Name:
Period:
Date:
Pond Biology and Microscopy Lab
Lab Objectives:
 Develop our skill and knowledge of microscopy
 Reveal biology in unusual places
Section 1: Parts and Use of a Microscope
First we must become familiar with this tool. Using any resources available,
including your teacher and classmates, label the microscope diagram below. They
are delicate and expensive, so keep in mind rules of proper use.
Data Table: To find “Total Magnification” multiply the magnifications of the
objective
and ocular.
Objective
Magnification of
Objective
Magnification of
Ocular
Total Magnification
Low power
High power
List the rules for handling a microscope:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Section 2: Preparing a Wet Mount



First cut out a letter “e” out of the newspaper.
Place it on a slide, and cover it with one drop of water.
Slowly lower the coverslip, so as to avoid creating air bubbles. Always
hold coverslips, and slides by their edges.
Question 1: Why would you not want to hold a coverslip on the faces
with your thumb and finger? ____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Draw your letter “e” in the circle below labeled “Low Power
Magnification.”
Question 2: How do images appear through the ocular (eyepiece)
compared to how they appear on the stage? ______________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Move the “e” to the left on the stage. Then move it up.
Question 3: How does the slide move through your field of vision, as
compared to how it moves on the stage? _________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Now view the “e” with the high power objective. Draw it in the other
circle. Make sure you do not focus the slide into the objective. Start
with the stage low and work your way up.
Low Power Magnification
High Power Magnification
Section 3: Looking for Life in Pond Water
First stir the pond water to lift any sunken matter. Then place one drop
of the pond water on a slide and cover with a coverslip.
 If any air bubbles are present, lightly tap the slide with a clean dry
object.
 Find as many living things as possible.
Question 1: What clues indicate that they are alive? _____________________

______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Draw your field of vision in the circle below. Draw squares around
anything you think might be a living organism.
o Draw the organisms in squares provided (make more as needed).
o Draw lines connecting your square back to where they are located
in your field of vision circle. This indicates their actual size.
Pond sample
_________x_
(total magnification)
Section 4: Looking for Life in Soil


You are now going to prepare wet mounts with your two soil samples.
All you need is a very small pinch of soil and one drop of water.
Minimize air bubbles.
Fill in the table with pictures of any living organisms you see. If you
cannot find one on your slide, look in another group’s scope. Do a
rough sketch of the entire field of vision in each inset circle. Once again,
this indicates the size of the organism pictured.
Low Bank Soil Sample
High Bank Soil Sample
Total Magnification: _______x___
Total Magnification: _______x___
Question 1: Why is it important to filter water before drinking and wash your hands
before eating? __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Question 2: How could you determine the number of organisms in a mouthful of
water? _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________