How can the size of microscopic specimens be estimated?

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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

  1. Made tables in notebook to record the field of vision and cell dimensions under low, medium, and high magnifications.
  2. Brought a microscope to the lab area making sure to use both hands to carry the microscope and that the cord was not dangling.
  3. Looked through the instructions making sure there were no problems that could be posed.
  4. Organized the lab area and prepared all equipment including slides and the microscope.
  5. Switched to the low-power objective lens.
  6. Carefully moved the ruler so that it is measuring the diameter of the filed of view, while looking through the eyepiece.
  7. Recorded observations and measurements.
  8. Removed the ruler and placed the prepared slide on the stage making sure the stage clips held the slide in place.
  9. Recorded cell length and width.
  10. 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.
  11. Switched to the medium-power objective lens.
  12. Estimated and recorded the diameter of the field of view.
  13. Calculated the diameter of the field of view.
  14. Switched to the low-power objective lens and removed the ruler.
  15. Placed the prepared slide on the stage making sure the stage clips held the slide in place.
  16. Switched to the medium-power objective lens and focused on the image.
  17. Estimated and recorded the cell length and width.
  18. Calculated the field of view and recorded observations.
  19. Estimated and recorded the cell length and width.
  20. Calculated and recorded observations.
  21. Removed the slide.
  22. Cleaned up the lab area and placed the equipment in the designated places.
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Observations

Sketches of Ruler under Microscope

          Low Power                                                                                                            Medium Power

Tables

Field of Vision

Cell Dimension

Diagram of a Single Cell (High Power)

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