Using a light microscope
Using a light microscope
Microscopy: using a light microscope to observe, draw and label a selection of
plant and animal cells.
Optical microscopes are widely used in biological science. The GCSE curriculum requires students to observe, draw and label a selection of plant and animal cells. A magnification scale must be included. Students should be familiar with the names and functions of the microscope parts from their work at Key Stage 3. A revision of this before the practical would be beneficial.
Microscope styles can vary between manufacturers, but the mechanics and workings are generally the same.
Equipment (per pair of participants)
• M-100FLED microscope
• Selection of prepared microscope slides
• Ruler
• Pencils
• Alcohol-free cleaning wipes
Method
- Students should choose an animal cell slide for observation.
- They then place the slide onto the microscope stage and fix into place using the securing clips.
- The objectives are rotated so that the lowest power magnification is selected (usually 4x).
- Then using the coarse (large) focus knob without looking through the eyepiece, raise the stage so that the slide is close to the objective lens but not touching it.
- Students then look through the eyepiece and turn the coarse focusing knob in the opposite direction until the specimen on the slide is close to being in focus.
- They then use the fine focus knob to adjust the focus until the specimen is clearly in view.
- Concentrating on a group of cells in view, students then turn the objectives so that the next higher power lens is in use (10x).
- They then use the fine focus knob to adjust the focusing so that the specimen is clear.
- Concentrating on a group of cells in view, they must now turn the objectives so that the next higher power lens is in use (40x).
- Use the fine focus knob to adjust the focusing again.
- Using a pencil, students must draw a diagram of the cells, ensuring they label any component parts that they can see.
- Students then calculate the magnification of the image by multiplying the selected objective value by the eyepiece magnification.
- The process is then repeated for a plant cell slide.
Microscope styles can vary between manufacturers, but the mechanics and workings are generally the same
Technician tips
• Microscopes should be serviced annually. General microscope servicing can be completed by the Technician Team, given time.
CLEAPSS have some excellent online resources which can help with the maintenance of microscopes:
GL294 Microscopes fixing common faults
PS042 Repair and service agents for microscopes
GL372 Setting up and using a microscope
• Microscopes should be wiped in between each student use using alcohol-free cleaning wipes
To do this practical you will need
Need some Biology inspiration and help?
Observe, draw and label animal and plant cells using our light microscope for the GCSE Biology required practical. At Philip Harris, our high-quality light microscopes are suitable for all manners of microscope work from basic use. To do this practical, you will need a monocular LED microscope, prepared microscope slide, rulers, pencils and cleaning wipes. Shop Philip Harris for more science equipment ideal for your school or lab.
