Introduction to the Microscope

Anatomy of a Microscope

In today's lesson, you will learn about the light microscope that came with your curriculum kit. Today, you will learn:

• how to assemble the microscope;

• the parts of the microscope; and

• how to calculate the total magnification.

​What are some things that we talked about last week about microscopes?

Match

Match the zoomed in image with the thing that it is.

Grasshopper

Rock

Intestines

Bread

• Grasshopper

• Rock

• Intestines

• Bread

​You likely had some difficulty matching the macroscopic objects with their microscopic images. Some objects have very different colors or textures when viewed under the microscope.

​Microscopes allow you to see details of objects that are too small to discern with just your eyes. You received a microscope in your curriculum kit that will allow you to see the fine details of specimens like the ones on this page.

​Preparing Your Microscope

​Let's Check Out This Video

​Your microscope has two light sources.

1. The upper light source is used during stereo microscope mode.

2. The lower light source is used during compound light microscope mode.

Verify that both light sources turn on.

​You will need to use both stereo and compound microscope modes during Science 7, so it is important that both lights function. If there is a problem with your microscope, notify your teacher immediately. Continue on to learn about the parts of your microscope.

Label the following structures on the diagram. This is also in your notes for today.

• eyepiece

• arm

• focus knob

• switch

• base

• light source

• stage
  
  What function do all of these parts serve on the microscope?

Match

Match the following parts of the microscope to their function.

• supports a slide while you view the specimen

  
  

• supports the microscope as it sits on a surface

• place to look into to view a specimen

• spins to adjust the amount of light entering the microscope

stage

base

eyepiece

diaphragm

• stage

• base

• eyepiece

• diaphragm

​How do we know how many times our specimen is magnified?

​Magnification!

Draw

Label the different parts of your microscope!

​Now, return your microscope to the box to safely store it until your next lesson. Remember to remove the eyepiece before placing the microscope back in the box. Continue on to show what you learned today.