Blood Smear: Examining Blood Cells
This three-step experiment provides students with a clear understanding of lab techniques and an opportunity for self discovery. Students draw samples of their own blood with individualized sterile lancets and prepare smears by applying Wright's stain. Using a microscope, they examine the smears to identify different cell types (erythrocytes, polymorphonuclears, eosinophiles, basophiles, lymphocytes and platelets). This experiment can be safely conducted in a single class period. MICROSCOPES ARE NEEDED.
Details at a Glance
- 1 Day | 1 ~50 minute class period
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates 2 classes, each with 25 groups of 2 students
- Consumables service 100 students
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
• Observe and identify different cell types in student’s own blood
• Prepare smear and apply Wright’s stain
• Develop microscope skills
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
- 4 Wright’s stain, drop controlled bottle
- 50 Alcohol pads, pre-saturated
- 50 Lancets, sterile, disposable
- Not included and needed for instruction: Microscopes.