Using the microscope

1. What are the parts of a Microscope and their functions?

a) Label the parts of the microscope in the diagram above. Fill in the boxes above.
b) What is the function of each part of the microscope? Describe the function next to the
name of the parts.

Part Function
Eyepiece is the lens used to look through and magnifies the object.
Coarse focus knob focuses the low and medium objective lenses roughly.
Fine focus knob fine tunes the focus to give a clearer image.
Objective lens is used to magnify image of the specimen.
Arm is used to carry the microscope.
Clip is used to hold the slide in place.
Stage is the part where the slide is placed.
Diaphragm controls the amount of light reaching the objective lens.
Mirror is used to reflect light towards the objective lenses.
Base supports the microscope.
Revolving nose Piece moves around to change the power of the objective lenses.

2.
a) How do you place a microscope properly?
Grasp the microscope arm with one hand and place your other hand under the base.
Place the microscope on a table with the arm towards you in a well-lit area.

b) What are the steps that you need to know in order to use the microscope efficiently?
Describe each step and fill in the table.

No Step
Step 1 Turn the low power objective into position. Lower the objective lens to the
lowest point. Use the coarse focus knob for focusing purposes.
Step 2 Adjust the diaphragm and the mirror by looking through the eyepiece to get
sufficient amount of light.
Step 3 Prepare a slide and place it on the microscope stage. Use the stage clip to
hold it in place on the stage.
Step 4 Then, while looking through the eyepiece, slowly turn the coarse focus
knob.
Step 5 When the specimen is focused under lower power, move the slide so that
the section of the specimen that you want to see is in your field of vision.
Step 6 If you want to switch to high power, look at the slide from the side of the
microscope. Then slowly turn to the highest power objective. Do not touch
the coarse focus knob, otherwise you will crack the slide.
Step 7 Once you are using a high power objective, focus using the fine focus knob
only. Be sure to centre your specimen before switching to a higher power
objective or it may disappear.

Exercise 1

1. Complete the statements below.

i. The part of the microscope that you look into is called the eyepiece.
ii. When focusing, you must first adjust the coarse focus knob.
iii. The slide sits on the stage.
iv. The base is the bottom of the microscope.
v. After using the coarse focus knob, you should adjust the fine focus knob for
more clarity.
Cell as a Basic Unit

1. What is a Cell?
a) Cells are the basic units of living things.
b) Most cells are too small. We use microscopes to study them.
c) Cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

2. Why is cell a Basic unit?