Handling and Care of Biological Apparatus for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Biology
Curriculum Theme: Biology and Scientific Enquiry
Focal competence: Handling and caring for laboratory equipment
Key competencies/values: Creativity and Innovation; Information Literacy; Perseverance and Patience; Innovation

Skills:

• Handling and care of laboratory apparatus
• Drawing biological specimens appropriately

Previous Lesson: Biology Laboratory Equipment, Types and Functions
Topic: Laboratory Equipment: Handling And Care Of Biological Apparatus (Microscopes, Test Tubes, Etc.)
Subject Matter: Handling and Care of biological apparatus

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• State the importance of proper handling and care of laboratory equipment.
• Explain the basic steps for cleaning different biological apparatus.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the need for careful handling of delicate and hazardous laboratory equipment.
• Show responsibility in caring for shared laboratory resources.

Psychomotor Domain

• Use a microscope to examine biological specimens on prepared slides.
• Demonstrate correct handling techniques for microscopes and glassware.
• Perform basic cleaning and maintenance (oiling, greasing) of a microscope.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in small groups during practical demonstrations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Biology textbook for Senior Secondary 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts on basic laboratory equipment
• Microscopes (compound and dissecting, if available)
• Prepared biological slides
• Test tubes
• Beakers
• Measuring cylinders
• Pipettes
• Watch glasses
• Bunsen burner
• Tripod stand
• Gauze mat
• Test tube racks
• Cleaning brushes
• Detergent
• Distilled water
• Lens paper/cloth
• Immersion oil
• Grease

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is essential for equipping students with the practical skills needed to work safely and effectively in a biology laboratory. Proper handling and care of apparatus ensure the longevity of expensive equipment, prevent accidents, and maintain the accuracy of experimental results. Mastering these skills is foundational for all future practical biology studies and scientific inquiry.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of common laboratory equipment and general laboratory safety rules.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Laboratory Equipment: Handling And Care Of Biological Apparatus (Microscopes, Test Tubes, Etc.)

General Principles for Handling Laboratory Apparatus

Proper handling of biological apparatus is crucial for safety, accuracy, and prolonging the life of the equipment. Key principles include:

1. Always handle apparatus with clean, dry hands to prevent contamination and damage.
2. Carry delicate equipment, especially microscopes, with two hands: one supporting the base and the other holding the arm.
3. Place apparatus on a stable, clean surface away from the edge of the workbench.
4. Read and understand instructions for using specific equipment before handling it.
5. Report any damaged or faulty equipment to the teacher immediately.
6. Never force parts of an apparatus that are stiff; seek assistance.

Care and Maintenance of Microscopes

Microscopes are delicate and expensive instruments that require meticulous care:

1. Cleaning:
   • Use only special lens paper or a soft, lint-free cloth and lens cleaning solution for objective and eyepiece lenses.
   • Wipe the body of the microscope with a soft, damp cloth, avoiding optical parts.
   • Clean the stage after each use, especially if chemicals or biological fluids have spilled.
   • Remove any immersion oil from the oil immersion objective immediately after use using lens paper.
2. Oiling:
   • Apply immersion oil only when using the oil immersion objective lens.
   • Ensure the oil is clean and free from dust.
   • After use, carefully wipe off all immersion oil from the lens and slide with lens paper.
3. Greasing:
   • Periodically, the coarse and fine adjustment knobs, as well as the revolving nosepiece, may need light greasing to ensure smooth movement. This should ideally be done by a qualified technician or under strict supervision.
4. Storage:
   • Always store the microscope with the lowest power objective lens in position and the stage lowered.
   • Cover the microscope with a dust cover when not in use to protect it from dust and moisture.
   • Store in a dry, cool place, preferably in its original box or a designated cabinet.

Care and Maintenance of Glassware (Test Tubes, Beakers, Measuring Cylinders, etc.)

Glassware is commonly used and requires careful handling to prevent breakages and ensure cleanliness:

1. Handling:
   • Hold glassware firmly, especially when it contains liquids.
   • Use appropriate holders like test tube holders or tongs when handling hot glassware.
   • Never heat thick-walled glassware directly as it may crack.
   • Avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause glass to shatter.
2. Cleaning:
   • Wash glassware immediately after use to prevent residues from drying and becoming difficult to remove.
   • Use appropriate brushes and detergent to scrub the inside and outside of the glassware.
   • Rinse thoroughly with tap water, then with distilled water to remove all traces of detergent and impurities.
3. Drying:
   • Allow glassware to air dry in a rack or use a drying oven.
   • Avoid wiping the inside of volumetric glassware (e.g., measuring cylinders, pipettes) as this can introduce fibres.
4. Storage:
   • Store clean, dry glassware in designated cupboards or racks to prevent breakage.
   • Separate different types of glassware for easy access and organisation.
   • Dispose of broken glass in a designated broken glass bin, not in regular waste bins.

