How to Use Microscopes

From time to time, that thing in the science laboratory catches your attention. During your Science class, your teacher tells you that it’s a microscope. It’s a device used to see objects that can’t be seen by the naked eye. Now that you already know what it is and what it does, the next step requires you the knowledge of how to properly use it. Since the microscope is an expensive and sensitive tool it should be given proper care when used.

Make sure that your area for experimentation is clean and in order. Avoid having your things scattered at the aisles as this might get in the way once you get the microscope. Remember to carry the microscope with one hand on its Arm and the other hand its Base. Draw it close to your body when walking.

Remove the cover and plug the microscope in. Place the excess cord on the table. Do not let the excess cord dangle over the edge because your knee could get caught on it and the next sound you’d hear would be a bang. 

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 Always start and end with low power, this is the green lens. Put the slide on the stage with the specimen directly over the center of the glass circle on the stage or directly over the light. You will find the specimen as soon as you look through the eyepiece. When you have eyeglasses on, take them off. If you are only seeing your lashes, that means you have to move closer. If you see a dark line that goes part way across the field of view, try turning the eyepiece.

If you are using low power, you have to lower the objective lens to the lowest point, then you focus first with the use of the coarse knob, then the fine focus knob. The specimen will be more in focus if the low power objective is near the lowest point, so start there and focus as you slowly raise the lens. If the coarse knob doesn’t work then switch to the fine focus knob.

Adjust the diaphragm as you look through the eyepiece, you will see that more details are visible when there is less light. Excessive light will give the specimen a washed-out appearance.

Once you’ve found the specimen on low power switch it to high power without changing the focus knobs. If you don’t put the specimen in the center you will lose it as you switch to high power. Once it is on high power remember that you only use the fine focus knob.

Never use the red lens. It is called an oil immersion lens. Without the oil to lubricate the lens, you will destroy it. Also, the oil is helpful in gathering enough light to actually see through the lens.

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