Cheek Cell Investigation

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: WALT, Success Criteria & Safety

WALT: Use a light microscope to observe cheek cells, identify nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane, and link structure to function.

Success criteria: I can prepare a stained cheek cell slide, focus a microscope, identify and label the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane, and explain one function for each.

1. Before preparing slides, which of the following is the safest order of steps?

Wash hands → wear gloves if needed → collect sample → stain → view

Collect sample → stain → view → wash hands

View under microscope → collect sample → stain → wash hands

2. Tick all items you should use or check before starting the practical:

Clean microscope lenses

Use methylene blue without teacher permission

Have paper towel ready

Wear safety goggles if required

3. Write one short safety rule you must follow when using a microscope:

🔬 Part 2: Observation, Identification & Reflection

4. After staining cheek cells with methylene blue, which structure usually appears darkest?

Cell membrane

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

5. Draw the cheek cell you observed. Label the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane.

6. Label the parts below (write the name on the line):

Nucleus: ____________________________

Cell membrane: ______________________

Cytoplasm: __________________________

7. In one sentence each, explain the main function of:

a) Nucleus:

b) Cell membrane:

8. Extension (advanced learners): Suggest one follow-up investigation comparing cheek cells with plant cells. Include one thing you would observe or measure.

9. Exit ticket — write one thing you learned today and one question you still have:

Learned: ____________________________

Question: ____________________________

📝 Teacher notes & Differentiation

Differentiation: Provide step-by-step visual instructions or a demonstration video for students needing extra support. Offer pre-drawn cell outlines or stencils for students with fine motor challenges. Pair students for peer assistance.

Dyslexia-friendly options: Use printed dyslexia-friendly sheets (larger spacing and simple font), read instructions aloud, and give sentence starters for writing functions (e.g., "The nucleus controls..." ).

Extension ideas: Use higher magnification to look for a nucleolus, or compare stained cheek cells with prepared onion skin (plant) slides and record differences.