Microscope Skills Scientific Skills the Microscope!
T. Trimpe 2005 http://sciencespot.net/
Body Tube Ocular lens (Eyepiece) Nosepiece Objectives Stage Clips Diaphragm Light Always carry a microscope with one hand holding the arm and one hand under the base. Arm Stage Coarse Adjustment Fine Adjustment Base
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? How do we fill in the table on your worksheet?
Comparing Powers of Magnification 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? What happens to our view of an image as you increase the power or magnification? (Hint: 2 things)
Lenses What is different about the length of each lens? So, why can t you use the largest objective for some slides? Be careful with the largest objective! Sometimes there is not enough room and you will not be able to use it!
How to use a microscope 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. 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! 4 When you are done, turn off the microscope.
#6 getting ready to view slides 1. Write down the magnification powers under the circles (what are they?) 2. When you get to your station, write down the name of your slide 3. Draw each view that you see under each power (you are sketching the cells 3 times)
#6 - Lab Expectations Treat the microscope with respect, it is an expensive piece of scientific equipment. If you are unsure of how to do something, ask! Do not force the microscope lenses into position. Each group will be given a prepared slide What is the best way to approach this task? watch the objectives, look for the pointer.
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. 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!
Pond Water - What you might find: Metapus Amoeba Paramecium Didinium
Now it s your turn! (#8) Send one member of your group to the front and they will follow the instructions on how to make a slide. Start with the lowest power objective (what color is it?) Adjust with the coarse first, then go to fine. Use the black pointer to help you locate something.
Pond Water Procedures and Clean Up Before: 1. Get a slide and cover sheet from me. 2. Pick up the sample of pond water (in a small cup) and a dropper. 3. One person will make the slide, and the others in the group will view that same slide once it is made. 4. Follow the instructions on your page. After: 5. Another person in the group will clean off the slide (carefully it is glass) and the cover sheet. 6. I will have a place on the front lab table to place these.
Amoeba Video: http://videoserver.magnet.fsu.edu/micro/pondscum/protozo a/amoeba/mpeg/amoeba01df40x.mpg Pond life video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yafpglnlmc Life on Mars video: http://wane.com/2015/09/28/strong-evidence-mars-hasstreams-of-salt-water-in-summertime/