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Natural sciences

Grade 9

Plants

Module 25

The microscope

Plants, like all other living organisms, consist of basic elements, or cells.

The structure of cells can be examined through a microscope. To be able to do this, it is necessary to learn how a microscope is operated. This will also unlock further possibilities in your studies.

Activity:

To explain the operation of a microscope

[lo 1.2, 1.3]

Your educator will introduce you to the parts of a microscope to show you how it is constructed and how it is used, and to give you the rules for when you use such an expensive piece of apparatus.

Activity:

To identify the different parts of a microscope

[lo 2.1, 2.2, 2.4]

Assignment 1:

  1. Complete the labels for the sketch.
  2. Write down the functions of the parts:
Part of Microscope
1. Eyepiece / ocular
2. Barrel
3. Arm
4. Coarse adjustment screw
5. Fine adjustment screw
6. Rotating nose-piece / objective turret
7. Objectives / lenses
8. Clamps
9. Stage
10. Diaphragm
11. Condenser
12. Light bulb or mirror

3. Write down some of the important rules for handling a microscope:

4. Explain how to determine magnification:

5. What is the magnification to which the microscope that you are using has been set? Show your calculation.

Assessment: The functions of the microscope

Were you able to identify the names and functions of the basic parts?

[LO 1.2; LO 1.3]

Activity:

To use the microscope as apparatus

[lo 1.2, 1.3]

Assignment 1 Work together in groups to do the following:

  1. Use a transparency pen to write on an object slide and examine the writing, using a low magnification.
  2. Tear a small strip of paper, place it on the object slide and examine it through the microscope.
  3. Select something of your own choice: a small dead insect, perhaps an ant, or one of your own hairs, for examination.
  4. Examine a few grains of sugar.

Write notes on what you observe.

Assignment 2:

Prepare a wet specimen from a piece of the epidermis of an onion leaf. Your educator will demonstrate the technique for doing this. First use a low magnification for studying the specimen and then increase the magnification.

Draw the specimen as seen with the naked eye, and then as seen through the microscope.

The brick-like structures are cells . The whole body of any plant or animal (including people) is built up of cells .

Assignment 3:

You are now experienced in handling a microscope. Write down any suggestions that you would like to mention about handling the microscope and adjusting it for finding the correct image.

Why might you want to use a colorant to stain the specimen?

Ask your educator about a suitable colourant.

Assessment: The practical use of the microscope

Were you able to handle the items and complete the sketches?

[LO 1.2; LO 1.3]

Assessment

LO 1: Scientific investigations:

The learner will be able to act confidently on curiosity about natural phenomena, and to investigate relationships and solve problems in scientific, technological and environmental contexts.

This is evident when the learner:

  • conducts investigations and collects data;
  • evaluates data and communicates findings.

LO 2: Constructing Science Knowledge:

The learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.

This is evident when the learner:

  • recalls meaningful information;
  • categorises information;
  • interprets information;

2.4 applies knowledge.

Memorandum

MINIMUM CONTENT

Activity 1

Assignment 1:

  • Plants, like all other living organisms, consist of basic elements or cells.
  • The structure of cells can be examined through a microscope. To be able to do this, it is necessary to learn how a microscope is operated. This will also unlock further possibilities in your studies.

HOW A MICROSCOPE IS CONSTRUCTED

FUNCTION
Lens at the upper end of the barrel facilitates enlargement
Beams of light travel through this barrel, which separates the ocular and the objectives
Handle for holding
Moves the stage towards the object lens; Initial focussing
For finer, closer focussing
For moving objectives into position
These lenses make it possible to achieve different magnifications
Holds the microscope slide in position
For the positioning of the microscope slide
Controls the amount of light that passes from the object to the eye
Concentrates light on the object
Light source

How to handle a microscope

1. Carry it carefully – using both hands.

2. Take care not to mark it with fingerprints.

3. Never remove the lenses.

4. Handle the highest objective with great care.

5. Protect the microscope from dust and damp.

Magnification

  • Value on the objective x value on the ocular
  • E.g.: 10 x 40 = 400 x magnified

Activity 2:

Assignment 1:

  • Practical

Assignment 2:

Wet specimen

1. Select a microscope slide / object glass and wipe it clean.

2. Use a dropper to place a single drop of water in the centre of the slide.

Water dropMicroscope slide

3. Using a tweezer or dissecting needle, select the object (specimen) and place it in the drop of water. Open it up and flatten it.

4. Stand a dissecting needle vertically in the centre of the object.

5. Position a cover-glass at an angle against the needle.

6. Quickly remove the needle to allow the cover-glass to fall into place over the specimen.

7. Tap the cover-glass lightly, using the back of the needle, to release bubbles that might be trapped.

8. Use an iodine solution to stain the specimen for greater cell definition. Starch ­grains will also be stained.

Questions & Answers

what is mutation
Janga Reply
what is a cell
Sifune Reply
how is urine form
Sifune
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mahase Reply
classification of plants, gymnosperm features.
Linsy Reply
what is the features of gymnosperm
Linsy
how many types of solid did we have
Samuel Reply
what is an ionic bond
Samuel
What is Atoms
Daprince Reply
what is fallopian tube
Merolyn
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Merolyn
what's bulbourethral gland
Eduek Reply
urine is formed in the nephron of the renal medulla in the kidney. It starts from filtration, then selective reabsorption and finally secretion
onuoha Reply
State the evolution relation and relevance between endoplasmic reticulum and cytoskeleton as it relates to cell.
Jeremiah
what is heart
Konadu Reply
how is urine formed in human
Konadu
how is urine formed in human
Rahma
what is the diference between a cavity and a canal
Pelagie Reply
what is the causative agent of malaria
Diamond
malaria is caused by an insect called mosquito.
Naomi
Malaria is cause by female anopheles mosquito
Isaac
Malaria is caused by plasmodium Female anopheles mosquitoe is d carrier
Olalekan
a canal is more needed in a root but a cavity is a bad effect
Commander
what are pathogens
Don Reply
In biology, a pathogen (Greek: πάθος pathos "suffering", "passion" and -γενής -genēs "producer of") in the oldest and broadest sense, is anything that can produce disease. A pathogen may also be referred to as an infectious agent, or simply a germ. The term pathogen came into use in the 1880s.[1][2
Zainab
A virus
Commander
Definition of respiration
Muhsin Reply
respiration is the process in which we breath in oxygen and breath out carbon dioxide
Achor
how are lungs work
Commander
where does digestion begins
Achiri Reply
in the mouth
EZEKIEL
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Rashima Reply
stimulates the follicle to release the mature ovum into the oviduct
Davonte
what are the functions of Endocrine and pituitary gland
Chinaza
endocrine secrete hormone and regulate body process
Achor
while pituitary gland is an example of endocrine system and it's found in the Brain
Achor
what's biology?
Egbodo Reply
Biology is the study of living organisms, divided into many specialized field that cover their morphology, physiology,anatomy, behaviour,origin and distribution.
Lisah
biology is the study of life.
Alfreda
Biology is the study of how living organisms live and survive in a specific environment
Sifune
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Source:  OpenStax, Natural sciences grade 9. OpenStax CNX. Sep 15, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11069/1.1
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