Laboratory Report No.

2
Focusing Specimens with a Compound Microscope
submitted by: Nicky Joy Ramasta
BSEd Science III
Eastern Samar State University-Salcedo Campus
[email protected]

submitted to: Rica C. Elacion

Professor
Eastern Samar State University-Salcedo Campus
[email protected]

Date Submitted: January 19, 2024

Microscopy serves as an indispensable and fine focus. Coarse focusing is employed for
tool in scientific inquiry, allowing researchers to initial specimen location, providing rapid
explore the intricacies of the microscopic world. adjustments, while fine focusing allows for
Central to the success of microscopic meticulous adjustments to achieve the clearest
observations is the ability to achieve precise image possible. Understanding the interplay
focus, a fundamental aspect of microscopy that between these focusing mechanisms is crucial
directly impacts the clarity and detail of the for researchers aiming to unlock the full
observed specimens. This laboratory report potential of optical microscopy.
delves into the techniques and principals Fig. 1. Illustration of compound microscope.
involved in focusing specimens using a
compound microscope, with the aim of The primary objectives of this
providing researchers a foundational laboratory experiment are to provide participants
understanding of this essential skill. with:

The primary goal of microscopy is to A grasp of the basic principles

unveil details that are beyond the perceptible underlying the focusing process with a
range of the human eye. The process of compound microscope.
achieving optimal focus is critical in this Hands-on experience in utilizing both
endeavor, as it directly influences the quality coarse and fine focusing mechanisms for
and accuracy of microscopic observations. optimal clarity of specimens.
Whether investigating biological tissues,
microorganisms, or various materials, the ability Insights into the challenges and nuances
to focus specimens with precision is paramount associated with focusing on specimens of
for extracting meaningful information from the diverse characteristics, including biological
microscopic realm. tissues, microorganisms, and other materials.

