Using a Compund Light Microscope

USING A COMPOUND LIGHT MICROSCOPE

General Rules 1. Always carry it w/ 2 hands. 2. Clean the eyepiece and objective lenses w/ LENS PAPER only. 3. Store the microscope on low power (red) w/ the stage all the way down and cover on. Focusing Rules 1. Always start w/ the stage down and scope set on low power objective (red). 2. Center the specimen / slide on the stage over the light. 3. Begin focusing w/ the coarse adjustment (large knob). 4. Fine tune your field of view w/ the fine adjustment (small knob). 5. To enlarge the image, switch to the medium power objective (yellow). 6. Use the fine adjustment if necessary. **The scopes a “par-focal” which means the scope should stay close to in focus when switching between powers. ** 7. Switch to high power (blue) if necessary. **NEVER use coarse adjustment w/ this lens!!!!!!** 8. On your lab sheet take the time to draw a detailed diagram of what you see; draw the best you can. Be sure to include the total magnification w/ your drawing!! Hints *Take care to focus properly and to switch between powers *Draw what you see to the best of your ability *Draw what you were looking for. Not junk, smears or air bubbles *Be sure to include the total magnification w/ your drawing. *DO NOT use the white lens unless instructed to do so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *Field of View (FOV) is the area you see of the slide when looking through the scope. *Immediately report any damage to microscopes, slides or other materials.

Total Magnification = Eye Piece x Objective Lens. Units = times (x)

Objective Lens Power Total Mag Eye Piece 10 x n/a Low Power 4 x 40 x Med Power 10 x 100 x High Power 40 x 400 x Oil Immersion** 100 x 1000 x MICROSCOPE PRACTICE

Purpose: Practice proper microscope techniques, drawing to scale and with detail by observing and drawing 3 different slides.

Procedure: 1. On the back of your notes, use the plastic dish to draw 3 circles 2. Obtain ONE slide and place it on the stage 3. Observe the slide on LOW, MED and HIGH 4. Adjust diaphragm to see how the amount of light affects the image 5. Pick the best amount of light and magnification for viewing and draw it 6. Drawing should be detailed and to scale 7. Include the TOTAL magnification and TITLE

8. Repeat with 2 other slides