When studying cells and other microscopic objects, we use a tool called a light microscope. This instrument was revolutionary in its day and is still a primary source for investigating things too small to be seen with the naked eye. A good portion of the lab activities we conduct will require a microscope, and the knowledge to operate it properly. Follow these directions carefully during every microscope lab. Use the microscope diagram on page 6 of the "Lab Section" of your notebook as a reference.

FOR ALL MICROSCOPE LABS:
Set Up:

1. When carrying the microscope, ALWAYS use two hands. Hold the arm (5)     with one hand while supporting the base (15) with your other hand.
2. Place the microscope on the bench top with the arm facing you, then plug     the cord into the electrical outlet on the front of your bench (the light     (14) should turn on).
3. Clean the four lenses using LENS PAPER* ONLY:

a. 10x ocular lens (1)
b. 10x low power objective lens (4) shortest
c. 40x high power objective lens (10) longer, sometimes is 43x
d. oil immersion lens (9) longest, not on all microscopes (not used) * Lens paper prevents scratching the lenses.

4. Set the 10x low power objective lens into place. It should click into place     and appear to be in line with the 10x ocular lens.
5. Make sure the coarse adjustment knob (2) is in the "down" position. This     can be done by turning the knob away from you.
6. Place a slide on the stage (12), and fasten the edges of the slide down using     the stage clips (11). Hint: Locate the specimen with your naked eye first,     then try to line it up with the beam of light coming up from the stage.
7. For comfort, the microscope pivots back at the hinge (6). You may adjust     the angle of the ocular tube (7) by pulling back gently on the arm while     holding the base flat on the bench with your other hand.
8. Look through the 10x ocular lens, while doing so, turn the coarse     adjustment knob slowly towards you until you see the object start to come     into focus. It only takes about one centimeter of a turn. Sometimes it     helps to jiggle the slide a bit while turning the knob. NEVER TURN THE     COARSE ADJUSTMENT KNOB AWAY FROM YOU WHILE LOOKING     THROUGH THE MICROSCOPE!!! Turning the knob will lower the     objective lens, potentially causing serious damage to the lens and/or slide.
9. Use the fine focus adjustment knob (3) to bring the object into sharper     focus. Hint: It's a good to have an idea what it is you are looking for     before you begin searching.
10. Once the object is in focus, adjust the lever on the diaphragm (13)* to let     more or less light pass through the object. This adjusts the contrast, which     means you’ll see more detail.
    * Some microscopes have a rotary dial diaphragm which adjusts by turning     the entire dial around.
11. If the object still looks blurry, clean the lenses again. Now you're are     ready to begin drawing under low power.

12. To see even more detail, set the 40x high power objective lens into place.      To do this, do not adjust either of the focus knobs, simply rotate the      revolving nose piece (8) until the 40x high power objective lens is in      place. Minor adjustments may be necessary using ONLY the fine focus      adjustment knob. Note: If you lose the specimen from your field of view,      relocate it under low power.

13. When you are finished, please follow these steps carefully:
    a. reposition the microscope to the 10x low power objective lens setting.
    b. position the coarse adjustment knob away from you.
    c. remove the slide.
    d. unplug the power cord and wrap it around your hand, tuck the plug         through the loop, and hang it over the 10x ocular lens.
    e. place the dust cover over the microscope and return it to the         microscope cabinet.
14. Good Luck! I hope you enjoy looking at "the hidden world".

PLEASE REPORT ANY DAMAGE TO ME AS SOON AS YOU NOTICE.