Living things and the processes of life
 The processes of life

Pupil Activity - alternative

onion
microscope slide
knife
plastic petri dish
paper towel
microscope
flower with ripe stamens

• Quarter the onion and remove one of the layers close to the middle. (It should look like a crescent moon)
• Peel off the thin silvery layer of the epidermis from the inner section.
• Breathe onto the microscope slide to moisten it and place the onion epidermis on it with the side that was towards the outside of the onion upwards and then gently spread the skin flat on the slide.
• Rub a ripe anther on the onion epidermis.
• Moisten a paper towel and line the Petri dish.
• Put the slide into the Petri dish.
• Close the lid to keep it moist.
• Examine under the microscope.
• The pollen tubes will begin to grow in approximately 20 to 45 minutes.
• Draw the tubes when growth is visible.