Topic Seven (1.7): Observing cells

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

  • describe what a cell is
  • explain how to use a microscope to observe a cell.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

In this topic, you will find out all about using a microscope to observe cells, which we can’t see with our eyes.

Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

Read pages 26–27 in Activate 1.

  • If you have access to a microscope look at items that will allow light through such as feathers, hair, thin paper or material and onion skin. Onion skin is particularly good because you can see the ‘cells’ that Robert Hooke saw. (The List of Apparatus Download List of Apparatus suggests a microscope supplier.)
  • Don't worry if you don't have access to a microscope! You can have a go at this tutorial where you can try using a virtual microscope yourself (click the forward arrow on the menu at the top, to move to the next step):

EXPLORE - Virtual Microscope tutorial (University of Washington) Links to an external site.

  • Use pages 26–27 and the video below to help you to complete worksheet 2. Note: A mirror can also be used as a light source for a microscope, you adjust the angle to reflect the light source in the room through the diaphragm up onto the slide:
  • Watch this video to help you identify the parts of a microscope: 

  • Complete this maths skills interactive activity: 

COMPLETE - 1.1 Observing cells (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

COMPLETE - The Compound Microscope Worksheet Download COMPLETE - The Compound Microscope Worksheet

Review Icon.png Review

Complete the Summary Question on page 27. 

COMPLETE – (Question 2) Biology 1 Vocab Builder 1 (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

Bridge Icon.png Support activity for this topic

Complete Task 1 on the Practical sheet below (we have provided page 1 only), using the support sheet to help you:

COMPLETE – B1 1.1 Practical: Observing cells (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

DOWNLOAD – B1.1.1 Support: Observing cells (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

You could find out a bit more about the invention of the light microscope and how we now have electron microscopes:

WATCH - The history of the microscope (Twig) [Not available on sample course]

Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK - The Compound Microscope Worksheet - Mark Scheme Download CHECK - The Compound Microscope Worksheet - Mark Scheme

CHECK – B1 1.1 Teacher and technician sheet – Observing cells (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

CHECK - Student Book Answers B1 Chapter 1 (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

Experiments Icon.png Practical 

Your assignment has a practical associated with it and it may take some days to get this planned and completed. To aid you with this, we are providing the practical information and the questions at this point. We suggest that you have a look at them now, so that you can plan your investigation. If you don’t have all the apparatus then your tutor will be able to advise you on adapting it, for instance another vegetable like yam would work. Any questions you answer or results you note down before you download your assignment can be checked and copied across to your assignment.  

DOWNLOAD - Practical One Download DOWNLOAD - Practical One