New
New
Lesson 2 of 7
New
New
- Year 7
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.
In the final learning cycle, pupils should be given hands-on experience of setting up and focussing a light microscope for themselves, and using it to observe cells. The method can be provided as a worksheet by printing the Additional Material.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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?
Which of the listed words is a a scientific term for looking at a living organism?
investigate
watch
view
Q2.Choose the correct name for this piece of apparatus
Choose the correct name for this piece of apparatus
microscope
teloscope
Q3.A living is the scientific name for things that carry out the common life processes at some point in their life cycle.
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?
What could you do to this image of a bee to make it easier to see the detail?
make it lighter
make it smaller
make it darker
Q5.A light source is important for humans to see objects in detail. Choose the image that was taken with more light available.
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.
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 .
All living organisms are made up of living building blocks called .
Q2.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q3.Match the parts of the microscope to a description of their job.
Match the parts of the microscope to a description of their job.
Q4.Put these steps in order to describe the method of viewing a cell using a microscope.
Put these steps in order to describe the method of viewing a cell using a microscope.
Q5.Which image has a higher magnification?
Which image has a higher magnification?
Q6.What can we do to improve how clear a microscopic image is?
What can we do to improve how clear a microscopic image is?
Change the size of the objective lens.
Turn up the brightness of the light.
