Science at key stage 3 (Year 7)
Unit 7A: Cells
Section 2: a. How can using a microscope give us information about structure?
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Objectives |
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- to use a microscope safely and effectively
- to prepare simple specimens on a slide for observation using a microscope
- to make observations using a microscope and to record these as drawings
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Ask pupils about using magnifying glasses and microscopes to make detailed observations, and find out what they understand about magnification.
- Demonstrate the correct use of the microscope to make observations under low magnification. Help pupils to use a prepared slide of newsprint,
eg the letter 'e', to practise placing and focusing slides.
- Help pupils make slides of common objects,
eg sand, newsprint, tissue paper, hair. Encourage them to record observations in clear drawings,
eg by showing them prepared drawings and asking them to identify what is clear and unclear in them. Establish through questioning why it is important to include the level of magnification.
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- prepare a specimen for microscopic observation, and correctly focus the microscope to view it
- describe how the objects appear under low magnification
- make careful drawings of the objects viewed
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Points to note |
- Some pupils find it difficult to focus microscopes. It may be helpful to set up microscopes already focused on specimens or use bioviewers alongside microscopes.
- Pupils with physical disability could be offered the opportunity to provide instructions to another pupil to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding about preparing specimens for microscopic observation.
- Making measurements of cells can help pupils to develop an understanding of very small numbers. Eyepiece graticules, or strips of graticule photographs as cheaper alternatives, can be useful resources when making measurements.
- Extension: some pupils may be ready to explore ways of measuring the size of objects observed, by measuring the diameter of the field of view and estimating size against this measure, or by devising their own method.
Safety
- there is a risk from reflected sunlight when using daylight for mirror illumination with microscopes
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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