1. Using a Microscope Lab
Name__________________Date_____________Mod____________
Part 1 Movie Questions
Directions: Answer the following questions while viewing the microscope movie clips.
1. What should you do after you are finished with the microscope?
2. How do you carry a microscope?
3. What are the steps to preparing a wet mount slide? (list them)
4. How should you clean microscope lenses?
5. Why should you look at the lenses when you switch them? (Not through them but at
them!)
6. Why should you only use the fine focus for high power lenses?
Part 2 Preparing a Cheek Cell Wet Mount Slide
Directions: Remember what you saw in the movie. This will help you. Complete the scientific
method and read the instructions for preparing your cheek cell slide.
Question: What do my cheek cells look like under the microscope?
Hypothesis:
Predict: Draw a picture of what you think your cheek cells will look like.
2. Procedure:
1. Make sure to follow all the teacher’s instructions.
2. Remember the movie clips.
3. You will be working in groups of 3-4.
4. Obtain a toothpick, cover slip, and microscope slide, water dropper and water in a beaker.
5. GENTLY rub the toothpick on the inside of your cheek. Make sure you don’t rub too
hard but rub your cheeks a lot.
6. Rub the toothpick in the middle of the microscope slide.
7. Gently put a small drop of water on the cells.
8. Gently cover the cells and water with a cover slip. Drop it at an angle to avoid bubbles.
9. The teacher will place a small drop of iodine next to your cover slip.
10. Take a small piece of paper towel and place it on the other side of the cover slip.
11. The iodine will be drawn underneath the cover slip by the paper towel and stain the cells.
12. Place the microscope on low power to start and get the cells in focus.
13. Once you have them in focus, move to a higher power, being careful to watch when you
are focusing the lenses.
14. If you are waiting to see the cells or waiting to use a microscope, you can complete part 3
while you are waiting.
Analysis and Conclusions:
1. Draw a picture of your cells.
2. What chemical was used to make your cheek cells visible?
3. What do you think the dark dots in the middle of your cells are?
4. Why do you think it is important to clean microscope slides? How could this affect your
experiment?
