Liban Ahmed Experiment 2 September 20, 2003
Activity 2: Estimating Size Using a Microscope
Problem
How can the size of microscopic specimens be estimated?
Hypothesis
The size of microscopic specimens can be estimated by using a miniature plastic ruler that can measure millimeters and determining the diameter of the field of view.
Materials
- Prepared slides of human tissue
- Microscope
- Clear plastic ruler that can measure millimeters
Procedure
- Made tables in notebook to record the field of vision and cell dimensions under low, medium, and high magnifications.
- Brought a microscope to the lab area making sure to use both hands to carry the microscope and that the cord was not dangling.
- Looked through the instructions making sure there were no problems that could be posed.
- Organized the lab area and prepared all equipment including slides and the microscope.
- Switched to the low-power objective lens.
- Carefully moved the ruler so that it is measuring the diameter of the filed of view, while looking through the eyepiece.
- Recorded observations and measurements.
- Removed the ruler and placed the prepared slide on the stage making sure the stage clips held the slide in place.
- Recorded cell length and width.
- Removed the slide and carefully moved the ruler so that it is measuring the diameter of the filed of view, while looking through the eyepiece.
- Switched to the medium-power objective lens.
- Estimated and recorded the diameter of the field of view.
- Calculated the diameter of the field of view.
- Switched to the low-power objective lens and removed the ruler.
- Placed the prepared slide on the stage making sure the stage clips held the slide in place.
- Switched to the medium-power objective lens and focused on the image.
- Estimated and recorded the cell length and width.
- Calculated the field of view and recorded observations.
- Estimated and recorded the cell length and width.
- Calculated and recorded observations.
- Removed the slide.
- Cleaned up the lab area and placed the equipment in the designated places.