1. Introduction to MICROSCOPES & BIOLOGICAL DRAWINGS

2. Terms To Know
Depth of Field/Focus: The vertical distance (depth) of a specimen in focus at one time.
Resolution: The ability to distinguish detail. As magnification increases, so does the resolving power.
Magnification: Found by multiplying the magnification of the ocular lens (eyepiece = 10x) and the magnification of the objective lens.
Field of View: The amount (area) of specimen you can see. As you increase the magnification, you decrease the field of view.
**If you are finding a new field of view for an unknown magnification use the following formula:
New Field of View = 1800µm
(new mag./100X)
Example: Find the field of view for 500X.
***1mm = 1000µm***

4. Formulas & Calculations
Magnification Field of View (µm)
Low (40x) 4500
Medium (100x) 1800
High (400x)
Scaled magnification can also be called drawing magnification.
All your units need to be in micrometers, shown as µm
You need to show the formulas and your work on the bottom of your drawing.
The estimated size goes along the left margin, and the diagram size/scaled magnification goes in your title.
 Finding the estimated size of the cell
Estimated Size = Field of View
Fit number
Fit number = how many times that cell/specimen fits across the field of view
Finding the scaled magnification
Scaled magnification = Diagram Size
Estimated size

5. Rules For Biological Drawings
1. Draw what you see, not what you think should be there.
2. Use pencil for diagrams, labels and titles.
3. Use clean-cut lines for diagrams (do not sketch). All drawings are to be done on unlined paper, with one drawing per sheet of 81/2 X 11 paper.
4. Drawing should be large enough to show all parts without crowding. You have a whole sheet of paper, don’t be afraid to use it. When doing detailed diagrams of cells and their contents, the cells should measure at least 5cm in length.
5. Keep your drawings to the left of the page. Put all the labels to the right of the diagram. All labels should be printed. Use a ruler for label lines and make sure you do not cross your label lines.
6. Do not shade your drawing. If you wish to indicate a darker area, use dots. Indicate the thickness of a plant cell wall by using two lines.

6. Rules For Biological Drawings
7. When one representative cell of a tissue is to be drawn, make sure you include the cell boundaries of the other cells that border it.
8. Include a printed and underlined title immediately above the drawing in the centre of the page. The scaled/drawing magnification follows the title in parentheses [e.g. BONE CELL (300X)] Following this, include the total magnification – “as viewed under 40X”
9. Following the title, indicate whether the slide is wet mount, dry mount, or a prepared slide. Also indicate whether any stain was used in the preparation of the slide. This will be indicated on the slide if it is prepared.
10. 1 cm = 10,000 μm *Remember this!!!* ***1mm = 1000µm***
11. Include your name and the date in the top right hand corner.
12. Move the slide around to get a good overview of the specimen, don’t just concentrate on one part. Also view the slide under different magnifications and light amounts.

7. Some Examples For Biological Drawings

8. Some Examples For Biological Drawings

9. Biological Drawing Rubric

10. Steps For Using A Microscope
Clean lenses with lens tissues.
Start with the stage lowered all the way and on low power magnification.
Place slide over the stage and hold in place with stage clips.
Start with the course adjustment knob first to bring the specimen into focus. Use fine adjustment knob to make the image clearer.
Once focused, switched to medium power and use the fine adjustment knob to bring the specimen into focus.
**Carry the microscope with one hand on the base and one hand on the arm.
Always turn off the power and remove the slide when you are finished.

11. Using A Microscope Microscope Labeling Game How A Microscope Works
How To Use A Microscope
Microscope Labeling Game
How A Microscope Works
How To Use A Microscope