help throughout their entire time on this activity. I wanted to observe how the children reacted, but without intervening, so behaved just as I did every morning. Capturing the childrens conversations was also important, so a tape recorder with a good quality omni-directional microphone was carefully positioned to record what was said. Digital images of the children interacting with the microscope
