Microscope

1. Microscope Basics T. Trimpe 2005 http://sciencespot.net/ Additional info made by K.Walker 2014

2. Diaphragm Base Always carry a microscope with one hand holding the arm and one hand under the base. Ocular lens(Eyepiece) Body Tube Nosepiece Arm Objectives Stage Stage Clips Coarse Adjustment Fine Adjustment Light

3. What’s my power? To calculate the power of magnification, multiply the power of the ocular lens by the power of the objective. What are the powers of magnification for each of the objectives we have on our microscopes? Fill in the table on your worksheet.

4. We can see better details with higher the powers of magnification, but we cannot see as much of the image. Which of these images would be viewed at a higher power of magnification? Comparing Powers of Magnification

5. Focusing the microscope(turn it on first) • Set on low power; center slide over stage • Watch from the side, use coarse adj. to move the stage up all the way • Look into the eyepiece, use coarse adj. to focus moving stage away from obj. lens • Sharpen focus with fine adj. and center the specimen in the field of view

6. Fine adjustment only E. Watch from side. Rotate nosepiece until middle power clicks into place. Sharpen focus with fine adj. F. Repeat step E to use High Power. Do not move the stage to make high power fit!!!

7. When finished.. G. Clean with lens paper, put on low power obj. and put stage as low as possible before storing the microscope.

8. TWO NEVERS • Use coarse adjustment on medium or high power. • Use something besides lens paper to clean with.

9. Microscope troubleshooting • If the image is oily looking – clean with lens paper • The specimen appears clear or very hard to see – adjust the light/stain • Cannot find the specimen or get into focus on middle or high power – go to low power and start over; center the specimen

10. 3 – Once you have the image in view, rotate the nosepiece to view it under different powers. Draw what you see on your worksheet! Be careful with the largest objective! Sometimes there is not enough room and you will not be able to use it! Let’s give it a try ... 1 – Turn on the microscope and then rotate the nosepiece to click the red-banded objective into place. 2 – Place a slide on the stage and secure it using the stage clips. Use the coarse adjustment knob (large knob) to get it the image into view and then use the fine adjustment knob (small knob) to make it clearer. 4 – When you are done,turn off the microscope and put up the slides you used.

11. 4 - Slowly lower the cover slip on top of the drop. Cover Slip Lower slowly 5 – Place the slide on the stage and view it first with the red-banded objective. Once you see the image, you can rotate the nosepiece to view the slide with the different objectives. You do not need to use the stage clips when viewing wet-mount slides! How to make a wet-mount slide … 1 – Get a clean slide and coverslip from your teacher. 2 – Place ONE drop of water in the middle of the slide. Don’t use too much or the water will run off the edge and make a mess! 3 – Place the edge of the cover slip on one side of the water drop.