1. MICROSCOPE PRACTICALS METHOD FORMAT
As with all practicals there is a set procedure to use for the write up. This is a format you can use for the
write-up of all experiments using microscopes (just change the specimen and microscope type). Keep this
in the front of your book and ensure you know it for all assessment tasks.
(Remember all experiments be valid and reliable, cover a safety risk assessment and be written in a logical
sequence that includes detail of how results will be collected).
THE STATEMENTS WRITTEN IN BOLD UPPERCASE ARE WHAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS INCLUDE IN AN
EXAM/ASSESSMENT TASK ANSWER.
1.
PREPARE SPECIMEN FOR VIEWING UNDER A LIGHT MICROSCOPE AND
PLACE SLIDE ONTO THE STAGE.
This should be a very brief outline of what you do eg Make a wet mount of onion
skin using methylene blue stain (OR use a prepared blood slide) and place it on
the light microscope stage.
2.
3.
4.
SET UP MICROSCOPE CORRECTLY TO FOCUS LIGHT ONTO THE
SPECIMEN
STARTING WITH LOW POWER (X 100 MAGNIFICATION), FOCUS ON
THE SPECIMEN
CHANGE TO HIGH POWER (X 400 MAGNIFICATION) AND FOCUS ON
THE SPECIMEN
(These steps ensure VALIDITY of a microscope experiment. The microscope is set
up correctly to produce focussed images. Remember, validity for all experiments
is whether it is correctly designed to answer the aim/hypothesis proposed).
5.
6.
DRAW TO SCALE, LABELLED SCIENTIFIC DIAGRAMS OF THE SPECIMEN
VIEWED
UTILISE IMAGES AND INFORMATION FROM SECONDARY SOURCES (eg.
textbook) TO CONFIRM THE ACCURACY OF DIAGRAMS AND LABELS
(This will ensure RELIABILITY of the microscope experiment.
Remember, reliability is about producing consistent and accurate results).
7.
SAFETY RISK and SOLUTION (essential part of any experiment) RISK OF CUTS
FROM BROKEN GLASS MICROSCOPE SLIDES, SO ALWAYS MOVE THE
OBJECTIVE LENS AWAY FROM THE STAGE WHEN VIEWING THROUGH
THE EYEPIECE.