BIOLOGY 10 - Basic Microscope Setup and Use

00:04:24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUo2fHZaZCU

Summary

TLDRThis video tutorial offers step-by-step instructions on effectively using microscopes in a Biology 10 laboratory. It covers retrieving and setting up the microscope, focusing on specimens using various objective lenses, troubleshooting tips for common issues, and proper cleanup procedures after use. Key points include the importance of starting with low power, ensuring the specimen is centered, adjusting light settings, and cleaning lenses when necessary. The tutorial emphasizes safety and careful handling of the equipment throughout the process.

Takeaways

  • 🔍 Retrieve and set up the microscope carefully.
  • 🔌 Unwind and plug in the power cord.
  • 🔭 Start with the low power objective lens (4X).
  • 🔧 Use the fine-focus knob for precise adjustments.
  • 🔎 Center the specimen before increasing magnification.
  • 💡 Adjust light for best image quality.
  • 🧼 Clean the lenses with lens paper if blurry.
  • 🧹 Ensure the stage is clean after use.
  • 🙏 Ask for help if the microscope is too heavy.
  • 📦 Carry the microscope carefully back to storage.

Timeline

  • 00:00:00 - 00:04:24

    The video outlines how to properly use microscopes in the Biology 10 lab, consisting of setup, operation, troubleshooting, and cleanup. To begin, retrieve a microscope, ensuring to carry it carefully with support from both hands for safety. After plugging it in, adjust the ocular lenses and confirm the condenser lens position before setting the objective lens to low power and elevating the stage. Adjust the light intensity to improve visibility. Once ready, position a slide securely on the stage, center it, and start observing at low power (4X), adjusting focus as needed, then proceed to higher magnifications (10X and 40X) while ensuring the specimen remains centered. Troubleshoot focusing issues by returning to lower power if necessary. Utilize the stage diaphragm for unstained specimens and clean the lens if blurriness occurs at high power. Finally, follow proper cleanup procedures after use, ensuring the microscope is returned neatly to the cabinet.

Mind Map

Video Q&A

  • What should I do if the microscope is too heavy to carry?

    Ask for assistance from a classmate or instructor.

  • How do I turn on the microscope?

    Unwind the power cord and plug it in, then use the on/off switch located on the back.

  • What power should I start with when viewing a specimen?

    Begin with the low power objective lens (4X).

  • How can I improve my focus on the specimen?

    Use the fine-focus knob for small adjustments after centering the specimen.

  • What should I do if the specimen is blurry under higher power?

    You may need to clean the lens with lens paper and lens cleaner.

  • How do I clean the microscope after use?

    Remove the slide, return to the lowest power lens, and ensure the stage is clean and dry.

  • What is the purpose of the stage diaphragm?

    It reduces the amount of light for observing unstained specimens.

  • How should I carry a microscope back to the cabinet?

    With both hands, ensuring the arm faces out and that it's not crowded with other microscopes.

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  • 00:00:01
    This video demonstrates how to use the microscopes in the Biology 10 laboratory. It consists of four
  • 00:00:06
    parts - setting up the microscope, using the microscope, troubleshooting hints, and cleanup.
  • 00:00:21
    Retrieve a microscope from the cabinet. Carry the microscope with both hands, one holding
  • 00:00:26
    the arm and the other under the base of the instrument. If the microscope is too heavy
  • 00:00:30
    for you to carry safely, ask for assistance.
  • 00:00:34
    Unwind the cord from the back of the microscope and plug it in.
  • 00:00:39
    The on/off switch is on the back of the scope, and may be hard to find if the power cord
  • 00:00:44
    is still wrapped around the holders.
  • 00:00:47
    Check the ocular lenses and turn them until the number 64 lines up with the white line
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    below the rotating part of the lens.
  • 00:00:55
    Check that the condenser lens is just below the stage.
  • 00:01:00
    Put the objective lens on low power and move the stage to its highest position.
  • 00:01:10
    Adjust the light to the medium or medium high range. You can adjust the light later to improve
  • 00:01:14
    the image. The brightest light doesn't necessarily result in the best image.
  • 00:01:19
    Now you should be ready to start using the microscope.
  • 00:01:27
    Open the clip on the stage with one hand and slide a microscope slide to the back of the
  • 00:01:31
    stage. Be sure the slide doesn't go under the clips that hold it in place.
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    Use the knobs on the lower right side of the stage to center the specimen over the condenser
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    lens.
  • 00:01:45
    Start with the low power objective lens (4X) and the stage in its highest position. Then
  • 00:01:50
    look through the ocular lens and focus on the specimen, which should already be nearly
  • 00:01:54
    in focus.
  • 00:01:56
    Once you have found the specimen on low power, be sure it is centered in the field of view.
  • 00:02:01
    Then move to the next highest objective lens (10 X) and refocus.
  • 00:02:06
    Your specimen should be nearly in focus, and you should only need to use the smaller, fine-focus
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    knob.
  • 00:02:12
    Again center the specimen and you are ready to move to the highest power lens (40x).
  • 00:02:25
    If your slide doesn't move when you turn the knobs to adjust the slide holder, make sure
  • 00:02:29
    you are using the right knobs and that the slide is clipped in place properly.
  • 00:02:35
    If you are having trouble finding the specimen;
  • 00:02:37
    Make sure your specimen is centered
  • 00:02:39
    Start over at the lowest power and move the stage back to its highest position. If you
  • 00:02:43
    get frustrated trying to focus, you can easily get so far out of focus that it is easier
  • 00:02:48
    to start over. You should only need to do minor adjustments at each magnification.
  • 00:02:53
    When focusing, move the slide just a little bit back and forth with the slide holder knobs.
  • 00:02:58
    Your eyes can see motion better than stationary objects
  • 00:03:03
    If you are observing unstained specimens, use the stage diaphragm to reduce the amount
  • 00:03:07
    of light passing through.
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    Also, if you are observing unstained specimens, try to find a bubble or other easily observed
  • 00:03:15
    object under the cover slip and focus on that.
  • 00:03:19
    If when you move to a higher power lens, the specimen becomes blurry as though it were
  • 00:03:23
    coated with Vaseline and you cannot focus, you may need to clean the lens. Soak a piece
  • 00:03:28
    of lens paper (and only lens paper) with lens cleaner and wipe the lens.
  • 00:03:33
    Then wipe dry with clean lens paper. Repeat a couple of times. If this doesn't solve the
  • 00:03:38
    problem, check with your instructor.
  • 00:03:47
    When you have finished using the microscope, remove the slide, and rotate the lowest power
  • 00:03:51
    lens in place.
  • 00:03:53
    Move the stage to a centered position and slide holder to the left.
  • 00:03:58
    Check that the stage is clean and dry.
  • 00:04:01
    Turn off the light and power and wrap the cord.
  • 00:04:05
    Carry the microscope with both hands back to the cabinet. Be sure that the arm is facing
  • 00:04:09
    out and that the microscopes are not crowded together.
Tags
  • Microscope
  • Biology Lab
  • Setup Instructions
  • Usage
  • Troubleshooting
  • Cleanup Procedures
  • Ocular Lens
  • Objective Lens
  • Cleaning
  • Safety