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.
Take a picture of the leaf with a rular next to it.
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 10 minutes.
Cut a small piece of clear tape and gently press it onto the dried nail polish layer.
Smooth the tape down with your finger to ensure it sticks well to the polish.
Peel off the tape: Carefully peel the tape away from the leaf. The nail polish film with the leaf print should come off with it.
Mount on a slide: Stick the tape (with the polish imprint) onto a microscope slide, sticky side down.
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