In this lab kids prepare slides using pieces of onion and a cheek swab so they can compare plant and animal cells. This activity provides a helpful, memorable way to learn a few key differences of plant cells vs. animal cells.
All living things are made of cells. We can tell kids this or they can discover it for themselves with this activity.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ How do plant and animal cells compare?
❑ What do plant and animal cells look like under the microscope?
❑ Which cell organelles can be seen under a microscope?
Once students try this activity, they can capture their observations using the included Lab Notes or probing questions included in the instructions.
Concepts Addressed
♦ Plant cells have walls making them somewhat geometric in shape
♦ You can easily see cell walls and cell nuclei under a microscope.
♦ Most cells are colorless but can be dyed to show structures.
Standards Addressed
NGSS MS-LS1- 1
VA SOL Science LS.2.b
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
Materials Needed Microscope slides and covers, onion, food coloring, pipette, microscope
Prep Time Buying onions, food coloring, microscope slides and covers; cutting the onion
Teaching Time About 40 mins depending on accompanying writing assignment.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
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