Fibres
Lesson 1 – Microscope Exploration of Plant Fibre
Strand: Plants: Anatomy, Growth, and Function
Step #1 (Microscope exploration of plant fibre)
Curriculum Expectations
Course: SBI3U
Learning Goals
A1.2 select appropriate instruments and materials, and identify
appropriate methods, techniques, and procedures, for each inquiry
A1.5 conduct inquiries, controlling relevant variables, adapting or
extending procedures as required, and using appropriate materials
and equipment safely, accurately, and effectively, to collect
observations and data
F2 investigate the structures and functions of plant tissues, and
factors affecting plant growth
F2.3 identify, and draw biological diagrams of, the specialized plant
tissues in roots, stems, and leaves (e.g., xylem, phloem), using a
microscope and models [PR, AI]
At the end of this lesson, students will use
their experiences with scientific
investigations to explore the nature of
paper, use their biological drawing skills to
make a diagram of the fibres used to make
different kinds of paper products,
summarize their findings and present these
to other students, and evaluate their
investigation and suggest new steps.
Kruger Products and the Use of Different Fibres
 Kruger Products uses fibres from a variety of sources.
 Understanding how different fibres contribute to the products and the sources for these fibres can help determine
sustainable forestry practices.
Instructional Components and Context
Readiness
Students have worked with microscopes and are familiar
with the features of a biological drawing.
Terminology
Focus, stage, eyepiece, magnification, paper towel,
slide, cover slip, water, dyes
Materials
1. Microscopes
2. Slides
3. Cover slips
4. Prepared slides of monocot and dicot stems (crosssection)
5. Coffee filter
6. White paper towel (home use)
7. Pencil
8. Handout #1: Comparing Different Papers
Minds On
Connections
Whole Class  Present the Task: What Makes These Different?
Lab Groups – Planning the Exploratory Investigation
Assessment for Learning
Description
This is the question that they will answer by investigation samples with
microscopes.
Hold up two samples of paper: coffee filter paper and white paper towel.
Record comments shared by students. Ask them how they can investigate the
samples; record comments shared by students.
Review microscopy technique as required. Remind students of the key
requirements of biological drawings that have been established in the course.
Suggest that they start with 40X magnification. To view a sample of what they
can observe (without dye) go to
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205479
STAO 2013
- look for students to identify
texture as the key difference
- look for the idea that each
material has a different purpose
- this is an exploration: students
are using this to help them
develop a question for further
inquiry
- students identify key points for
the investigation (this should
reflect previous teaching from
other investigations)
1
Review your key investigation points:
What do you need to know?
How are you going to find this?
How are you going to present your findings?
- look for students to work
together to create an observation
chart that reflects the steps in
their investigation
Action!
Groups of 2-4  Lab Groups Work on an Exploratory Investigation
Assessment for Learning
Description
- look for appropriate microscopy
technique
Each lab group uses Handout #1: Comparing Different Papers to plan key
steps and record procedures, observations, and analysis of their findings. Have
a variety of materials on hand that are familiar to students, including vital dyes,
cover slips, slides, and droppers for adding water to slides.
Have pencils on hand in case a student does not have a pencil to make the
diagram.
Students may choose to bring other paper samples to add to the investigation.
Students may ask for forceps or other items to tear apart the samples and
better isolate the fibres.
- look to see that the work area is
cleaned up when the
investigation is complete
- look for teamwork skills: all
students involved in planning and
lab investigation
- additional points as appropriate
Consolidation
Groups of 2-4  Compare findings and summarize results.
Assessment for Learning
Description
- look for completed organizers
Near the end of the investigation, students informally share their results and
compare their findings with other groups.
If more work is required, students continue the investigation.
Students summarize their results.
Students assess the reliability of their results and identify additional questions
that are required to continue the investigation.
The recorded information is submitted to the teacher for feedback.
- look for consistency between
drawings and the interpretations
- look for logical connections
between findings and summary
Assessment as Learning
- students express appropriate
confidence in their notes and
diagrams
- students identify new steps to
explore
STAO 2013
2
Lesson 1 – Microscope Exploration of Plant Fibre
Handout #1
Comparing Different Papers: Microscope Exploration
Steps and Materials: Explain how you find out about the nature of the papers.
Observations:
Magnification: ____________
Magnification: __________
Sample: _________________
Sample: _______________
Additional Observations:
Interpret: What do your observations indicate about paper?
Summary: What is the nature of paper?
STAO 2013