SCI. 301 - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE ACTIVITY NO.

1 THE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE INTRODUCTION: The compound microscope is one of the most important instruments used by biologists today. Through observation of microscopic organisms and microscopic structures, scientists have discovered many things about the world around us. Thus, also discovering how the microscope operates. In this investigation you will learn the basic skills necessary to use the microscope correctly. Knowing these skills will be very helpful and important to your study of biology. OBJECTIVES: 1. Use the microscope safely, efficiently, and effectively. 2. Demonstrate the use of the compound microscope MATERIALS: Microscope, compound light, Lens paper, prepared slides and small animals or body parts PROCEDURE:

1. Always use both hands when carrying the microscope, one hand beneath the base and
the other holding the arm of the microscope. Walk with it held close to your body. (Demonstrate proper carrying technique to your lab partner) 2. Set the microscope at least 5 cm from the edge of the table. 3. If the microscope has a built-in lamp, plug it in and check the position of the cord to be sure it is out of the way. 4. Begin at the top of the microscope and locate the following parts by comparing your microscope to the diagram.

5. Locate the eyepiece at the top of the body tube. The eyepiece contains a lens. If the lens
is dirty, clean it with lens paper. Never use anything other than the lens paper to clean the lenses of the microscope. Locate the number on the eyepiece. This number indicates the magnifying power of the lens in the eyepiece.

6. Locate the revolving nosepiece, which carries the objectives. Locate the shortest
objective this is the low power objective.

7. Locate the longer objective, or the high-power objective.

8. Find the total magnification of the microscope at low power and high power by multiplying the number on the eyepiece and the number on the objective.

9. Determine if your microscope has a lamp or a mirror as a light source. Turn on the light
or adjust the mirror so that it will reflect light through the hole in the center of the stage.

10. After locating the stage, place a prepared slide directly over the hole in the stage.
Secure the slide with stage clip.

11. Locate the coarse adjustment knob. Turn this knob toward you until the objectives are
raised as far as they can be. Using the revolving nosepiece, turn the low-power objective into position over the stage. When focusing the microscope, always begin on low power. While observing the microscope stage from eye level, use the coarse adjustment to move the objective down as far as it will go. Then focus upward with the coarse adjustment until the object to be observed comes into view. Never focus objectives downward.

12. Complete focusing with the fine adjustment. When the microscope is focused on low
power, you may switch to high power. Before switching to high power make sure that the object you are viewing is exactly in the middle of your field of vision. Do not use the coarse adjustment to focus at high power. Focus with the fine adjustment until the image is clear. 13. CAUTION: If your microscope has a mirror, never use direct sunlight as a light source. Direct sunlight will damage your eyes.

14. Locate the diaphragm. It can be found directly under the stage. Carefully change the
setting while looking through the eyepiece.

SCI. 301 - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE Name:_________________________________ Section:__________________ Date: ______________ Rating:_____________

Laboratory Worksheet # 1 THE COMPOUND MICROSCOPE Complete the following table: Part Eyepiece Body tube Revolving nosepiece Low-power objective High-power objective Stage Stage clip Diaphragm Coarse adjustment Fine adjustment Mirror or lamp Base Arm Function

SPECIMEN ILLUSTRATION:

DESCRIPTION: 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

QUESTIONS: 1. What would be the result of cleaning the lenses with something other than lens paper?

2. What magnification does the lens have? 3. What number is written on the low-power objective and on the high-power objective? What do these numbers mean?

4. Fill in the table provided. Eyepiece Low Power High Power 5. How does high power change your field of vision? Objective Total

6. How does high power affect the brightness of the image?

7. Name other kinds of microscope.