Virtual Microscope Ac vity

Please use this link to complete the following inves ga on during our live lesson.

Learning Objec ves:

• Iden fy the parts of the light microscope and describe the func on of each.
• List the steps in focusing a light microscope.

• Describe how to properly handle the light microscope, focus slides, and clean the microscope when
nished.

PART 1: Parts of the Microscope

Instruc ons
1. Click on the Learn link at the bo om of the page. This will take you to an image of a microscope with
ques on marks.
2. Star ng at the top of the microscope, click on the ques on marks to iden fy parts of the microscope.
Read the descrip on of each part and take notes as needed.
3. Con nue clicking all the ques on marks un l they all turn to green check marks. You may click on any
green check marks to review that part of the microscope again.
4. As you explore each part, check o the part on the list below:

On/O switch Eyepiece/Ocular lens

Arm Nosepiece

Objec ve lenses Stage

Diaphragm Stage adjustment knob

Base Coarse adjustment knob

Lens paper Fine adjustment knob

Immersion Oil Slide (box)

Kimwipes

5.

5. Click on the Next bu on (bo om right).

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 6. Click on all ques on marks (including the ones you see when the lens enlarges) to learn about objec ve
lenses.
7. Click on the Next bu on (bo om right).

8. Click on Dry Slide and Oiled Slide to see the di erence observed using the 100X objec ve lens.

9. Click on the Next bu on (bo om right).

10. Click on the di erent combina ons of Eyepiece Op ons and Lens Op ons to learn how to calculate
total magni ca on of the microscope.

Ques ons:
1. What is the proper way to carry a microscope?

One hand grasps the arm of the microscope and the other hand is placed on the base for
support.

2.

2. What is the typical magni ca on of an ocular lens? What other magni ca ons are possible?

The typical is 10x. The other might possible be 4x, 40x, 100x.

3.

3.
a. What are the magni ca on abili es of each of the objec ve lenses?
b. What is the total magni ca on with each objec ve?

Type of Objec ve Lens Magni ca on Ability Total Magni ca on

Scanning (small, red ring) 4x 40x

Low-power (medium, yellow ring) 10x 100x

High-power (large, blue ring) 40x 400x

Oil immersion (largest, white ring) 10x 1000x

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 c.

4. What is the total magni ca on of a sample, considering an ocular lens power of 15X and a 40X
objec ve lens?

It is 600x.

5.

5. What is the role of the diaphragm?

The lens system under the microscope stage is posi oned to focus light correctly on the
specimen and direct it into the objec ve lens.

6.

PART 2: Using the Microscope

Instruc ons
1. Click on the Explore link at the bo om of the page.
2. Click on the ques on mark on the slide box. In the Slide Catalog, click on the Sample Slides.
3. Click on the Le er E slide. It will automa cally be placed on the stage of the microscope.
4. When the Microscope View window opens, make sure that the 4X circle is highlighted in blue.
*Note: Always begin examining slides with the lowest power objec ve.
5. Use the slider under Coarse Focus to nd the E.
*Note: The coarse adjustment knob should only be used with the 4X objec ve lens.
6. Then, use the slider under Fine Focus to make the image clearer.
7. You can click on the E in the viewing window to move the image around to see di erent parts. Sketch
your view of the le er E at 4X in the results area below.
8. Next click on the 10X circle. The nosepiece on the microscope will rotate automa cally.
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 9.Repeat steps 6-8 to see part of the E. Sketch your view of the
le er E at 10X in the results area below.
10. Click on the 40X circle and repeat steps 7 & 8. You may need to use the slider under Light Adjustment for
be er visualiza on. Sketch your view of the le er E at 40X in the results area below.
11. Click on Remove Slide (top right).

Results:

Ques ons:
1. What did you no ce about the le er E when you increased in magni ca on from 4X to the 10X, and
then to the 40X:
a. Did the size (magni ca on) increase or decrease?

The size increase.

b.

b. Could you see more of the le er or less?

I can see less.

c.
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