Laboratory #1 - Observation and Measurement

This lab serves as an introduction to the use of microscopes and the measurement of temperature, volume, and mass. The microscope is one of the most valuable and critical tools of biology. In this lab, you should be comfortable with the use and care of a typical light microscope. You should also be able to identify the various parts of a microscope and define the following terms:
The first picture below shows a compound light microscope which is commonly used to view small, thin biological specimens. The second picture shows the coarse (outer knob) and fine (inner knob) focus adjustments.
Remember: always use the fine focus adjustment when viewing a specimen under high magnification.



Notice the fairly long distance (working distance) between the objective lens and the slide when a low magnification lens is in place. In general, the higher the magnification, the shorter the working distance.



The above image shows the 4X (scanning) objective in position for use. If the ocular magnification is 10X, what is the total magnification? Answer...................40X

Slides, water, and coverslips are typically used to make wet-mounts of live organisms.


The pictures below are of slides that were observed in lab.
Notice the colored threads. Can you distinguish which thread is on top of the other two? This slide was used to demonstrate the 3-dimensional aspect of prepared slides.
Notice the letter "e". How has its orientation changed compared to what an "e" normally looks like?
THREADS
"e"



Always use lens paper to clean lenses, NOT kleenex or Kim-Wipes.




This is a dissecting microscope commonly used to view large three dimensional objects. (Jewelry shops often use these to show-off beautiful diamonds). Dissecting microscopes can also be used to view slides with large specimens.




MEASUREMENT

Part of this exercise involved converting temperature from Farenheit to Celcius using the following formula:
Celcius = 5/9 (F - 32)
If water freezes at 32 Farenheit, what is that temperature in Celcius?

You should also be familiar with the scientific method which invoves the following steps:

1- make an observation
2- ask a question
3- formulate an hypothesis to answer the question
4- test your hypothesis
5- analyze your results
6- draw conclusions

This concludes the review for Lab 1 - Observation and Measurement.





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