Agenda -Brainstorming Period -Parts of a Microscope -Rules about using a Microscope -Review

What is a microscope? A microscope is an optical instrument that is used for viewing very small objects that are usually invisible to the human eye. Some of the items examined under a microscope are: micro-organisms, mineral samples, plant and animal tissues.

Do you know any parts of the microscope and what they are used for?

Parts of the Microscope! Ocular Lens

Also known as the eyepiece, is a type of lens that is closest to the eye when you look through the microscope. This lens brings in the light which causes the image to come into focus.

Nose piece

Nose Piece This is the part of the microscope in which the objective lenses are attached.

Objective Lenses

A microscope is made up of 3 objective lenses that are located right above your slide. They range in magnification from 10x, 40x, and 100x. In this class we will not be using the 100x as it is very easy to damage the slide and microscope when using it.

Stage Stage Clips

Stage and Stage Clips The stage is the platform in which you place your slide that is to be examined. The stage clips are metal clips that hold your slide in place. Remember to slowly release your stage clips as if you just let them go you will most likely damage your slide.

Diaphragm

Diaphragm The diaphragm is usually a plastic disc that is located underneath the stage that can be adjusted to allow more or less light through.

Light Source

Without the light source you are unable to see the image that you are trying to examine. Some microscopes have mirrors instead of a light source and you must use the mirror to reflect an outside light source up through the diaphragm of the microscope.

Base

Base Is the bottom of the microscope that is used for support.

Fine Adjustment Knob

This is the small round knob located on the side of the microscope arm. This knob is used to focus the finer details of the image. This allows you to make the object more clear and precise.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

This is the large round knob located on the side of the microscope arm. It is used to move the stage from side to side in order for the slide to be properly aligned.

Arm

Arm Part of the microscope in which you carry the microscope with.

Rules for Handling and Using a Microscope When carrying the microscope you must have one hand on the base and one hand on the arm. When placing a slide onto the stage ensure that the stage is completely lowered. Remember to slowly place the stage clips on the slide to ensure you do not damage the slide.

Rules Continued When viewing the slide make sure you begin on the 10x objective lens and slowly move the stage up with the coarse adjustment knob. When the image is in focus, you may then turn to the 40x objective lens. When you are on the 40x objective lens ensure you do not use the coarse adjustment knob but only the fine adjustment knob.

Rules Continued When removing a slide you must return to the 10x objective lens and lower the stage to the bottom. When putting your microscope away ensure that the stage is lowered all of the way, the objective lens is on 10x, the light is turned off, and make sure the cord is wrapped around the base of the microscope.

Review

Review What are the rules that one must follow when using a microscope?

Micro-organisms Are invisible to the human-eye which means that without a microscope you would not be able to see them! Scientists classify/name micro-organisms based on structural characteristics like their body structure for example.

What Makes Up A Micro-organism? Micro-organisms are made up of: ◦ Cells ◦ They respire ◦ Require energy to live ◦ Respond to stimuli ◦ They grow ◦ Reproduce ◦ Excrete waste

Kingdoms Living organisms are divided into kingdoms based on structural characteristics. The micro-organisms that we are going to examine belong to the Protist Kingdom. The Protist Kingdom contains organisms that do not fit into any other organisms.

The Protist Kingdom Is divided into three categories: ◦ Plant-like ◦ Animal-like ◦ Fugus-like The Animal-like category can be further separated into: ◦ With Cilia ◦ With flagella ◦ With Pseudopods

Cilia- the small hair-like projections on the surface of some micro-organisms. These hair- like projections are used for movement. Flagella- a long tail that uses whip-like projections from the cell. This is a source of movement for the organism. Pseudopods- are extensions that look like fingers, and are used for movement or to catch prey.

Other Types of Protists There are a variety of different types of protists. Some from fresh water and oceans are: ◦ Golden Algae ◦ Dinoflagellate ◦ Difflugia ◦ Opalina ◦ Vorticella ◦ Diatom