# ICSE Class 10 Biology - Experiments Checklist & Materials List

## Printable Study & Practical Guide

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## Overview
Total Experiments: **18 Key Experiments** across Plant Life, Animal Life, and
Practical Skills
Exam Format: Theory questions (Aim, Principle, Observations) + Practical
demonstrations

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## SECTION A: PLANT LIFE EXPERIMENTS

### Experiment 1: Diffusion

**Aim:** To demonstrate the process of diffusion using potassium permanganate
crystals

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Glass beaker or jar
- [ ] Distilled water
- [ ] Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) crystals
- [ ] Glass rod for stirring
- [ ] Measuring cylinder
- [ ] Thermometer

**Procedure:**
1. Fill beaker with distilled water at room temperature
2. Add KMnO₄ crystals to one corner
3. Observe spread of purple color over time without stirring

**Expected Observations:**
- Purple color spreads gradually from corner throughout water
- Faster diffusion at higher temperatures
- Reaches uniformity eventually

**Key Points:** Diffusion doesn't require living cells; molecules move from high
to low concentration

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 2: Osmosis - Thistle Funnel Setup

**Aim:** To demonstrate osmosis using a semipermeable membrane

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Thistle funnel
- [ ] Semipermeable membrane (parchment paper/cellophane)
- [ ] Rubber band
- [ ] Hypertonic solution (sugar solution/concentrated salt)
- [ ] Beaker with distilled water
- [ ] Measuring scale/ruler
- [ ] Glass tube (to fit into funnel)

**Procedure:**
1. Tie semipermeable membrane at narrow end of thistle funnel
2. Fill funnel with sugar solution
3. Place in beaker of distilled water, mark initial level
4. Observe rise in liquid level over 24-48 hours

**Expected Observations:**
- Liquid level in tube rises gradually
- Rise occurs even though funnel wasn't refilled
- Faster rise at higher temperatures

**Key Points:** Water moves from hypotonic (distilled) to hypertonic (sugar

solution) solution

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 3: Osmosis - Potato Osmoscope

**Aim:** To demonstrate osmosis using a potato tuber

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Potato tuber
- [ ] Sharp knife/scalpel
- [ ] Spoon
- [ ] Hypertonic solution (sugar/salt solution)
- [ ] Beaker
- [ ] Measuring scale
- [ ] Glass rod

**Procedure:**
1. Cut potato into half, scoop out central cavity
2. Place cavity-side up on beaker
3. Fill cavity with sugar solution
4. Mark initial level of solution
5. Observe after 2-3 hours

**Expected Observations:**
- Solution level rises in potato cavity
- Potato becomes turgid (firm)
- Cavity fills with liquid through osmosis

**Key Points:** Potato cell membranes act as semipermeable membrane

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 4: Water Absorption by Root

**Aim:** To show water absorption by roots using a herbaceous plant

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Potted herbaceous plant (bean/pea)
- [ ] Measuring cylinder (graduated)
- [ ] Water
- [ ] Glass tube/pipe
- [ ] Labels
- [ ] Record sheet

**Procedure:**
1. Set up potted plant with known initial water content
2. Water the plant with measured quantity
3. Record observations over time (daily)
4. Note water level depletion

**Expected Observations:**
- Water level decreases over days
- Loss due to absorption by roots and transpiration
- Wilting occurs if water unavailable

**Key Points:** Demonstrates water uptake and its necessity for plants
**Practical Marks:** 2/5 marks

---

### Experiment 5: Transpiration - Bell Jar Method

**Aim:** To demonstrate transpiration by showing moisture loss from a potted
plant

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Potted plant with leaves
- [ ] Bell jar (or large glass/plastic container)
- [ ] Rubber stopper/tape to seal
- [ ] Anhydrous calcium chloride (CaCl₂) or silica gel
- [ ] Vaseline/oil
- [ ] Weighing balance (optional)

**Procedure:**
1. Place potted plant inside bell jar with CaCl₂ at bottom
2. Seal jar with vaseline around edges
3. Leave in sunlight for 2-3 hours
4. Observe CaCl₂ color change (white → pink) or water droplets on glass

