Size of Specimens - Calculating magnification, measuring cells practical

✓ Engaging presentation
✓ Includes lots of examples and definitions
✓ Lots of short AFL tasks
✓ Optional microscope practical where students calculate the real size of cells with a graticule
✓ Four options of cell samples to choose from to do in class
✓ Full method and list of equipment
✓ Exam questions and mark schemes

This lesson on Size of Specimens is designed for KS4 Science students enrolled in the CIE Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026-28) course. This is the second lesson in the topic 1 Organisation of the Organism.

The lesson recaps previous learning from other linked topics to ensure students have a strong foundation before diving into the material. It also includes concise and easy-to-understand information and a variety of quick assessment for learning tasks to help students solidify their understanding of the topic. There is a strong emphasis on answering exam questions, with examples and the mark scheme included in the presentation.

Objectives:

• State and use the formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size
• Calculate magnification and size of biological specimens using millimetres as units
• Convert measurements between millimetres (mm) and micrometres (μm)

This lesson would also be adaptable for all GCSE students (whether AQA, Edexcel, OCR) and great for KS3 Science or as a GCSE revision resource.