A cell is the smallest living building block of a living organism.

A lens is a piece of curved glass which focuses light to alter the size of the image.

A light microscope is a piece of equipment that uses lenses to focus light and enlarge the object.

Adjusting the focus of a lens makes an image clearer.

Increasing the magnification of an object makes it look bigger.

Observing cells with a light microscope

Science

The common processes of all living organisms

Preparing and observing a microscope slide

Animal cell structures and their functions

Plant cell structures and their functions

Multicellular and unicellular organisms

Specialised cells are adapted for their functions

Pupils will learn about bones and muscles as examples of tissues made of cells.

In Y2 of primary science, pupils learned about some processes that happen in all living things (and do not happen in things that are dead or have never been alive).

This unit explores cell structures, their functions, and differences between plant and animal cells. It includes adaptations of unicellular organisms and the organisation of multicellular organisms. Skills in using safe techniques, recording data, and evaluating methods in lab work are developed.

Cells

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

All living organisms are made up of living building blocks called {{}}.

Match the keyword to the correct definition.

Provides light to see through the specimen.

Match the parts of the microscope to a description of their job.

Place the slide on the stage and turn on the light.

Turn the coarse focusing wheel until the image is clear to see.

Turn the fine focusing wheel to make the image very clear.

Put these steps in order to describe the method of viewing a cell using a microscope.

What can we do to improve how clear a microscopic image is?

Which of the listed words is a a scientific term for looking at a living organism?

Choose the correct name for this piece of apparatus

A living {{}} is the scientific name for things that carry out the common life processes at some point in their life cycle.

What could you do to this image of a bee to make it easier to see the detail?

A light source is important for humans to see objects in detail. Choose the image that was taken with more light available.

All living {{}} are made up of smaller building living blocks called cells, these can be viewed using a microscope.

Observing cells with a light microscope

Lesson outcome

Content guidance