**Expected Observations:**
- CaCl₂ becomes moist/pink (absorbs water vapor)
- Moisture condenses on inside of bell jar
- More moisture in sunlight than shade

**Key Points:** Demonstrates unequal transpiration and rate of water loss

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 6: Unequal Transpiration - Cobalt Chloride Paper

**Aim:** To compare rates of transpiration on upper and lower leaf surfaces

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Fresh leaf (dicot, broadleaf preferred)
- [ ] Cobalt chloride paper (blue color)
- [ ] Blotting paper
- [ ] Glass slides
- [ ] Clamp/pins
- [ ] Watch/timer
- [ ] Distilled water

**Procedure:**
1. Collect fresh leaf, dry both surfaces
2. Place blue cobalt chloride paper on upper surface, press with blotting paper
3. Repeat on lower surface
4. Time how long paper takes to turn pink (water absorbed)

**Expected Observations:**
- Lower surface paper turns pink faster
- Lower surface is more transpiratory
- Due to higher stomatal density on lower surface

**Key Points:** Demonstrates dorsiventral leaf structure and stomatal

distribution

**Practical Marks:** 4/5 marks

---

### Experiment 7: Ganong's Potometer - Water Uptake Rate

**Aim:** To measure rate of water uptake by a plant using potometer

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Ganong's potometer (or simple potometer setup)
- [ ] Fresh cut plant shoot/branch
- [ ] Water (distilled)
- [ ] Oil/vaseline
- [ ] Measuring scale (mm)
- [ ] Timer/stopwatch
- [ ] Blade/knife
- [ ] Beaker

**Procedure:**
1. Fill potometer with distilled water, place plant shoot
2. Seal all air leaks with vaseline
3. Introduce bubble in graduated tube
4. Record bubble movement every 5-10 minutes
5. Note initial and final positions

**Expected Observations:**
- Bubble moves gradually (indicating water uptake)
- Rate increases with temperature, light, wind
- Faster movement in afternoon

**Key Points:** Measures combined water uptake, not pure transpiration (some
water used in photosynthesis)

**Practical Marks:** 4/5 marks

---

### Experiment 8: Observation of Mitosis - Permanent Slides

**Aim:** To observe and identify stages of mitosis using prepared slides

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Microscope (high power - 40x/100x)
- [ ] Permanent mitotic slides (onion root/whitefish)
- [ ] Lens paper
- [ ] Immersion oil (if using 100x)
- [ ] Observation sheet/diagram

**Procedure:**
1. Clean lens and place slide on stage
2. Focus under low power, then high power
3. Locate cells in different mitotic phases
4. Observe and identify: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
5. Sketch each phase with labels

**Expected Observations:**
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense, nuclear envelope breaks down
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at plate
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate
- Telophase: Nuclear envelopes reform

**Key Points:** Rarely asked in practicals but important for theory. Know
characteristics of each phase.

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 9: Photosynthesis - Release of Oxygen

**Aim:** To prove that oxygen is released during photosynthesis
**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Aquatic plant (Hydrilla/Elodea)
- [ ] Test tubes/glass cylinder
- [ ] Distilled water
- [ ] Light source (sunlight or lamp)
- [ ] Inverted funnel
- [ ] Graduated tube/collection tube
- [ ] Burning splint/glowing splint
- [ ] Thermometer

**Procedure:**
1. Place aquatic plant under water in beaker
2. Cover with inverted funnel
3. Invert collection tube over funnel opening
4. Place in sunlight for 2-4 hours
5. Collect gas bubbles
6. Test with burning splint (should glow in pure O₂)

**Expected Observations:**
- Gas bubbles collected at the top of collection tube
- Burning splint glows brightly (confirms oxygen presence)
- More bubbles in stronger light

**Key Points:** Demonstrates light-dependent reactions; no oxygen production in

dark

**Practical Marks:** 4/5 marks

---

### Experiment 10: Photosynthesis - Necessity of Light

**Aim:** To demonstrate that light is essential for photosynthesis

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Potted plant (e.g., Coleus with variegated leaves)
- [ ] Black paper/foil
- [ ] Starch test reagents (Iodine solution, hydrochloric acid)
- [ ] Ethanol (95%)
- [ ] Leaf specimen
- [ ] Scissors
- [ ] Petri dish
- [ ] Heating apparatus (water bath)

