Science 7 Living Things and Their

Q2
Environment
Module 2
Focusing specimen using
Lesson 1 compound microscope

What I Need To Know

Learning Competency:

Focus specimens using the compound microscope. S7LT-IIa2

Objectives: At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. identify the steps in focusing specimen using compound microscope; and
2. determine the proper way of handling and storing the compound
microscope after using.

What’s In
In our previous lesson you learned about the parts and functions of a
compound microscope. In this module you will learn the steps on how to
manipulate or use a compound microscope. You will also learn the proper way
of handling and storing it.

What’s New

The ability of the microscope to make things look bigger is called its 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.
 What Is It

Even without a microscope at home, the following steps will guide you on how
to focus specimen (object to be observed) under a compound microscope.

Manipulating Microscope
1. Set the microscope’s diaphragm and adjust the mirror to a light source in order
to obtain good lighting. Refer to Figure 1.

Figure 1

2. Set the objective with the lowest magnification by rotating the revolving
nosepiece until you hear the clicking sound.
3. Place the microscope/glass slide ( a rectangular glass where a specimen is
mounted) on the stage. Use the stage clips to hold the slide.
4. Using the coarse adjustment knob, move the objective lenses downward
without touching the glass slides. (Note: You may look at the slide and lens
from the side when doing this.)
5. Slowly turn the coarse adjustment knob upward until an image comes into
focus. Use the fine adjustment knob for a clear focus. Refer to Figure 1. (Note
that it would be difficult to focus using a high power objective if you fail to focus
the image at the lower power objective.)
6. Move the glass slide around so that the image is in the center of the field of
view. Adjust the mirror and the diaphragm for the clearest image.

7. Note that other microscopes may have a pointer that can be seen in the
viewing field. Rotate the eyepiece until the pointer points to any part of the
specimen you want to focus on.

Figure 2
 Proper Handling and Storing

1. Take the microscope from the storage cabinet.

2. Refrain from handling the microscope with wet

hands to avoid accumulation of moisture.

3. Always carry the microscope with both hands in an

upright position. Grasp the arm with one hand and
place the other hand at the base for support. Always
carry it close to your body. See Figure 3.

4. After using, keep the microscope clean and dry,

making sure that the eyepiece is in line with the
scanner. Place the microscope in its box and place it
inside the cabinet for safekeeping. Never remove
the silica gel from the box to prevent moisture
and keep the microscope dry. Figure 2. Holding the
microscope

What’s More

Arrange the the following steps in focusing specimen under compound

microscope. Write only the number in the blank provided.

________a. Slowly turn the coarse adjustment knob upward until an image comes into
focus.
________b. Set the microscope’s diaphragm and adjust the mirror to a light source in
order to obtain good lighting
________c. Place the microscope/glass slide on the stage
________d. Move the glass slide around so that the image is in the center of the field
of view
________e. Set the objective with the lowest magnification by rotating the revolving
nosepiece until you hear the clicking sound
________f. Using the coarse adjustment knob, move the objective lenses downward
without touching the glass slides
 What I Have Learned

Fill in the blank the missing word

1. In holding the microscope properly you hold the _____ and support the base.
2. Refrain from handling the microscope with _____ hands to avoid
accumulation of moisture.
3. Set the objective with the lowest ___________.
4. Set the microscope’s diaphragm and adjust the mirror to a ________
source in order to obtain good lighting.

What I Can Do

Complete the table below by providing a check (/) in the appropriate

column under YES or NO.

Statement YES NO
1. Set the objective with the lowest magnification by rotating
the revolving nosepiece until you hear the clicking sound.

2. Carry the microscope with only one hand in an upright

position.

3. Do not adjust the mirror and the diaphragm for the

clearest image

4. After using, keep the microscope clean and dry,

REFERENCES
EASE MODULE BIOLOGY
DEPED NSTIC {LRMDS}
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