SCIENCE 7

QUARTER 2: PARTS OF THE MICROSCOPE AND THEIR FUNCTION

ACTIVITY SHEET 1

CONTENT STANDARD:
The learners demonstrate understanding of the parts and functions of the compound microscope.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD:
The learners should be able to employ appropriate techniques using the compound microscope to
gather data about very small objects.

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY (MELC):

Identify the parts of the microscope and their function. S7LT-IIa1

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:
1. Describe microscope;
2. Identify the parts of the microscope;
3. Explain what can each part of the microscope do; and
4. Appreciate the importance of microscope in studying science.

INTRODUCTION

Microscope

Having been constructed in the 16th Century, Microscopes have revolutionized science with their
ability to magnify small objects such as microbial cells, producing images with definitive structures that are
identifiable and characterizable.
The microscope is a tool which can help you see tiny objects and living organisms. It makes them
look bigger. The ability of the microscope to make the specimen bigger is called magnifying power or
magnification. The microscope also has the capacity to distinguish small gaps between two separate
points which humans cannot distinguish. It is called its resolving power or resolution.

PARTS OF THE MICROSCOPE AND ITS FUNCTION

Microscopes are generally made up of structural parts for holding and supporting the microscope and
its components and the optical parts which are used for magnification and viewing of the specimen images.
This description defines the parts of a microscope and the functions they perform to enable visualization of
specimens.
There are three structural parts of the microscope i.e. head, base, and arm.
1. Head – This is also known as the body, it carries the optical parts in the upper part of the
microscope.
2. Base – It acts as microscopes support. It also carriers the microscopic illuminators.
3. Arms – This is the part connecting the base and to the head and the eyepiece tube to the base of
the microscope. It gives support to the head of the microscope and it also used when carrying the
microscope. Some high-quality microscopes have an articulated arm with more than one joint allowing
more movement of the microscopic head for better viewing.

The optical parts of the microscope are used to view, magnify, and produce an image from a specimen
placed on a slide. These parts include:
 Eyepiece or Ocular lens – it where you look through to view the object placed on the stage. It
magnifies the specimen image.
  Body tube – it supports the eyepiece and lenses and also maintains the distance between the
eyepiece and the objective lenses.
 Stage – it is a section in which the specimen is placed for viewing.
 Stage clips – it holds the specimen slide in place.
 Revolving nosepiece – it holds the
objectives (LPO HPO, OIO). It can be rotated
to switch the objective lenses and adjust the
magnification power.
 The Adjustment knobs – These are knobs
that are used to focus the microscope. There
are two types of adjustment knobs:
 Fine adjustment knob – it brings
the specimen into sharp focus.
 Coarse adjustment knob – it
moves the body tube up and down
to bring the specimen into focus.
 Objective lenses – the objective lenses
combine with the eyepiece lens to increase
magnification level. Light microscope has
three objectives, other have four namely:
 Scanner – the shortest one marked 3x, 4x or 5x.
 Low power objective (LPO) – is marked 10x or 12x.
 High power objective (HPO) – is marked 40x, 43x or 60x.
 Oil immersion objective (OIO) – is marked 97x, 100x or OIO or the word oil on it. This
objective is used to view bacteria, very small protists and fungi. The OIO requires a special
oil such as quality cedar wood or cargille’s immersion oil.
 Diaphragm - also known as the iris. It is found under the stage of the microscope and its primary role
is to control the amount of light that reaches the specimen. It is an adjustable apparatus, hence
controlling the light intensity and the size of the beam of light that gets to the specimen.
 Mirror - it is used to reflect light from an external light source up through the bottom of the stage.
 Inclination joint – it connects the arm of the microscope and the base. If so, you can place one hand
on the base and with the other hand grab the arm and rotate it back. It will tilt your microscope back
for more comfortable viewing.

HOW TO TAKE CARE THE MICROSCOPE

Here are some practices to achieve for an efficient and longer use of the microscope:

1. Check the microscope before and after use. Report any missing or damaged part to your teacher.
2. Use a clean tissue paper or soft cloth like old t-shirt to clean the mechanical parts of the
microscope.
3. Prevent liquids, especially acids and alcohol from spilling on any part of the microscope. Always use
a cover slip in observing wet mounts.
4. Check for moisture (such as from condensation of human breath) in the eyepiece. This may happen
due to prolonged observation of specimens. Wipe lens paper.
5. Avoid tilting the microscope while observing wet mounts. Water might flow into the mechanical parts
of the microscope causing them to rust. Select a chair with suitable height so that forearms can be
rested on the table during observation.
6. Handle the microscope with two hands, one is holding the arm and the other is holding the base.
7. Never store the microscopes in a chemical laboratory or any place where there are corrosive fumes.
Make sure there are silica get packs inside the microscope boxes or storage cabinet to absorb
moisture.

The microscope has become an important investigative tool in studying objects and organisms around
you. Knowing its parts and functions as well as taking care of it will make your study of science effective,
interesting and meaningful.
ACTIVITY 1: KNOW ME!

Direction: Label the parts of the microscope. Write your answer on a separate sheet.

ACTIVITY 2: MATCH ME!

Direction: Match the parts of the microscope with their function. Write the letter of the correct answer on a
separate sheet.
1.Eyepiece A. This part holds the objective lenses and is able to rotate to change magnification.
2.Stage B. This part of the microscope adjusts the amount of light that reaches the
specimen.
3.Fine adjustment C. This part sharpens or “fine” tune your view of the specimen.
4.Objectives D. This part allows you to view the image on the stage and contains the ocular lens.
5.Stage clips E. This part is used to support the microscope when carried.
6.Mirror F. Part of the microscope that supports the slide being viewed.
7.Arm G. These are used to hold the slide into place.
8.Base H. The bottom part of the microscope.
9.Diaphragm I. This part of the microscope projects light upwards to allow you to see the
specimen.
10.Revolving J. This part of the microscope is found on the nosepiece and range from low to high
nosepiece power.

PERFORMANCE TASK

Direction. Create a collage in a one whole sized white cartolina showing the importance of microscope in
studying science. You will be graded using the rubric below.

Prepared by: Checked and verified by: Approved by:

KATHY MAE F. DACLAN AMELITA B. AJOC MARICEL A. PAMPLINA
SST – I Master Teacher II Head Teacher I

ACTIVITY 1:

ACTIVITY 2:
Matching Type:
1. D
2. F
3. C
4. J
5. G
6. I
7. E
8. H
9. B
10. A