Microscope Lab
Instructions: The goal of this lab is to observe and record what
you see and gain the valuable skill of working microscopes.
Step 1: Place the slide on the stage and move the stage clips so
they are holding down the slide.
Step 2: Using the smallest objective lenses focus the slide using
the coarse and find focus adjust knobs.
Step 3: If the image is still blurry move the objective lens to a
higher setting. DO NOT MOVE THE LENS UNLESS THE
STAGE IS ALL THE WAY AT THE BOTTOM.
Step 4: Complete the following questions about each slide.
Practice Slide – “slide e”
Before you use any of the other slides you need to practice. Without practicing you are more likely to break the slides and
the microscope! Be careful!
Move the slide around with your finger carefully until you can clearly see the E. You will have to do this
throughout the entire lab so this is a good place to start.
This lab is all about trial and error. You won’t get it done perfectly right off the bat. And that’s okay! Have fun!
Examples of Possible Observations
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What does it look like?
Is it a certain color?
Can you see the individual cells or not?
What type of eukaryotic cell?
Station #: _______
Name: ______________________ Name:_____________________ Hr.: ______
Slide 1 Name - ________________________________
1. What objective lens did you end up using to see the slide the best? (Ex: red/smallest, yellow/medium, or
blue/large) ____________________________________________________________________
2. Draw what you see onto the circle. Add as many details as possible.
3. What are observations did you make about the slide?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Slide 2 Name - ________________________________
1. What objective lens did you end up using to see the slide the best? (Ex: red/smallest, yellow/medium, or
blue/large) ____________________________________________________________________
2. Draw what you see onto the circle. Add as many details as possible.
3. What are observations did you make about the slide?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Slide 3 Name - ________________________________
4. What objective lens did you end up using to see the slide the best? (Ex: red/smallest, yellow/medium, or
blue/large) ____________________________________________________________________
5. Draw what you see onto the circle. Add as many details as possible.
6. What are observations did you make about the slide?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Slide 4 Name - ________________________________
4. What objective lens did you end up using to see the slide the best? (Ex: red/smallest, yellow/medium, or
blue/large) ____________________________________________________________________
5. Draw what you see onto the circle. Add as many details as possible.
6. What are observations did you make about the slide?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________