Observing cells with a light microscope
I can use a light microscope to observe cells.
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.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the listed words is a a scientific term for looking at a living organism?
Q2.Choose the correct name for this piece of apparatus
Q3.A living is the scientific name for things that carry out the common life processes at some point in their life cycle.
Q4.What could you do to this image of a bee to make it easier to see the detail?
Q5.A light source is important for humans to see objects in detail. Choose the image that was taken with more light available.
Q6.All living are made up of smaller building living blocks called cells, these can be viewed using a microscope.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.All living organisms are made up of living building blocks called .
Q2.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
makes an image clearer
makes an image bigger
Q3.Match the parts of the microscope to a description of their job.
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.
Q4.Put these steps in order to describe the method of viewing a cell using a microscope.
Q5.Which image has a higher magnification?
