At the Colegio Internacional de Granada, we understand that Biology truly comes to life when students can see, handle, and analyze it with their own eyes. To conclude the unit on the organization of living beings, our 1st-year Bachillerato students worked in the laboratory observing animal and plant tissues under the microscope, turning theory into a real and meaningful scientific experience.
The Lab as a Living Learning Space
Our school laboratory is more than just a place for practical sessions; it is an environment that fosters curiosity, rigor, and critical thinking. During this activity, students had the opportunity to handle scientific instruments, adjust microscope focus, and discover structures that usually only appear in textbooks.
From Theory to Direct Observation
Before entering the lab, students had studied the different levels of organization of living beings and the specific characteristics of various tissues. Microscopic observation allowed them to consolidate this knowledge and better understand the complexity and precision of nature at the cellular and tissue levels.
Purposeful Cooperative Work
The activity was carried out in small groups, which encouraged dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas. At our school in Granada, we particularly value collaborative learning, as it allows students to learn from one another and develop essential scientific communication skills.
Rigorous Sample Identification
Each group analyzed various preparations of animal and plant tissues, comparing cellular structures, shapes, and arrangements. This identification process reinforced their capacity for detailed observation and comparative analysis—competencies that are fundamental in any scientific field.
Scientific Drawing as a Learning Tool
In addition to their observations, students created scientific drawings accurately representing what they saw through the microscope. This task was not merely artistic but deeply educational, as it required intense focus, precision, and a genuine understanding of the observed biological structures.
Connecting Science and Reality
Activities like this help students realize that Biology is not an abstract discipline, but a living science that explains how the organisms around us function. At our bilingual school in Granada, we promote this practical approach to strengthen meaningful learning and long-term retention.
Developing Scientific Thinking
Beyond the curriculum content, this lab session encouraged the formulation of hypotheses, the comparison of results, and the interpretation of visual data. These skills prepare our students for future scientific studies and careers, providing them with a solid foundation within our bilingual school in Granada.
