1. Introduction to the Microscope
What is it?
Care
Parts
Focusing

2. The Light Microscope
Compound microscope uses compound lenses and light to magnify objects
The lenses bend or refract the light, which makes the object beneath them appear closer
Hans and Zacharias Janssen are credited with creating the first microscopes
Robert Hooke and Anton van Leeuwenhoek were pioneers in early microscope development

3. Microscope Care
Always carry with 2 hands (one hand on the arm, one on the base)
Only use lens paper for cleaning
Do not force knobs
Keep cords away from sinks due risk of electrical shock

4. Microscope Parts Eyepiece Body Tube Revolving Nosepiece Arm
Objective Lens
Stage
Stage Clips
Coarse Focus
Diaphragm
Fine Focus
Light
Base

5. Using the Microscope Place the Slide on the Microscope Use Stage Clips
Click Nosepiece to the lowest (scanning) objective
Look into the Eyepiece and adjust the slide until object is centered
Use the Coarse Adjustment Knob to bring into focus
When observations are completed (at this magnification,) proceed to adjust to Low Power.

6. Using High Power
When High Power is needed, make sure the object is centered and focused at scanning and low power
Click the nosepiece to the high power objective (largest) lens
Do NOT use the Coarse Focusing Knob
Use the Fine Focus Knob to bring the slide into focus
Never remove a slide while under high power

7. Magnification
Your microscope has 3 magnifications: Scanning, Low and High objective lens
Each objective lens will have written the magnification. In addition to this, the ocular lens (eyepiece) has a magnification
The total magnification is the eyepiece times the objective lens

8. Troubleshooting Q: Image is too dark!
A: Adjust the diaphragm, make sure your light is on
Q: There's a spot in my viewing field, even when I move the slide the spot stays in the same place!
A: Your lens is dirty. Use lens paper, and only lens paper to carefully clean the objective and ocular lens
Q: I can't see anything under high power!
A: Remember the steps, if you can't focus under scanning and then low power, you won't be able to focus anything under high power
Q: Only half of my viewing field is lit, it looks like there's a half-moon in there!
A: You probably don't have your objective fully clicked into place