Introduction to the Microscope

CarePartsFocusingSafety

• Always carry with 2 hands• Only use lens paper for cleaning• Do not force knobs• Always store covered• Keep objects clear of desk and cords

Eyepiece

Body Tube

Revolving NosepieceArm

Objective Lens

StageStage Clips

Coarse Focus

Fine Focus

Base

Diaphragm

Light

• Place the Slide on the Microscope

• Use Stage Clips • Click Nosepiece to the lowest

(shortest) setting• Look into the Eyepiece• Use the Coarse Focus

Parts of the Microscope

• 1. eyepiece-where you look through to see the image of your specimen. • 2. body tube-the long tube that holds the eyepiece and connects it to the

objectives. • 3. nosepiece-the rotating part of the microscope at the bottom of the body

tube; it holds the objectives. • 4. objective lenses-(low, medium, high, oil immersion) the microscope may

have 2, 3 or more objectives attached to the nosepiece; they vary in length (the shortest is the lowest power or magnification; the longest is the highest power or magnification).

• 5. arm-part of the microscope that you carry the microscope with. • 6. coarse adjustment knob-large, round knob on the side of the microscope

used for focusing the specimen; it may move either the stage or the upper part of the microscope.

• 7. fine adjustment knob-small, round knob on the side of the microscope used to fine-tune the focus of your specimen after using the coarse adjustment knob.

• 8. stage-large, flat area under the objectives; it has a hole in it (see aperture) that allows light through; the specimen/slide is placed on the stage for viewing.

• 9. stage clips-shiny, clips on top of the stage which hold the slide in place.

• 10. aperture-the hole in the stage that allows light through for better viewing of the specimen.

• 11. diaphraghm-controls the amount of light going through the aperture.

• 12. light or mirror-source of light usually found near the base of the microscope; the light source makes the specimen easier to see.

Parts of the Microscope, cont

• Follow steps to focus using low power• Click the nosepiece to the longest objective• Do NOT use the Coarse Focusing Knob• Use the Fine Focus Knob to bring the slide

What can you find on your slide?

Care and Safety• 1. Always carry the microscope with two hands - one on the arm and

one underneath the base of the microscope. Hold it up so that it does not hit tables or chairs. Never swing the microscope.

• 2. Do not touch the lenses. If they are dirty, ask your teacher for special lens paper to clean them.

• 3. If using a microscope with a mirror, do not use direct sunlight as the light source. Eye damage can result. If using a microscope with a light, turn off light when not in use.

• 4. Be cautious when handling glass slides and cover slips. Notify teacher if a slide or cover slip breaks. Students should not handle broken glass.

• 5. Turn the lens to the lowest power, cover the scope unplug it and wrap the cord around the microscope to put it away.