Microscopy of human blood cells and blood vessels
I can use a light microscope to observe blood cells and blood vessels.
- Year 10
- AQA
Microscopy of human blood cells and blood vessels
I can use a light microscope to observe blood cells and blood vessels.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The photograph shows a piece of apparatus called a light ...
Q2.We are made up of tiny living building blocks called ...
Q3.Who is correct?
Q4.True or false? Most cells are large enough to see with the unaided eye.
Q5.Match each structure to its function in the human circulatory system.
Q6.Various substances are transported around the human body in the blood. Match each substance to its correct description.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each part of the microscope to its name.
Q2.Part E is called the ...
Q3.On this microscope, the eyepiece lens has a magnification of x10, and the objective lens has a magnification of x40. What is the total magnification?
Q4.Four students have used a microscope to observe blood cells. Each person has drawn their observations of a red blood cell. Who has produced the best scientific drawing?
Q5.A student observed a sample of blood using a light microscope. The structure labelled A is …
Q6.These structures observed using a light microscope are an artery and a vein. Which statements explain why structure B is a vein?
