How to Use Student Microscopes
A microscope’s longevity relies on the user’s knowledge of its proper use and care. Even though we may not be a microscopist, at least we can take care of our high power or low power student microscope by knowing how to use it appropriately. We will also get more enjoyment out of using the student microscope for activities and experiments when we know how to operate it properly. It is advisable to set up the student microscope on a large worktable. A large area is needed to provide space for the necessary tools, accessories, and equipment that are related with the student microscope activity, such as for preparing, staining or drawing the samples. Only the necessary tools must be on the table; those which are not really needed for the job at hand will only clutter the space and confuse the work.
If you work at daylight, the student microscope worktable is ideal to be near a window. An adjustable stool is the best option for a seat because you can adjust its height the way you want it to. Some student microscopes are monocular with a straight ocular tube, forcing the student or microscopist to stand over the microscope to view the specimen in the eyepiece. Other models allow the frame to incline, making it easier to use. Still others have a built in prism and incline the head and the angle of the eyepieces.
In setting up the student microscope, make sure to grasp it by its frame or arm or else it may damage the parts. Screw in all the microscope objectives and insert the eyepieces. Be careful about turning the unit over as the eyepieces often simply slip in and are not held in place. Other models do have set screws to lock the eyepiece down from moving. In placing the prepared microscope slide, make sure that the area to be observed is above the microscope stage’s round opening and is centered below the objective to use. Lower the tube using the adjustment on the coarse focusing until the objective’s front lens is only a few millimetres from the cover slip. Look through the eyepiece so you can adjust the height to achieve the clarity of the focused specimen image.
It is vital to remember that in order to see an image, you have to raise the tube than lowering it. Lowering the tube may cause the objective lens to touch the slide and destroy the preparation or render it unable to show a clear image. So the student first lowers the objective close to the stage, then begins looking into the eyepiece while using the coarse focus to elevate the objective from the stage, stopping at the point of sharp focus. The fine focuing may be used for this.
In getting the best illumination, you only have to know the proper adjustment of the mirror. Lower power (weaker) objectives require the condenser to be adjusted farther away. In more powerful objectives (higher magnification), on the other hand, the condenser should be raised to its topmost and closest to the bottom of the prepared microscope slide.
Artificial lighting, like an unfrosted incandescent bulb, is advisable for finer microscope experiments even when there is daylight. You may also install a frosted glass or colored filter in between the bulb and the microscope condenser. If the particular kid student microscope has no light condenser, simply change the stage diaphragm opening and turn the mirror up and down to find a good illumination. To properly examine and position the preparations, you must keep your hand on the X Y stage adjustment at all times. You can focus on various levels of sharpness by making small back and forth adjustments. This way, you can comfortably look into the student microscope without straining your own eyes.
Changing the objective is easy. The first thing to do is to ensure that the microscope stage is clamped tightly into place. Raise the tube up high before unscrewing it and place your hand under the objective to prevent it from falling. Still supported by the hand, screw the objective into place and lower the tube until it is only a few millimetres above the slide.
It is advisable for beginners like students and children to acquire a revolving nosepiece that can carry two or more objectives. Usually, the compound microscope has three objectives for a beginning student version, and four or more for a higher grade research unit. This way, it will be easier to view the preparation in different objectives with just a simple turn of the objective nosepiece. Learning how to use student microscopes properly will help students and children perform their microscope activities better and enhance their learning experience.
