1. Parts of Microscopes EQ: How does a microscope work?
In this activity 6th grade science student learn the “Basic Parts of the Microscope followed by another linked lesson on “How to Use the Microscope”.
OBJECTIVE: The student will learn the basic parts of the microscope. After completion of this lesson, students will link the another lesson on “Care of Use of the Microscope.”

2. Microscope One of the most important tools used to study living
things.
“Micro” means very small
“Scope” means to look at
Diagram of a typical student light microscope, showing the parts and the light path

3. Basic Microscope Parts
1. Base
Light source
Diaphragm
Stage
Stage clips
Low power
High power
Nosepiece
Arm
Fine Focus
Body Tube
Course Focus
Eyepiece

4. Introducing the Arm and Base
Supports the body tube. Used to carry the microscope.
Base
Bottom part of the microscope often shaped like a horseshoe.

5. Stage and Stage Clips Stage Place where the object
you are looking at is
placed (Specimen).
Stage Clips
Holds down the slide
on the stage.

6. Eyepiece (Ocular Lens) and Body Tube
The lens you look through that
magnifies the specimen.
Body Tube
The hollow tube through which
light passes. It holds the lenses
apart.

7. Course and Fine Focus Course Focus Raises or lowers the Body
Tube to focus
Fine Focus
Raises and lowers the
Body Tube and used to
bring objects into focus.

8. Nosepiece The NOSEPIECE is the round part that holds the OBJECTIVE
LENSES apart.

9. Low Power/High Power Objective Lenses
Low Power Objective
Magnifies the specimen at a
lower power
High Power Objective
Higher power

10. Diaphragm and Light Source
Changes the amount of light
reaching the objective lenses.
Located under the Stage.
Light Source
Located beneath the Stage
and Diaphragm. Sends light
towards the hole in the stage.

11. Using the Microscope in 10 Steps
Follow these instructions when using the
microscope. Click on each underlined word.
To carry the microscope, grasp the
ARM with one hand. Hold the BASE with your other hand.

12. 10 Steps to Using the Microscope 2. Adjust the DIAPHRAGM while looking
through the EYEPIECE.
3. Adjust the LIGHT SOURCE (mirror) until you see the circle of light.

13. 10 Steps to Using the Microscope 4. Place the slide on the STAGE.
5. Center the SPECIMEN over the small
opening on the STAGE.
6. Secure the slide with the STAGE CLIPS.

14. 10 Steps to Using the Microscope
7. While looking at the STAGE from the side,
turn the COURSE FOCUS KNOB to lower
the BODY TUBE until the LOW POWER
OBJECTIVE almost touches the slide.

15. 10 Steps to Using the Microscope
8. While looking through the EYEPIECE, carefully
move the COURSE FOCUS KNOB until the specimen comes into view.
9. To switch to the HIGH POWER OBJECTIVE
LENS, look at the microscope from the side.

16. 10 Steps to Using the Microscope
10. Move the NOSEPIECE until the HIGH POWER
OBJECTIVE LENS “clicks” into place. If the
lens hits the slide, the slide and/or lens might
break.
Turn the FINE FOCUS KNOB until the
specimen comes into focus.

17. Microscope Examples

18. Interesting Things to See Using Microscopes
Onion Skin Cheek Cell
Red Blood Cells Skin Cell

19. Basic Microscope Parts
Arm
Base
Light source
Diaphragm
Fine Focus
Stage clips
Low power
High power
Nosepiece
Body Tube
Course Focus
Eyepiece
Stage