Observational Design Diagram
Title: Observable Structures in Plant and
Animal Cells
Hypothesis: If plant and animal cells are viewed
under a compound microscope, the observable
differences will be…..
Independent Variable: Type of Cell
Dependent Variables: Shape, Arrangement,
Size, Structures
Materials Needed:
1.
Microscope
5. Elodea leaf
9. Salt Water
2.
Microscope Slides
6. Toothpick
10. Dropper
3.
Cover Slips
7. Iodine
4.
Onion
8. Water
Procedure Outline:
1.
Break a piece of onion and spread the epidermis on the slide.
2.
Add a drop of water to the onion.
3.
Add a drop of iodine to the water.
4.
Place a cover slip over the onion cells.
5.
Place a drop of salt water on a new slide.
6.
Gently scrape the inside of your cheek with a toothpick.
7.
Gently stir the cheek cells off of the toothpick into the drop of water on the slide.
8.
Place a drop of iodine on the cheek cells.
9.
Place a cover slip over the cheek cells.
10.
Place an elodea leaf on a new slide.
11.
Add a drop of water to the slide.
12.
Place a cover slip over the elodea cells.
13.
Observe all three types of cells and create a data table displaying your findings.
14.
Add a drop of salt water to the edge of the cover slip on the elodea slide and pull it across the
specimen using a bit of paper towel on the opposite edge. Observe the cell membrane.
15.
Type a lab report.
Conclusion:
1. Summarize the data from your table.
2. Explain why you think plant and animal cells
have evolved different structures.
3. Explain some way that this data could be
useful to someone?
4. What could we have done to improve on
this activity?