**Procedure:**
1. Cover part of a leaf with black paper for 24-48 hours (leaf remains attached)
2. After 24 hours, pluck leaf
3. Remove black paper, remove chlorophyll using hot ethanol
4. Add iodine solution to test for starch
5. Observe starch presence/absence

**Expected Observations:**
- Covered part (no light): No starch → no blue-black color
- Exposed part (with light): Starch present → blue-black color with iodine
- Proves light necessary for photosynthesis

**Key Points:** This experiment proves CO₂ and chlorophyll necessity too (with
appropriate controls)

**Practical Marks:** 4/5 marks

---

### Experiment 11: Photosynthesis - Necessity of Chlorophyll

**Aim:** To demonstrate chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis
**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Variegated leaf (with chlorophyll and non-chlorophyll areas)
- [ ] Iodine solution
- [ ] Ethanol (95%)
- [ ] Hydrochloric acid
- [ ] Heating apparatus/water bath
- [ ] Petri dish

**Procedure:**
1. Pluck variegated leaf (has green and white regions)
2. Keep in sunlight for 6-8 hours
3. Decolorize using hot ethanol
4. Add iodine solution

**Expected Observations:**
- Green areas (with chlorophyll): Blue-black color (starch present)
- White areas (without chlorophyll): Brown color (no starch)
- Proves chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis

**Key Points:** Use leaves with natural variegation (not damaged)

**Practical Marks:** 4/5 marks

---

### Experiment 12: Photosynthesis - Necessity of CO₂

**Aim:** To show CO₂ is essential for photosynthesis

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Two potted plants (similar size)
- [ ] Soda lime or CaCl₂
- [ ] Bell jar or sealed container
- [ ] Leaves for starch test
- [ ] Iodine, ethanol, HCl
- [ ] Heating apparatus
- [ ] Sunlight/light source

**Procedure:**
1. Setup 1: Place plant + soda lime in sealed bell jar (absorbs CO₂)
2. Setup 2: Place plant in open air (normal CO₂)
3. Keep both in sunlight for 6-8 hours
4. Test leaves from both plants for starch

**Expected Observations:**
- Setup 1 (no CO₂): No starch (no color with iodine)
- Setup 2 (with CO₂): Starch present (blue-black with iodine)
- Proves CO₂ necessary for photosynthesis

**Key Points:** Soda lime absorbs CO₂; ensure bell jar is properly sealed

**Practical Marks:** 4/5 marks

---

## SECTION B: ANIMAL LIFE EXPERIMENTS

### Experiment 13: Identification of Urinary System

**Aim:** To identify parts of the urinary system using models/diagrams/charts

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] 3D model of urinary system OR
- [ ] Detailed labeled diagrams OR
- [ ] Preserved specimen (if available)
- [ ] Observation chart
- [ ] Pencil for labeling

**Parts to Identify:**
- Kidney (size, shape, color)
- Renal cortex and medulla (internal structure)
- Ureter (tubes carrying urine)
- Urinary bladder (storage organ)
- Urethra (tube for urination)

**Key Observations:**
- Left kidney slightly higher than right
- Adrenal gland on top of each kidney
- Ureters enter bladder posteriorly

**Practical Marks:** 2/5 marks

---

### Experiment 14: Identification of Heart Structure

**Aim:** To identify internal and external features of the human heart using
models/diagrams

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] 3D heart model OR
- [ ] Detailed diagrams OR
- [ ] Preserved heart specimen (if available)
- [ ] Observation chart
- [ ] Labels/markers

**Parts to Identify:**
- Four chambers (RA, LA, RV, LV)
- Vessels: Vena cava, Pulmonary artery, Pulmonary vein, Aorta
- Valves: Bicuspid, Tricuspid, Semilunar
- Septum (wall between chambers)
- Cardiac wall layers

