Laboratory 1 – Microscopes and Cells

The Light Compound Microscope

Reminders:

• Always start with the 4X objective lens. Find the specimen and focus using the coarse focus, then the fine focus knob. Then progress to the 10X objective lens, then 40X lens and oil/100X lenses. Be sure to focus at EACH new objective lens using ONLY the fine focus knob. Do not skip using a lens. Always progress one lens at a time.
• Label all drawings with date, time, place and any relevant notes.
• Record all observations; don’t rely on memory.
• Make sure to record what you SEE, not what you THINK you should see.
• Detail is key, pay attention to even the smallest things.
• Include an indication of size (total magnification, field of view, size bar or lens used in relation to the field of view)