Videos of Proper Microscope Use

Note that you will need either RealPlayer G2 or QuickTime to view these files. The QuickTime files clearly show details, but are larger and take longer to download (both formats supposedly will stream the movies), while the RealPlayer files are smaller in filesize but show far less detail. The size of each file will display in the status bar as you put the mouse over each picture, below.

The whole process of proper microscope use is available as a QuickTime or RealPlayer video.

Or, to see a specific segment, click on a picture to view the corresponding movie.

QuickTime			RealPlayer
	Parts of the Microscope	5:05
	In your lab notebook, draw and label a picture of a microscope. Know what all the parts are, where they are, and what they do.
	Getting out the Microscope	0:36
	When carrying a microscope, one hand goes under the base and one hand goes around the arm of the microscope.
	Plugging in the Cord	0:47
	Cords should be draped over the table top, not left dangling down. Someone could trip over a dangling cord and pull a microscope off the table.
	Adjusting Chair Height	0:21
	Adjust your chair height so you can comfortably look through the microscope.
	Obtaining a Letter “e” Slide	1:22
	Notice how the letter “e” appears to the naked eye and how that differs from its appearance under the microscope.
	Getting the Right-Eye View in Focus	0:39
	Use the coarse and fine adjustment knobs to bring the right-eye view into focus.
	Getting the Left-Eye View in Focus	1:04
	Use the diopter adjustment to bring the left-eye view into focus.
	Adjusting the Interpupillary Distance	0:39
	Adjust the width between the oculars until you can comfortably see one image with both eyes.
	Going from 4× to 10× Objective	0:58
	When going to a higher-power objective, do not move the stage. You may use either the coarse or fine adjustment knobs at 10×.
	Going from 10× to 40× Objective	1:20
	When going to 40×, watch from the side to make sure the lens doesn’t hit the slide, but do not move the stage. Only use fine adjustment at 40×.
	Putting Away the Microscope, Part 1	1:59
	When putting away your microscope, make sure to read the checklist on the back of the microscope and do everything listed there.
	Putting Away the Microscope, Part 2	2:02
	Your microscope should be placed in the cupboard with the arm facing toward you so the next person can grab the arm to take the microscope out.
	The Microscope Police	0:41
	Surprise microscope checks may occur after you leave the lab. Any problems will be reported to your lab instructor and/or you may be graded on your technique (a “pop” quiz).

Other Things to Include in Your Notebook

Make sure you have all of the following in your lab notebook:

• all handout pages (in notebook or separate protocol book)
• all notes you take during the video and introductory mini-lecture
• all notes and data you gather as you perform the experiment
• drawing (yours!) of the microscope that you used in lab, with all parts labeled and functions of those parts noted
• drawings (yours!) of letter “e” at various powers of magnification (label which power, label silver crystals if seen)
• if/when examined, drawings (yours!) of yeast cells at various powers of magnification (label which power, label any obvious organelles)
• optional drawings (yours!) of slide and coverslip
• answers to all discussion questions, a summary/conclusion in your own words, and any suggestions you may have
• any returned, graded pop quiz