**Key Observations:**
- Left ventricle wall thicker (pumps to entire body)
- Atria have thinner walls (receive blood)
- Pulmonary circulation (right heart to lungs) vs systemic circulation (left
heart to body)

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 15: Identification of Brain Structure

**Aim:** To identify main parts of human brain using models/diagrams

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] 3D brain model OR
- [ ] Brain diagrams (sagittal section preferred) OR
- [ ] Preserved brain specimen
- [ ] Observation chart
- [ ] Colored pencils for marking

**Parts to Identify:**
- Cerebrum (largest part, controls thinking)
- Cerebellum (controls coordination)
- Medulla oblongata (controls breathing, heart rate)
- Pons (connects parts)
- Thalamus (relays sensory info)
- Hypothalamus (controls hormones)
- Corpus callosum (connects hemispheres)

**Key Observations:**
- Brain divided into three main parts
- Cerebrum has two hemispheres
- Ventricles contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 16: Identification of Eye Structure

**Aim:** To identify parts of human eye using models/diagrams

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] 3D eye model OR
- [ ] Cross-section diagrams (horizontal section preferred) OR
- [ ] Preserved eyeball specimen
- [ ] Observation chart
- [ ] Labels

**Parts to Identify:**
- Cornea (transparent, front)
- Iris (colored part)
- Pupil (opening for light)
- Lens (focuses light)
- Retina (light-sensitive layer at back)
- Optic nerve (carries signals to brain)
- Aqueous humor (fluid in front chamber)
- Vitreous humor (gel in back chamber)
- Choroid (pigmented layer)
- Sclera (white part, outer cover)

**Key Observations:**
- Retina has rods (dim light) and cones (color vision)
- Blind spot where optic nerve leaves
- Fovea (central depression with most cones)

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 17: Identification of Ear Structure

**Aim:** To identify parts of human ear using models/diagrams

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] 3D ear model (internal structure) OR
- [ ] Detailed cross-section diagrams OR
- [ ] Preserved specimen
- [ ] Observation chart

**Parts to Identify:**
- Pinna (external ear)
- Auditory canal (leads to eardrum)
- Tympanum (eardrum, vibrates with sound)
- Ossicles: Malleus (hammer), Incus (anvil), Stapes (stirrup)
- Oval window (connects middle to inner ear)
- Semicircular canals (balance)
- Cochlea (hearing/sound detection)
- Auditory nerve (transmits to brain)
- Eustachian tube (connects middle ear to throat)

**Key Observations:**
- Three tiny bones (ossicles) transmit vibrations
- Semicircular canals in three perpendicular planes
- Eustachian tube equalizes pressure

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

### Experiment 18: Identification of Endocrine Glands

**Aim:** To identify location of major endocrine glands using
models/diagrams/charts

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Diagram of human body with glands marked OR
- [ ] 3D model showing gland locations OR
- [ ] Preserved specimen
- [ ] Observation chart
- [ ] Colored markers

**Glands to Identify & Their Locations:**

- Pituitary gland (below brain, pea-sized)
- Thyroid gland (front of neck, butterfly-shaped)
- Parathyroid glands (4 small glands behind thyroid)
- Adrenal glands (on top of kidneys)
- Pancreas (behind stomach, produces insulin)
- Ovaries (in female pelvis)
- Testes (in male scrotum)

**Key Observations:**
- Pituitary controls other endocrine glands (master gland)
- Thyroid controls metabolism
- Adrenals produce stress hormones
- Pancreas produces both endocrine (insulin) and exocrine (digestive) secretions

**Practical Marks:** 3/5 marks

---

## SECTION C: MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS

### Bonus: Blood Cell Identification

**Aim:** To identify blood cells under microscope

**Materials Required:**
- [ ] Blood smear slides (prepared)
- [ ] Microscope (high power)
- [ ] Microscope lens paper
- [ ] Immersion oil (if needed)
- [ ] Observation chart

**Cells to Identify:**
- RBC (Red Blood Cells): Circular, biconcave, no nucleus
- WBC (White Blood Cells): Larger, with nucleus, irregular shape
- Platelets: Small, fragments of megakaryocytes

