Heichal’s ninth-grade students explored the cell cycle using microscopy in their freshman biology class. Students compressed, fixed, stained and closely examined onion root tips in various stages of the cell cycle, using the compound light microscope. The experiment entailed the preparation and staining of slides, enabling the observation and analysis of the percentage of cells in various stages of the cell cycle. The students not only enjoyed learning the substantive material but also mastered critical laboratory techniques in the process.