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STUDENT’S PRACTICAL WORKSHEET
Preserved Slides Biological Drawing
I. Aim
- To observe objects under a microscope
- To continue practicing biological drawing
II. Apparatus and materials
- 2 different preserved slides
- A Microscope
- A pencil
III. Theory
In biology, drawing preserved slides under a microscope helps students observe and understand
the structure of cells, tissues, and microscopic organisms. Preserved slides are specially prepared
samples that have been treated to last a long time. When viewed under a microscope, these slides
reveal detailed biological features that are often invisible to the naked eye.
This activity trains students to use microscopes properly and develop scientific drawing skills.
The goal is not artistic perfection but accuracy—students should draw what they see, not what they
expect to see. Important rules include labeling parts correctly, drawing in pencil, using clear lines (no
shading), and including a title and magnification. Through this process, students improve
observation skills and learn how structure relates to function in living things.
IV. Procedures
1. Prepare the Microscope
○ Place the microscope on a flat, stable surface.
○ Make sure the light source or mirror is properly adjusted.
2. Get the Preserved Slide
○ Carefully take a prepared slide from the slide box using clean hands or forceps.
○ Check that the slide is clean and undamaged.
3. Place the Slide on the Stage
○ Put the slide on the microscope stage.
○ Secure it with the stage clips.
○ Make sure the specimen is centered under the objective lens.
4. Start with Low Power
○ Use the lowest magnification objective lens (usually 4x or 10x).
○ Look through the eyepiece and use the coarse focus knob to bring the image into view.
5. Adjust the Focus and Lighting
○ Use the fine focus knob to sharpen the image.
○ Adjust the diaphragm or light source for the best contrast and clarity.
6. Increase Magnification if Needed
○ Switch to a higher power objective lens (e.g., 40x) if more detail is needed.
○ Only use the fine focus knob when using high power.
7. Observe the Specimen Carefully
○ Look for key structures or patterns (e.g., cell walls, nuclei, tissue layers).
○ Take mental or written notes of what you see.
8. Draw What You See
○ On your worksheet, draw the specimen as seen under the microscope.
○ Use clear, smooth pencil lines (no colors or shading).
○ Only include what is visible—draw to scale as much as possible.
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9. Label Important Parts
○ Use straight lines to label visible structures (e.g., cell membrane, chloroplast, nucleus).
○ Write labels clearly and neatly.
10. Write the Magnification
○ Include the total magnification (eyepiece × objective lens) below the drawing.
○ Example: "Magnification: 100x"
11. Add a Title and Notes
○ Title your drawing (e.g., “Onion Epidermis Cell”).
○ You may add short notes or observations, such as color, texture, or arrangement.
12. Clean Up
○ Remove the slide and return it carefully to the slide box.
○ Turn off the microscope and cover it if needed.
○ Wash your hands and clean the workspace.
V. Result of Observation
VI. Conclusions and questions
1. Why is it important to draw exactly what you observe under the microscope instead of drawing
what you think the specimen should look like? How does this skill help scientists in real-life
biological research?
2. Compare the benefits and limitations of using preserved slides versus freshly prepared slides
when studying microscopic structures. How might each type of slide affect what you see and
draw?
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3. Imagine you are observing an unknown slide and need to identify whether the specimen is a
plant or animal cell. Describe the steps you would take to observe, draw, and analyze the
specimen. What features would you look for and include in your drawing to support your
conclusion?
4. After observing and drawing a slide of onion epidermis cells, a student accidentally labels the
chloroplast as the nucleus. Explain how this mistake could affect scientific understanding and
communication. Why is accuracy in labeling and drawing essential in biology?
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