Background: "Micro" refers to tiny, "scope" refers to view or look at. Many objects are too small to be seen
by the eye along. They can be seen, however, with the use of an instrument that magnifies, or visually
enlarges the object. Microscopes are tools used to enlarge images of small objects so as they can be studied.
The compound light microscope consists of a light source or mirror that illuminates the object to be observed,
an objective lens that magnifies the image of the object, and an eyepiece (ocular lens) that further magnifies
the image of the object and projects it into the viewer’s eye.
Objects, or specimens, to be observed under a microscope are generally prepared in one of two ways.
Prepared or permanent slides are made to last a long time. They are usually purchased from biological supply
houses. Temporary or wet-mount slides are made to last only a short time – usually one laboratory period.
The microscope is an expensive precision instrument that requires special care and handling. In this
investigation, you will learn the parts of a compound light microscope, the functions of those parts, and the
proper use and care of the microscope. You will also learn the technique of preparing wet-mount slides and
the proper cleaning and re-use of the materials used to make the temporary slide.
Objectives:
– Students will demonstrate the proper use of a microscope.
Problem: What are similarities and differences between different types of cells?
Materials:
– 1 Dropper – Live specimens for wet-mount slides
Rules:
– Always hold the microscope with two hands when transporting.
– The base of the microscope should remain on the table AT ALL TIMES!
– The lowest power objective (RED) should be in position both at the beginning and end of lab.
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Adapted from Prentice-Hall, Inc. Biology Using a Compound Light Microscope, Science NetLinks Onion Cells, & Microscope Lab
– Do not tilt the microscope when viewing.
– Keep the stage clean and dry to prevent rust and corrosion.
– Do not remove parts of the microscope.
– Report any problems with the microscope to the teacher immediately.
– Keep the microscope dust-free by covering it after use.
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Comparative Investigation Procedures Day 1 – Prepared Glass Slides:
Part A – Parts of the Compound Light Microscope
1. Study the labeled drawing of the microscope.
2. Identify the following parts on your microscope:
a. Eyepiece
b. Arm
c. Coarse adjustment knob
d. Fine adjustment knob
e. Objectives
f. Stage
g. Stage clips
h. Light
3. Note: Tell your teacher at once in you find any
parts of the microscope missing or damaged.
4. Notice the numbers etched on the objectives and
on the eyepiece. Each number is followed by an “X” that means “times”. For examples, the low-power red
objective has “40X” on the side. This objective magnifies an object 40 times its normal size.
5. Answer the questions on your student sheet regarding the magnification of the objectives for your
microscope.
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19. Carefully place the wet-mount slide on the microscope stage using the clips.
20. Begin with the red objective (4X) and use the coarse adjustment and small, fine adjustment knob for find
and focus the image. When the “E” is clear, sketch your observations on your student sheet.
21. Now, without moving the stage, (course knob) rotate to the yellow objective (10X). Be careful not to disrupt
the slide. Focus until the image is clear.
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Adapted from Prentice-Hall, Inc. Biology Using a Compound Light Microscope, Science NetLinks Onion Cells, & Microscope Lab
22. Do not move the stage, but increase the total magnification to 400X using the blue objective, observe the
“E”. ONLY use the fine adjustment knob (small knob) to help you focus. When the “E” is clear, sketch your
observations on your student sheet.
23. When instructed, begin the cleanup procedures;
a. throw away the wet newspaper
b. carefully wash the glass slides and coverslip in soapy water to reuse; return all items
c. Note: Tell your teacher at once if equipment is missing or damaged.
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Adapted from Prentice-Hall, Inc. Biology Using a Compound Light Microscope, Science NetLinks Onion Cells, & Microscope Lab