Practical lessons at International School are always fun. Not only are they motivational, but they also enable students to apply scientific concepts in everyday life, as well as to extend their knowledge and understanding. This time, students had a chance to do this in biology class.

On Friday, 8 April, Year 10 Biology students learned about plasmolysis by cutting onions and observing cells in the school lab.

The microscope reveals the behaviour of plant cells

Each and every one of you knows that the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life, don’t you? One of the major tasks of every cell is to keep its internal environment optimal. This is achieved through the selective properties of the cell membrane, which allows nutrients to go into the cell and wastes to go out of it.

International School students had a chance to observe how plant cells behave in different environments and how different conditions affect the function of the cell membrane. In addition, they learned how to prepare samples for microscopy, how to use microscopes, and observe microscope slides under different magnifications.

Key skills for future biologists and inventors

These skills are fundamental to every future scientist wishing to pursue a career in biological sciences. Who knows? Maybe this stimulated the students’ interest in becoming innovative scientists some day.