Preparing and observing a microscope slide
I can prepare a microscope slide with a specimen of tissue, observe it using a microscope, and record my observations in a scientific line drawing.
Preparing and observing a microscope slide
I can prepare a microscope slide with a specimen of tissue, observe it using a microscope, and record my observations in a scientific line drawing.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The cells that make up tissue can be viewed using a light microscope.
- A sample of tissue can be prepared on a slide to view using a microscope.
- Adding a stain can make it easier to see some parts of cells.
- Changing the magnification and focus of a light microscope enables stained cell structures to be observed.
- Observations from a light microscope can be recorded in a scientific line drawing.
Keywords
Tissue - A tissue is a group of similar cells with the same job working together.
Slide - To observe a specimen using a light microscope, we have to put a thin layer of it on a glass microscope slide.
Stain - A coloured liquid put onto a specimen so that the cells and their structures can be more easily seen with a light microscope.
Scientific line drawing - Observations from a light microscope can be recorded by making a labelled scientific line drawing.
Common misconception
Producing a line drawing with sketched broken lines, shading, no labelling and no magnification.
Learning cycle 2 in this lesson explores how to produce a scientific line drawing to record observations from light microscopy.
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
put the specimen on
to see the specimen more clearly
to place over the specimen
to hold the tissue and cover slip
to lower the cover slip slowly
