Content Objective: Determining stomatal density by creating leaf casts.
Language Objective: Present and evaluate the average number of stomata per leaf and per millimeter sqaured using ImageJ.
Syllabus Details:
B3.1.10—Stomatal density - "Students should use micrographs or perform leaf casts to determine stomatal density."
Activity 1 - Using ImageJ to measure the surface area of a leaf
Activity 2 - Making a leaf print
Instructions
Select a healthy, clean, and dry leaf. Smaller, flatter leaves work best.
Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the bottom of the leaf, covering it completely.
Wait for the nail polish to dry completely, typically about 20 minutes.
Gently peel off the dried polish with tweezers. It should come off as a thin nail polish film.
Transfer the nail polish film onto a microscope slide for examination.
Examine the nail polish film under a microscope, focusing on stomata numbers, and record your observations.
Activity 3 - Stomata Density
Determine a way to accurately determine the stomata density.
Activity 4 - Stomata Density Data Analysis
A. Strengthen Your Skills
B. Expand Your Knowledge