**Key Points:**
- RBCs most numerous (~5.5 million/μL)
- WBCs ~5,000-10,000/μL
- Platelets ~150,000-400,000/μL

---

## COMPLETE PRACTICAL CHECKLIST

### Pre-Exam Preparation

#### Theory Knowledge (For All Experiments):
- [ ] Know AIM of each experiment
- [ ] Understand PRINCIPLE/Concept
- [ ] List MATERIALS/Apparatus required
- [ ] Understand PROCEDURE step-by-step
- [ ] Know EXPECTED OBSERVATIONS
- [ ] Understand INFERENCES/Conclusions
- [ ] Know PRECAUTIONS to take

#### Practical Skills:

- [ ] Can draw neat diagrams with labels
- [ ] Can set up simple experimental apparatus
- [ ] Can handle equipment safely
- [ ] Can observe and record accurately
- [ ] Can answer questions based on observation

#### Time Management:

- [ ] 3 hours for practical exam typically
- [ ] 1 hour for experiment/observation (~50 marks)
- [ ] 1.5-2 hours for questions/viva (~50 marks)

---

## EXAM QUESTION PATTERNS

### Typical Practical Questions:

1. "Why did you use [specific material]?" → Know PURPOSE
2. "What would happen if...?" → Understand PRINCIPLE
3. "How would you modify the experiment?" → Think LOGICALLY
4. "Label the diagram" → IDENTIFY key parts
5. "Calculate/Record observations" → ACCURACY important

### Viva Questions (May Be Asked):

- Why is this experiment important?
- What are sources of error?
- How does this relate to real-life applications?
- Modifications to improve accuracy

---

## SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

✅
- [
**General Lab Safety:**
] Wear lab coat/apron
- [ ] Tie long hair back
- [ ] Remove jewelry that could get caught
- [ ] Closed-toe shoes only
- [ ] Know location of first aid kit

✅
- [
**Specific Experiment Precautions:**
] Handle glass carefully (risk of breakage)
- [ ] Use hot water bath, not direct heat for ethanol
- [ ] Don't touch burner or hot apparatus
- [ ] Wash hands after handling biological materials
- [ ] Don't pipette by mouth (use bulb pipette)
- [ ] Be careful with iodine (can stain clothes)
- [ ] Dispose waste in designated containers

---

## MARKS DISTRIBUTION

**Typical ICSE Practical Marks (Out of 100):**

- Observation & Recording: 10 marks
- Diagram Drawing & Labeling: 10 marks
- Calculations (if applicable): 10 marks
- Viva/Oral Questioning: 20 marks
- **Total for practical: 50 marks**

**Theoretical Knowledge (Paper): 50 marks**

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## FINAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS

✅
-
**Before Practical Exam:**
Practice each experiment multiple times
- Draw diagrams neatly in notebook
- Memorize materials list for each experiment
- Understand the WHY behind each step
- Review common viva questions

✅
-
**During Practical Exam:**
Read instructions carefully
- Work systematically and methodically
- Don't rush, be accurate over speed
- Label diagrams clearly with thin arrow lines
- Write observations during experiment
- Ask for clarification if confused

✅
-
**Answer Tips:**
Write full form of abbreviations first time
- Give scientific reasoning for observations
- Don't just describe; explain WHY
- Use diagrams to support answers
- Be specific (not vague) in responses

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## PRACTICE SCHEDULE (4-Week Revision)

**Week 1:** Plant Life Experiments (1-5)

- Learn aim, materials, procedure
- Practice setups if possible

**Week 2:** Plant Life Experiments (6-12)

- Focus on photosynthesis experiments
- Understand control setups

**Week 3:** Animal Life Experiments (13-18)

- Study identification practicals
- Use models/diagrams available

**Week 4:** Revision & Mock Practicals

- Full practice under exam conditions
- Solve sample viva questions
- Perfect diagram drawing

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**Total Experiments to Practice: 18**

**Estimated Time to Master All: 60-80 hours**
**Recommended Practice Frequency: 3-4 times each**

**Good luck with your ICSE Class 10 Biology practical exams! 📚🔬

**