What type of microscope are we using?

Microscope Types

Compound Dissection

Scanning Electron

Microscope (SEM)

Transmission Electron

Microscope (TEM)

Compound

Compound Microscope

A compound microscope consists of an objective lens and an eyepiece at opposite ends of an adjustable tube.

arm

base

stage

course adjustment knob

nosepiece

scanning objective lens

diaphragm

light source

stage clips

high-power objective lens

low-power objective lens

fine adjustment knob

eyepiece

Arm and Base

These two pieces are used to tilt, lift, support and carry the microscope carefully.

Light Source

This part provides light to view the specimen.

Course Adjustment Knob

This knob moves the body tube or stage (depending on your microscope) up and down.

Stage

This is the area to place your specimen for viewing.

Diaphragm

This part of the microscope regulates the amount of light that enters through the stage opening.

Stage Clips

These hold the slide in position.

Nosepiece

This piece contains all of the objective lenses.

Fine Adjustment Knob

This is a knob that helps to focus on fine details of the specimen.

Eyepiece

This is the piece that you look through to see the specimen.

Objective Lenses

These pieces enlarge the specimen to scanning, low, and high level of magnification.

Now we know all of the parts, but how do we use

the microscope?

Step 1

• To carry the microscope grasp the microscopes arm with one hand.

• Place your other hand under the base. Place the microscope on a table with the arm toward you.

• Plug the microscope in and turn on the light source or adjust the mirror. Make sure that the cords do not obstruct walking paths.

Step 2

• Turn the coarse adjustment knob to lower the stage.

Step 3

• Revolve the nosepiece until the scanning objective lens clicks into place.

Step 4

• Adjust the diaphragm so that it lets in the most light possible.

• Look through the eyepiece to assure that all parts are correctly aligned.

Step 5

• Place a slide on the stage. Center the specimen over the opening on the stage. Use the stage clips to hold the slide in place.

Step 6

• Look at the stage from the side. Carefully turn the coarse adjustment knob to raise the stage until the scanning power objective almost touches the slide.

Step 7

• Looking through the eyepiece, VERY SLOWLY turn the coarse adjustment knob to lower the specimen until it comes into focus.

Step 8

• To switch to the high power objective lens, look at the microscope from the side. CAREFULLY rotate the nosepiece until the high-power objective lens clicks into place. Make sure the lens does not hit the slide.

Step 9

• Now switch to the low power objective lens, look at the microscope from the side. CAREFULLY rotate the nosepiece until the low-power objective lens clicks into place. Make sure the lens does not hit the slide.

Step 10

• Looking through the eyepiece, turn the fine adjustment knob until the specimen comes into focus.

Step 11

• Diagram your observation through each of the objective lenses.

Wow…this is huge!

You are now a…