Calibration, Repairs, and Refurbishments

Some apparatus require specialised attention:

1. Calibration:
   • Calibration is the process of checking and adjusting the accuracy of measuring instruments (e.g., microscopes with ocular micrometers, pH meters, balances).
   • It ensures that the readings obtained from the apparatus are precise and reliable.
   • Regular calibration is essential for accurate scientific work.
2. Repairs and Refurbishments:
   • Complex apparatus like microscopes, balances, or spectrophotometers should only be repaired or refurbished by qualified technicians.
   • Students should report any malfunction or damage to the teacher, who will then arrange for professional repair.
   • Attempting to repair complex equipment without proper training can cause further damage or injury.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews previous knowledge on general laboratory safety rules. The teacher then asks students about the importance of handling laboratory equipment carefully.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and share their ideas on laboratory safety and equipment care.

Learning Point: Importance of lab safety

Step 2: General Handling Principles

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the general principles for handling all laboratory apparatus, such as using clean hands, carrying delicate equipment with two hands, and reporting damage. The teacher demonstrates how to safely pick up and place various pieces of equipment.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstrations, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Principles of apparatus handling

Step 3: Care for Glassware

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the proper way to handle, clean, dry, and store common glassware like test tubes and beakers. This includes using brushes, detergents, rinsing with distilled water, and placing in racks. The teacher guides students to practice these techniques in small groups.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, then practice handling and cleaning glassware under the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Proper cleaning and storage

Step 4: Care for Microscopes (Cleaning, Oiling, Greasing)

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the specific care procedures for a microscope, including how to carry it, clean the lenses with lens paper, apply and remove immersion oil, and the importance of covering it. The teacher also briefly mentions the need for greasing moving parts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe carefully, noting the delicate nature of the microscope and the specific cleaning steps.

Learning Point: Microscope maintenance techniques

Step 5: Calibration, Repairs, and Refurbishments

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concepts of calibration, repairs, and refurbishments, emphasising that these are specialised tasks usually performed by technicians. The teacher stresses the importance of reporting damaged equipment rather than attempting self-repair.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the roles of calibration and professional maintenance.

Learning Point: Equipment longevity and accuracy

Step 6: Practical Application – Examining Specimens

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students, individually or in pairs, to use a microscope to examine biological specimens on prepared slides. The teacher observes and corrects their handling techniques, ensuring they apply the care principles learned.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils individually use the microscope to examine prepared slides, applying correct handling and focusing techniques.

Learning Point: Using a microscope effectively

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. How should a microscope be carried from one place to another?
2. Mention two ways to care for glassware in the laboratory.
3. What should you use to clean the lenses of a microscope?
4. Why is it important to report damaged equipment to the teacher immediately?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Apparatus handling knowledge

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on handling and care of biological apparatus into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of careful handling and maintenance of all laboratory equipment for safety, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. The teacher encourages students to always apply these principles in all practical sessions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask any final questions.

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook and be prepared to discuss them in the next class.

1. List five general rules for handling any biological apparatus in the laboratory.
2. Describe the steps you would take to clean a test tube after an experiment.
3. Explain why it is important to use lens paper specifically for cleaning microscope lenses.
4. Imagine you accidentally dropped a beaker and it broke. What is the correct procedure for dealing with the broken glass?

Lesson Keywords

• Apparatus – Equipment or tools used for a specific purpose, especially in a laboratory.
• Microscope – An optical instrument used to magnify small objects, such as biological specimens.
• Test tube – A cylindrical glass tube with a rounded bottom, used for holding and mixing small amounts of liquids.
• Calibration – The process of checking and adjusting the accuracy of a measuring instrument.
• Refurbishment – The process of cleaning, repairing, and redecorating something to restore it to a good condition.
• Immersion oil – A special oil used with high-power microscope objective lenses to increase resolution.
• Glassware – Laboratory equipment made of glass, such as beakers, flasks, and measuring cylinders.

Differentiation

Support: Provide simplified checklists for handling and cleaning common apparatus. Pair struggling students with more proficient ones during practical activities to offer peer support. Use visual aids like labelled diagrams of equipment and step-by-step cleaning guides.

Extension: Challenge advanced students to research the specific care requirements for more complex biological apparatus (e.g., spectrophotometers, centrifuges) or to investigate the principles behind microscope calibration. They could also prepare a short presentation on the historical development of the microscope and its impact on biology.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further visual learning, search on YouTube for:

• “proper microscope handling and care SS1 biology”
• “laboratory glassware cleaning and storage biology”