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30 Nov 2025

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GCSE AQA Biology Paper 1 Practical Experiments Overview

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๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ @studywithizzy

Ready to master some essential biology practicals? These hands-on experiments are the backbone of your GCSE studies, covering... Show more

PAPERI-REQUIRED PRACTICALS
MICROSCOPES
1.) Place the ride onto the stage and cuse the clips to hold it in place.
2.) Select the lowest power

Microscope Techniques and Osmosis Experiments

Using a microscope might seem tricky at first, but it's actually straightforward once you know the steps. Start by placing your slide on the stage and securing it with clips, then select the lowest power objective lens. The key trick is positioning the lens so it almost touches the slide before looking through the eyepiece - this prevents you from accidentally crashing the lens into your specimen.

When you're ready to focus, use the coarse focusing dial first to bring your cells into view, then switch to the fine focusing dial for that crisp, clear image. Always start with low power and work your way up to higher magnifications.

The osmosis practical with potato cylinders shows how water moves through cell membranes. You'll need to peel your potato (the skin blocks osmosis), cut identical cylinders, and measure their length and mass before placing them in different sugar solutions overnight. The cylinder in distilled water should gain mass, while those in sugar solutions will lose mass.

Top Tip When drying your potato cylinders, gently roll them on paper towels - don't press hard or you'll damage the cells and mess up your results.

PAPERI-REQUIRED PRACTICALS
MICROSCOPES
1.) Place the ride onto the stage and cuse the clips to hold it in place.
2.) Select the lowest power

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Anna

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Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

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Greenlight Bonnie

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Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

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Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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ย 

Biology

โ€ข

62

โ€ข

30 Nov 2025

โ€ข

2 pages

GCSE AQA Biology Paper 1 Practical Experiments Overview

user profile picture

๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ

@studywithizzy

Ready to master some essential biology practicals? These hands-on experiments are the backbone of your GCSE studies, covering everything from using microscopes properly to testing for different nutrients in food. Getting confident with these techniques will not only help you... Show more

PAPERI-REQUIRED PRACTICALS
MICROSCOPES
1.) Place the ride onto the stage and cuse the clips to hold it in place.
2.) Select the lowest power

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Microscope Techniques and Osmosis Experiments

Using a microscope might seem tricky at first, but it's actually straightforward once you know the steps. Start by placing your slide on the stage and securing it with clips, then select the lowest power objective lens. The key trick is positioning the lens so it almost touches the slide before looking through the eyepiece - this prevents you from accidentally crashing the lens into your specimen.

When you're ready to focus, use the coarse focusing dial first to bring your cells into view, then switch to the fine focusing dial for that crisp, clear image. Always start with low power and work your way up to higher magnifications.

The osmosis practical with potato cylinders shows how water moves through cell membranes. You'll need to peel your potato (the skin blocks osmosis), cut identical cylinders, and measure their length and mass before placing them in different sugar solutions overnight. The cylinder in distilled water should gain mass, while those in sugar solutions will lose mass.

Top Tip: When drying your potato cylinders, gently roll them on paper towels - don't press hard or you'll damage the cells and mess up your results.

PAPERI-REQUIRED PRACTICALS
MICROSCOPES
1.) Place the ride onto the stage and cuse the clips to hold it in place.
2.) Select the lowest power

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

1

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: โœ“ 50+ Practice Questions โœ“ Interactive Flashcards โœ“ Full Mock Exam โœ“ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar content

Amylase pH Reaction Study

Explore the impact of pH on amylase activity in this practical investigation. This study includes a detailed method, control and independent variables, and results analysis. Understand how to identify the optimum pH for starch digestion and the role of iodine as a chemical reagent. Ideal for biology students studying enzymes and digestion.

BiologyBiology
10

Amylase Reaction Rates

Explore the core practical on amylase's effectiveness in starch digestion across varying pH levels. This resource includes a detailed hypothesis, equipment list, method, results, and conclusion, along with a visual representation of reaction rates. Ideal for GCSE Biology students studying enzymes and digestion.

BiologyBiology
9

Biology Disease & Cell Functions

Explore key concepts in AQA Biology, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, heart structure, plant and animal cell functions, and the role of enzymes. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics for Paper 1 & 2, providing a clear understanding of health, disease, and cellular processes. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.

BiologyBiology
11

Essential Biology Practicals

Master key AQA Biology practicals with this comprehensive guide covering photosynthesis, microscopy, osmosis, microorganism culture, and enzyme experiments. Perfect for exam preparation, this resource provides step-by-step procedures, safety tips, and essential concepts to enhance your understanding and performance in practical assessments.

BiologyBiology
9

Essential Food Tests

Explore key laboratory techniques for testing proteins, sugars, and starch in food samples. This summary covers the Biuret test for proteins, Benedict's test for reducing sugars, and iodine test for starch, providing step-by-step procedures and expected results. Ideal for students studying biological macromolecules and chemical analysis.

BiologyBiology
9

Nutrition Essentials Overview

Explore the key concepts of diet and nutrition, including nutrient groups (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), essential vitamins (A, C, D) and minerals (iron, calcium), food tests, and energy content analysis. This summary provides insights into dietary needs based on age, gender, and activity level, essential for understanding human nutrition. Ideal for exam preparation.

BiologyBiology
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Most popular content: Experiment

Most popular content in Biology

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user