A type of microscope that uses visible light and a system of lenses to generate magnified images of small objects.

A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides, used in a microscope to magnify objects.

Making small objects appear larger in order to see more detail.

A point where light rays converge to form an image.

Light microscopy: observing and drawing cells

Combined science

Pupils will learn about biological molecules that are essential to life, including sugars and other carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and the role of enzymes in catalysing the chemical reactions in which these substances are used and made.

Pupils learned that photosynthesis in producers makes glucose, a type of carbohydrate, which is used to make biomass and as a fuel for cellular respiration.

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

Which part of the microscope is the arrow pointing to?

to quickly bring the specimen into rough focus

to switch between different objective lenses

to adjust the intensity of the light source

What is the purpose of the coarse adjustment knob on a microscope?

to prevent damage to the objective lenses

Why is it important to start with the lowest magnification objective lens when using a compound microscope?

to fine-tune and sharpen the focus of the specimen

What is the function of the fine adjustment knob on a microscope?

Starting with the smallest, sort the following in size order. 

Which structure contains genetic material, which controls the cell's activities?


Which sub-cellular structure is responsible for the synthesis of proteins in a cell?

A permanent {{}} is a subcellular structure that is found in plant cells but not animal cells. 

{{}} are the site of respiration in a cell.

Which piece of apparatus is used to view cells?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Light microscopy: observing and drawing cells

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.