Using MicroscopesUsing Microscopes

Microscope RulesMicroscope Rules

Use both hands when carrying, one to Use both hands when carrying, one to hold the arm and one to support the hold the arm and one to support the base.base.

Do not leave microscopes near the edge Do not leave microscopes near the edge of benches.of benches.

Don’t touch the lenses with your fingers.Don’t touch the lenses with your fingers.

Parts of the microscopeParts of the microscope

Coarse focus knob

Fine focus knob

Stage

Barrel

Objective lens

Condenser

Mirror

Eyepiece lens

Parts of the microscopeParts of the microscopeEyepiece lensEyepiece lens the part you look down and first the part you look down and first

magnificationmagnification

Objective lensObjective lens this is the lens close to the object you this is the lens close to the object you are looking at and provides are looking at and provides magnification.magnification.

Coarse focus knobCoarse focus knob Brings things into focusBrings things into focus

Fine focus knobFine focus knob fine adjustment for focus of objectfine adjustment for focus of object

MirrorMirror to put light through the object you are to put light through the object you are looking at.looking at.

CondenserCondenser controls how much light that can pass up controls how much light that can pass up through the microscope (under the through the microscope (under the stage).stage).

StageStage where the object you want to look at sits.where the object you want to look at sits.

Slide makingSlide making Clean microscope slide with cloth or Clean microscope slide with cloth or

tissue (not your shirt!!)tissue (not your shirt!!) Place your object in the centre of the Place your object in the centre of the

slide.slide. Add a small drop of water Add a small drop of water

(sometimes this drop is a special dye (sometimes this drop is a special dye to stain the object).to stain the object).

Carefully lower a clean cover slip Carefully lower a clean cover slip onto the object. (This is tricky but will onto the object. (This is tricky but will help you see things better).help you see things better).

Do not touchDo not touch cover slip once it is in cover slip once it is in position.position.

Do not dropDo not drop the cover slip onto the the cover slip onto the slide or you trap air.slide or you trap air.

If there is water on top of the cover slip If there is water on top of the cover slip you will have to start again.you will have to start again.

Study your slide under low power. Then Study your slide under low power. Then move to high power.move to high power.

Looking at a slideLooking at a slide

Set microscope up and ensure mirror is in the right Set microscope up and ensure mirror is in the right place.place.

Position slide on stage.Position slide on stage. Make sure microscope is on lowest power (shortest Make sure microscope is on lowest power (shortest

lens).lens). Position the object in the centre of field of view.Position the object in the centre of field of view. Slowly wind down to near the slide (don’t smash the Slowly wind down to near the slide (don’t smash the

slide!!).slide!!). Coarse focus gently.Coarse focus gently. Fine focus to see detail.Fine focus to see detail. If the object is sharply focused under low power If the object is sharply focused under low power

gently move to a higher power.gently move to a higher power. Readjust fine focus.Readjust fine focus.