A tissue is a group of similar cells with the same job working together.

To observe a specimen using a light microscope, we have to put a thin layer of it on a glass microscope slide.

A coloured liquid put onto a specimen so that the cells and their structures can be more easily seen with a light microscope.

Observations from a light microscope can be recorded by making a labelled scientific line drawing.

Preparing and observing a microscope slide

Science

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

Which piece of apparatus is **not** used to prepare an onion tissue slide?

Match the apparatus to its job in preparing a microscope slide.

Take a glass slide and place a tissue or cell specimen on it.

Place a cover slip over the top using tweezers.

Lower the cover slip with a mounted needle.

Starting with a glass slide, put these stages in the correct order for preparing a microscope slide.

The chemical that is placed on a specimen so that it can been seen easily is called a...

Which features should be altered in this scientific line drawing to improve it?

Which of these descriptions is not a key feature of an accurate scientific line drawing?

A {{}} is a piece of equipment that is used to see things that are very small.

Which parts of the microscope magnify an image?

Which action would you take to increase the magnification of this image (to make the individual cells appear larger)?

A {{}} is a piece of curved glass that focuses and magnifies light.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

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

Preparing and observing a microscope slide

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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