Microscopy of human blood cells and blood vessels
I can use a light microscope to observe blood cells and blood vessels.
Microscopy of human blood cells and blood vessels
I can use a light microscope to observe blood cells and blood vessels.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The parts of a light microscope and their functions, and the sequence of steps for setting up a light microscope.
- A light microscope can be used to observe blood cells on a prepared slide.
- Observations from a light microscope can be recorded in a labelled scientific line drawing with an indication of scale.
- A light microscope can be used to observe sections of blood vessels and differences in the structures of their walls.
- Explaining observations from microscopy of differences in the walls of different blood vessels.
Keywords
Light microscope - An instrument that uses visible light and lenses to magnify viewed objects.
Lens - Glass or plastic disc that refracts light to increase magnification.
Focus - To make an image sharper and clearer.
Magnification - The number of times greater in size the viewed object is compared to its actual size.
Red blood cell - A cell that transports oxygen around the body.
Common misconception
Scientific drawings made using a microscope are difficult to do and often sketched like an artwork. The requirements are clear and precise and require practise to get right.
The expectations for scientific drawings are clearly stated and shown visually. Opportunities to practise drawing different structures are included throughout the lesson.
Equipment
Light microscope, slides of human blood smears and blood vessels.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
transports blood away from the heart
liquid that transports cells and dissolved substances
pumps blood around the body
transports blood back to the heart
transported from body cells to the lungs
transported from the digestive system to body cells
transported from the lungs to body cells
transported from body cells to the excretory system
Exit quiz
6 Questions
eyepiece lens
objective lenses
light source
focus wheels
