1. Introduction to the Light Microscope
Care
Parts
Focusing
Magnification
Students will have their microscopes out, for reference as we go through each of the steps. As an introduction, students will be asked what kinds of things they can do with this tool.

2. Lenses
The light microscope, uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify images of small samples.
Light microscopes are the oldest design of microscope and were invented in the 17th century.
Can be monocular or binocular.
Teacher demonstrates how to hold the microscope, where the lens paper is located and how to use it. Students will be invited to turn the knobs and observe the stage as it moves up and down. Teacher will demonstrate how to store the microscope.
Light Source

3. Stereoscope or Dissecting Scope
Used to view large specimens. Usually only magnifies up to 4x.
Teacher demonstrates how to hold the microscope, where the lens paper is located and how to use it. Students will be invited to turn the knobs and observe the stage as it moves up and down. Teacher will demonstrate how to store the microscope.

4. Always carry with 2 hands, one hand on the arm, one on the base.
Only use lens paper for cleaning
Do not force knobs
Always store covered
Keep objects clear of desk and cords
Teacher demonstrates how to hold the microscope, where the lens paper is located and how to use it. Students will be invited to turn the knobs and observe the stage as it moves up and down. Teacher will demonstrate how to store the microscope.

5. Eyepiece Body Tube Revolving Nosepiece Arm Objective Lens Stage
Scanning, Low, High Power
Stage
Stage Clips
This is the exact version of the microscope used in class. Students will be identifying the parts on the microscopes at their desks as we go along and what their functions are.
Coarse Focus
Diaphragm
Fine Focus
Light
Base

6. Magnification Ocular = 10x High Power = 40x Low Power = 10x
Have students exchange slides so they can look at different things, walk them through using the high power objective to focus slides. Emphasize not using the coarse objective during this process, as it will crack the slides.
Scanning = 4x
Total magnification = Ocular x Objective

7. Place the slide on the stage (Stage clips are not necessary)
Click nosepiece to the lowest (shortest) setting – Scanning Objective
Look into the Eyepiece
Use the Coarse Focus
Give students a slide from the “common things” set, each student will practice focusing and changing objectives.

8. 6. Refocus using the coarse (large) knob
5. (Once the slide is focused) Rotate the nosepiece to the low power objective (medium sized)
6. Refocus using the coarse (large) knob
7. Move slide to get a centered view
Give students a slide from the “common things” set, each student will practice focusing and changing objectives.

9. Your slide MUST be focused on low power before attempting this step
Click the nosepiece to the longest objective
Do NOT use the Coarse Focusing Knob
Use the Fine Focus Knob to bring the slide
Have students exchange slides so they can look at different things, walk them through using the high power objective to focus slides. Emphasize not using the coarse objective during this process, as it will crack the slides.
What can you find on your slide?