Ch. 7 Microscope Lab

Purpose:The student will learn how to safely operate a compound light microscope and view prepared slides.

How to Use a Microscope:

  1. Plug in your microscope. Make sure that the cord is not a tripping hazard and make sure that the scope is not near the edge of your work station.
  2. Use the coarse adjustment knob to fully lower the stage.
  3. Place your prepared slide properly on the stage and secure it using the stage clips.
  4. Turn on the scope.
  5. Turn the revolving nosepiece to put the microscope into low power (smallest objective).
  6. While looking through the eyepiece, turn the coarse adjustment knob to bring the slide into focus.
  7. Adjust the diaphragm to raise or lower the light level.
  8. Turn the revolving nosepiece to put the microscope into medium/high power.
  9. While looking through the eyepiece, turn the FINE adjustment knob to bring the slide into focus. DO NOT TOUCH THE COARSE ADJUSTMENT POWER OUTSIDE OF LOW POWER.
  10. Adjust the diaphragm to raise or lower the light level.

Directions:

  1. Draw and label the 11 parts of a compound light microscope on your own paper. Next to each part explain its function. Refer to page XXXVI in your textbook.
  2. Diatoms  Label your paper

i)First view in low power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).

ii)Second view in high power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).

  1. Fibers  Label your paper

i) First view in low power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).

ii)Second view in high power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).

  1. Paramecium  Label your paper

i)First view in low power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).

ii)Second view in high power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).

  1. Planaria  Label your paper

i)First view in low power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).

ii)Second view in MEDIUM power and draw what you see (add color if necessary).