Observing cells with a light microscope
I can use a light microscope to observe cells.
Observing cells with a light microscope
I can use a light microscope to observe cells.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- All organisms are made up of living building blocks called cells.
- Cells are usually too small to see with the unaided eye.
- The cells that make up tissue on a slide can be observed using a light microscope.
- Changing the magnification and focus of a light microscope enables cell structures to be observed.
Keywords
Cell - A cell is the smallest living building block of a living organism.
Lens - A lens is a piece of curved glass which focuses light to alter the size of the image.
Light microscope - A light microscope is a piece of equipment that uses lenses to focus light and enlarge the object.
Focus - Adjusting the focus of a lens makes an image clearer.
Magnification - Increasing the magnification of an object makes it look bigger.
Common misconception
Cells are inert 'building blocks' like bricks. Microscopes can see structures as small as molecules.
The lesson explores what cells are, including that they are living units, and considers what can and can't be seen using a light microscope.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Observing cells with a light microscope, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Observing cells with a light microscope, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Cells unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
makes an image clearer
makes an image bigger
Provides light to see through the specimen.
To magnify the image to make it bigger.
To place the slide on.
To focus the image, to make it clearer.