A compound microscope, with its Recognition of the direct correlation

combination of multiple lenses, offers a between proper focusing techniques and the
powerful tool for magnifying specimens. The quality of microscopic images, emphasizing the
focusing mechanism of a compound microscope significance of this skill in scientific
involves two essential components: coarse focus investigations.
 incrementally to observe fine details of the
Through this laboratory experiment, specimen.
participants are expected to develop the
necessary skills and knowledge to proficiently Explore the concept of depth of field by
focus specimens, setting the stage for enhanced focusing on different planes within a specimen.
microscopic observations and analyses. The Observe how adjusting the focus impacts the
subsequent sections will detail the experimental clarity of structures at varying depths. Practice
setup, procedures, results, and discussions, focusing on specimens using the 4x and 10x
providing a comprehensive exploration of the objectives. Experiment with different specimens
focusing process with a compound microscope. to understand variations in focusing
requirements. Participants progress to higher
Materials magnifications (40x and 100x). Focus on finer
details and structures within the specimens.
 Text book (Reference)
 Compound light microscope Record observations in lab notebooks.
 Microscope slides Document challenges faced, adjustments made,
 Coverslips and notable findings during the focusing
 Medicine dropper exercises. Verify the accuracy of measurements
 Dissecting needle (needle probe) using the calibrated eyepiece reticle against a
 Specimen examples for wet mount stage micrometer. Adjust the eyepiece reticle
 Methylene blue (dilute) or iodine calibration if necessary.
potassium-iodide stain
Turn off the microscope and the
Procedure illumination source. Clean the microscope lenses
using lens cleaning solution and lens paper.
Ensure the compound microscope is Ensure slides and coverslips are properly stored.
placed on a stable and level surface. Adjust the Facilitate a discussion session to review
interpupillary distance and eyepiece diopter observations, challenges, and key learnings.
settings. Turn on the microscope's illumination Discuss the importance of proper focusing in
source and set it to an appropriate intensity. microscopy and its impact on scientific
Calibrate the eyepiece reticle using a calibration observations.
slide with a standard micrometer scale. Adjust
the eyepiece to ensure accurate measurements. This detailed procedure ensures that
Examine and select a variety of prepared slides participants gain hands-on experience with the
with different specimens. Ensure that specimens focusing techniques using a compound
are well-positioned on slides, and coverslips are microscope. It provides a structured approach
securely placed. for participants to explore various
magnifications, practice focusing on different
Begin with the lowest magnification specimens, and understand the nuances of
objective (4x) for initial specimen location. achieving optimal clarity. The discussion session
Progressively switch to higher magnifications encourages reflection on the importance of
(10x, 40x, and 100x) for detailed observations. focusing in microscopic observations.
Place a prepared slide on the microscope stage
and secure it with the stage clips. Use the coarse Safety Precautions
focus knob to bring the specimen into
approximate focus. Adjust the illumination Compound Microscope is an expensive
intensity to enhance contrast. Switch to higher and delicate instrument hence, its safety is a
magnification objectives (10x and above). must. Keep the microscope under its dustcover
Utilize the fine focus knob for precise and in a cabinet when it is not being used.
adjustments to achieve optimal clarity. Focus Handle the microscope with great care. To move
it or carry it, hold it by its arm with one hand Blood cells are
and support its base with the other hand. Store bieng observe
the microscope with the scanning or lowest 100x clearly.
power in place and always start with this
objective when using. To clean the lenses, rub
them gently with the lens paper or high-quality T. 1. Appearance of Blood under Compound
cotton swab. If the microscope has a substage microscope with varying magnification.
lamp, be sure the electric cord does not hang off Appearance of Agavoideae (Century Plant)
the laboratory table where someone might trip under Compound microscope with varying
over it. Do not drag the microscope across the magnification.
laboratory table after placing it. Never remove
parts of the microscope or try to disassemble the Table 2
eyepiece or objective lenses.
Agavoideae (Century Plant)
Results and Discussion Appearance
Mag. under Observation
It was then observed that the field of microscope
view changes considering its power objective.
With this
Observations revealed that coarse focusing was
magnification tiny
effective in bringing specimens into approximate
40x compartment like is
focus, and fine focusing further enhanced clarity.
seen. Cell walls are
In addition, under compound microscope the
being observed.
appearance of animal tissue differs from plant
Cell walls and some
tissue (Fig. 2).
circular gaps are
100x observe in between
each cell.

Cell walls and some

circular gaps in
between each cell
400x
are being observe
b. Agavoideae a. Blood clearly.
Fig. 2. Appearance of a. Agavoideae (Century
(Century Plant)
Plant) and Blood under Compound
The circular gaps in
microscope.
between each cell
are being observed
Table 1 1000x
clearly. It appear to
contain something
Blood
in it.
Appearance
T. 2. Appearance of Agavoideae (Century
Mag. under Observation
Plant) under Compound microscope with
microscope
varying magnification.
With this
manification tiny
The tables show the appearance of plant
circles (blood
and animal cells in different magnification.
40x cells) are being
Identification of each magnification was based
observed.
on (Table 1) (2).

The laboratory experiment focusing on

specimens with a compound microscope
provided valuable insights into the intricacies of techniques contribute to the examination of
achieving precise focus and its implications for material properties at the microscopic level.
microscopic observations. The discussion Environmental scientists can benefit from
section synthesizes the results, explores the focusing skills when studying microorganisms in
significance of focusing techniques, addresses soil or water samples. The broad applicability of
challenges encountered, and reflects on the focusing skills underscores their significance in
broader applications of these skills in scientific advancing knowledge across various scientific
research. domains.

