1. Proper Use & Field of View
Using Your Microscope
Proper Use & Field of View
Geek Week - Microscope Randoms

2. Setting Up the Microscope
Using the Microscope
Setting Up the Microscope
Use both hands to carry. One hand on the base, and the other on the arm.
Place the microscope away from the edges of the desk
If lenses are dirty, clean with lens paper only.
Plug in microscope light so that the cord is not in your way
Keep objects clear of desk and cords

3. Using the Microscope Low Power Focus
Always start with the low-power objective lens (the shortest one) about 1cm above the stage.
Carefully place the slide on the stage and centre it over the light source
Use the stage clips to hold the slide in place
While viewing, slowly adjust the focus with the coarse-adjustment knob.
Use the fine-adjustment knob to sharpen the focus, and adjust the diaphragm to a suitable brightness.

4. Field of View Field of View (FOV) – The
diameter of the circle of light that
you see when looking into a
microscope.
Find a part of the sample that
interests you, and on your
handout, sketch what you see for
the appropriate magnification (40x)
Make sure the details in your drawing fill the same space in the circle as they do in the FOV
Label your drawing

5. Field of View: Drawing Example
Criteria
Drawing is made with a sharp pencil.
Size of the drawing is proportional to the
way it appears under the microscope.
Magnification and/or FOV diameter is
printed below the circle.
Title appears just below the magnification.
A ruler is used to draw the lines for labels.
Labels are printed neatly outside the FOV
and parallel to the bottom of the page.
No noticeable eraser marks.
Measurements are printed within
parenthesis to the right of the title.

6. Using the Microscope Medium Power Focus
Once focused under low power, carefully turn the revolving nosepiece until the medium-power lens “clicks”
Remember to not use the course-adjustment knob. Adjust the focus using only the fine-adjustment knob
Complete your FOV sketch (100x magnification)

7. Using the Microscope High Power Focus
Once focused under medium power, carefully turn the revolving nosepiece until the high-power lens “clicks”
Remember to not use the course-adjustment knob. Adjust the focus using only the fine-adjustment knob
Complete your FOV sketch (100x magnification)

8. Proper Care & Use of the Microscope
Clean-Up
Turn the revolving nosepiece to the low-power lens.
Remove the slide from the stage.
If the stage is wet, wipe it off with a paper towel.
Wrap the electric cord around the microscope base and carry the microscope back to its proper place using both hands.
Check this out:
McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets Under the Microscope!