1. Introduction to the Microscope
Care
Parts
Focusing
Safety

2. Microscope Care 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

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

4. Using the Microscope Place the Slide on the Microscope Use Stage Clips
Click Nosepiece to the lowest (shortest) setting
Look into the Eyepiece
Use the Coarse Focus

5. 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.

6. Parts of the Microscope, cont
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.

7. Using High Power 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
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?

8. 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.