Microscope Cell Lab (40-50min)
Objective: Students will be able to develop a basic understanding of microbiology. Students
will also learn how to use the microscope and learn about the structure of bacteria under the
microscope.
Precautions: 1. Concentrated methylene blue is toxic if ingested. Students would wear latex
gloves for the first part of the experiment. 2. Handle microscope and the microscopic slides
with care.
Materials:
Cotton swab
Microscope slides
Cover slides
Methylene blue solution
Microscope
Alcohol swabs
Instructions:
You are going to test with one person’s sample from your whole group.
<Cheek Cell>
1. Take a clean cotton swab and gently scrape the inside of your mouth.
2. Smear the cotton swab on the center of the microscope slide for 2 to 3 seconds.
3. Add a drop of methylene blue solution and place a coverslip on top. Concentrated
methylene blue is toxic if ingested.
4. Remove any excess solution by allowing a paper towel to touch one side of the
coverslip.
5. Place the slide on the microscope, with 4 x or 10 x objective in position and find a
cell. Then view at higher magnification.
6. Draw a picture and take notes of what is seen for each cell,
7. Compare notes and what is seen with lab partner.
<Hair Cell>
1.
For hair cell, take a new glass slide and put ONE drop of water on it.
2.
Put the coverslip on top.
3.
Turn microscope on and put on lowest magnification level.
4.
Focus on the follicle.
5.
Draw a picture and take notes of what is seen for each cell,
6.
Compare notes and what is seen with lab partner.
Draw a picture of the cheek cells.
Draw a picture of the hair cells.
Post Lab Questions: Please write in full sentences.
1. What was the most interesting thing you viewed under the microscope?
2. Did you find any bacteria in your cheek cells? If not, why do think you were not able
to find any bacteria?
3. Did anything go wrong during the lab? What parts of the lab went well?