Students in Teacher Harvey’s M6 Science class explored the microscopic world through a hands-on microscopy lab. Students collected a buccal cavity (cheek) swab, stained the sample with methylene blue, and examined their own cells under the microscope. They also prepared and observed algae stained with  iodine, allowing them to compare different microscopic structures. This investigation helped students develop microscopy and staining techniques while discovering that a hidden world of cells and microscopic life is constantly around us, with many important biological processes taking place beyond what we can see with the naked eye.