Please return this packet to Ms. Liu when
you complete your homework!
The Microscope
Manual
This reading will help you learn about the proper use and care of the
microscope. It will be important for you to know how to use the
microscope properly because they are delicate instruments and are
expensive to replace. You will also learn the names of the parts of the
microscope.
This year in science:
1. You will be responsible for leaving the microscope in the correct
position, with the light off and the slide removed (and cleaned).
2. You will also be responsible for proper care and use of the computers.
**** Failure to do so will result in a lower lab grade for the period!
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Handling a Microscope
The digital microscope you are using in science this year costs $900, so
it is very important that you handle it properly. Here are five important
rules about handling the microscope:
1. Always place the microscope at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) back from
the edge of a table or counter.
2. Never plug the cord into a socket where someone could walk by and
knock it from the table by accidentally walking into the cord. Also, keep
all cords that are attached to the microscope and the computer away
from water and the end of the table.
3. Always be careful of the objective lenses. Follow the instructions in
the “FOCUSING THE MICROSCOPE” section about how to magnify
properly so that the objective lenses do not get scratched or broken.
4. IF YOU NEED TO carry the microscope, use two hands. One hand
holds the base. The other hand holds the arm.
End of Class: How to Clean Up the Microscope
1. Always place the low power objective lens over the stage (in position
for viewing).
2. Use the coarse adjustment knob to lower the stage all the way
down.
3. Turn off the on-off power switch.
4. Carefully unplug the power cord from the microscope and the outlet.
Gently wrap the cord and place it in the designated location.
5. Place the cover over the microscope.
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Parts of the Microscope
Left View
Right View
The bottom of the microscope (the part it sits on) is called the BASE.
In the middle of the base, pointing upward is a lamp. This lamp is called
the LIGHT SOURCE. This function of the light source is to project
light through the stage opening so that you can see your slide. On the
right side of the microscope is the on off/switch. LABEL the BASE,
ON/OFF SWITCH, and LIGHT SOURCE on your microscope homework.
At the very top of the microscope is the
part you look into. It is a lens called the
EYEPIECE. The lens in the eyepiece is
curved glass that makes images appear
bigger by bending the light. The
EYEPIECE alone will magnify the specimen
10X its actual size. It does this because
it has one or two curved surfaces. The
eyepiece is attached to the top end of a hollow tube called the BARREL
or the TUBE. Label the EYEPIECE and the TUBE/BARREL.
When you look into the eyepiece, you will notice a
black arrow pointing to the middle of the view
area. You can turn the eyepiece around the
barrel/tube point the arrow at various parts of
the enlarged image. It’s helpful for pointing out
details to your lab partner(s).
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Lower down on the microscope there is a square, flat, black slab of metal
with an opening in the middle of it. The opening is just above the light
source. This is where you put the microscope slide you are going to look
at. It is called the STAGE.
Stage
Just underneath the stage is a round, black
and silver cylinder with a horizontal lever which
you slide horizontally with your finger. The
dial adjusts the amount of light that gets
through the hole in the middle of the stage. It
is called the DIAPHRAGM.
Diaphragm
On the bottom, left side of the base
is a dial that also allows you to adjust
the brightness of the light. This is
called the BASE DIMMER CONTROL.
Use this after you have adjusted the
light using the DIAPHRAGM. Label the BASE DIMMER CONTROL,
STAGE, and DIAPHRAGM on your microscope homework.
TOP VIEW
BOTTOM VIEW
Stage Adjustment
Knobs
On top of the stage is a silver clamp of metal screwed into the stage.
It is called the STAGE CLAMP. The stage clamp holds the microscope
slide in place.
Below the stage is a set of knobs called the STAGE ADJUSTMENT
KNOBS. The top (larger) stage adjustment knob moves the stage
vertically (towards you and away from you). The bottom (smaller) stage
adjustment knob moves the stage horizontally (left/ right). Label the
STAGE CLAMP and the STAGE ADJUSTMENT KNOBS.
Bottom View
Top View
Hanging just above the stage
are three pointed tubes called
OBJECTIVE LENSES. These
are attached to a round
movable dial called the NOSEPIECE. You can use the different objective
lenses by turning the nosepiece. Keep your fingers off the lenses. Label
the OBJECTIVE LENSES and NOSEPIECE.
The longest objective lens on a
microscope is called the high power
objective lens. The high-powered lens
has the number 40X written on it.
This number tells you the
magnification power. This 40X lens is
used with the 10X lens in the
eyepiece. Together, they magnify the
specimen 40 x 10 or 400 times its actual size.
The large long bent bar that holds the
eyepiece and the objective lens over the
stage is called the neck or ARM. Label it
the ARM.
The knobs between the base and the stage
are used to focus on the microscope slide.
The large knob is called the COARSE
ADJUSTMENT. It moves the stage up and
down and provides most of the focus of your
image. COARSE ADJUSTMENT is ALWAYS
USED FIRST when starting to focus an
image on low-power objective. COARSE
ADJUSTMENT is NEVER used on highpower because the stage can move too close to the lens and cause major
damage!! If you do not follow these directions, you damage your
microscope and it will have to be professionally repaired! Be careful.
The smaller knob is the FINE ADJUSTMENT. It is used to bring the
slide into sharp focus. Label the COARSE ADJUSTMENT and FINE
ADJUSTMENT on your homework.
Focusing the Microscope
The coarse adjustment and fine adjustment knobs are very important
parts to handle on the microscope. Follow these tips in order to get a
clear image and avoid any damage to the lenses:
1. Always use the coarse adjustment first to get an object in focus on
low power. The coarse adjustment will move the stage up and down. While
you adjust the knob, carefully observe until you see your slide in focus.
2. Sometimes air bubbles or dust will appear when you are focusing and
you will be tricked into thinking that your adjustment is focused on your
slide. TO tell if you have been fooled, move the stage back and forth
and see if the image moves as well. If not, try again!
3. Once the coarse adjustment knob has brought your slide into focus,
use the fine adjustment knob to sharpen the image.
4. ONLY use the fine adjustment knob on high power (400x)!!! The coarse
adjustment knob could cause the stage to bump the lens. That could
cause permanent damage to the slide and the microscope lens.
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