Focusing specimens with a compound In biological and medical research, the

microscope laboratory experiment provided a ability to focus on microscopic structures is
robust foundation for understanding the nuances paramount. The acquired skills enable
of focusing techniques. The insights gained, researchers to study cellular processes, identify
challenges addressed, and skills developed abnormalities in tissues, and contribute to
during this experiment contribute to the advancements in fields such as histology,
participants' proficiency in using a compound pathology, and microbiology. The generalization
microscope for microscopic observations. As of focusing skills in these contexts is crucial for
they progress in their scientific journeys, these enhancing our understanding of health, diseases,
participants are well-equipped to navigate the and the intricate workings of living organisms.
microscopic realm with precision and
confidence. In materials science, precise focusing is
indispensable for examining the microstructures
Generalization of materials, including metals, polymers, and
composites. Researchers can investigate grain
The laboratory experiment on focusing boundaries, defects, and material composition
specimens with a compound microscope yielded with heightened clarity. The generalization of
valuable insights into the principles and focusing skills in materials science opens
techniques essential for successful microscopy. avenues for innovations in material design,
The generalization section extrapolates key manufacturing, and quality control.
findings from the experiment to broader
contexts, discussing the universality of focusing In environmental studies, focusing skills
skills, their applications in various scientific play a pivotal role in studying microorganisms,
disciplines, and the implications for future algae, and other microscopic entities that impact
research endeavors. ecosystems. Researchers can explore the
intricate interactions within ecosystems,
The acquired focusing skills contributing to a comprehensive understanding
demonstrated in this experiment are universally of environmental dynamics. The generalization
applicable across diverse scientific disciplines. of focusing skills in this context supports
Whether exploring biological tissues, ecological research and environmental
microorganisms, or materials, the ability to conservation efforts.
achieve optimal focus is a fundamental aspect of
microscopy. The generalization of these skills The generalization of focusing skills
extends beyond the specific specimens used in from this laboratory experiment suggests
this experiment, emphasizing their relevance in avenues for future research. Exploring advanced
the broader realm of microscopic observations. focusing techniques, incorporating digital
imaging technologies, and adapting focusing
Precise focusing is a skillset with cross- skills to emerging microscopy methods are
disciplinary applications. Researchers in biology potential areas for investigation. Researchers can
can utilize these skills to study cellular build on the foundation established in this
structures, tissue morphology, and living experiment to contribute to the ongoing
organisms. In materials science, focusing evolution of microscopic techniques.
 The skills acquired in this experiment
are transferable not only across scientific
disciplines but also to various microscope types.
While the experiment focused on a compound
microscope, the principles of focusing apply to
other microscopy techniques, including electron
microscopes and scanning probe microscopes.
The generalization of these skills allows Fig. 3. Viewing the specimen under Compound
researchers to adapt and apply their proficiency microscope with a magnification of 40x.
to different microscopy platforms.

The generalization of focusing skills

highlights the importance of continued skill
development. As technology evolves and new
microscopy methods emerge, researchers must
remain adaptable and open to learning advanced
techniques. The acquired focusing skills serve as Fig. 4. Switching the objective power form low-
a foundation for ongoing skill development, power objective to high-power objective.
ensuring that researchers stay at the forefront of
microscopic research methodologies.

In summary, the focusing skills from

this laboratory experiment emphasizes the
universal applicability, cross-disciplinary
significance, and implications for diverse
scientific research endeavors. As researchers
continue to push the boundaries of microscopic Fig. 5. Viewing the specimen under Compound
exploration, the proficiency in achieving optimal microscope with a magnification of 100x.
focus established in this experiment serves as a
valuable asset in advancing scientific knowledge
and discovery.

References

1. Carpenter, M. (2013). The Compound

Microscope. Acrobat Distiller 9.4.2 Fig. 6. Making some changes in the fine
(Windows), 1-12. Accessed from adjustment knob to sharpen the focus.
http://samples.jbpub.com/978076379557
3/95573_CH03.pdf, January 19, 2024

2. Picone, C. (2016). The Compound

Microscope. Microsoft® Word 2013, 1-
8. Accessed from
https://wp.optics.arizona.edu/mnofziger/
wpcontent/uploads/sites/31/2016/05/ Fig. 7. Viewing the specimen under Compound
OPTI202L-Lab9-Microscopes- microscope with a magnification of 400x.
SP16.pdf, January 19, 2024

Appendices