Virtual Microscope Lab
Overview
Follow along in this online exercise, with guided instruction covering the basics of light
microscopy, comparable to what you would learn in a seated lab. You will identify components of
the microscope, understand the functions of those components, learn how to focus in on a
specimen, and review proper care and maintenance.
Background
When we walk out the door each day we see many examples of life on earth – trees, birds,
other humans. Unless we look closer we will miss the huge diversity of life that is too small to be
seen with our eyes alone. The majority of life on earth is microscopic and, until tools were
available to visualize these organisms, they were completely overlooked. One of the first tools
that opened our eyes to microbial life was the microscope. The light microscope uses lenses
along with light to magnify items up to 1000x. This allows us to see organisms like bacteria,
archaea, yeasts, protozoans, and algae that we would never notice because they are so small.
In addition, we can also look closer to see cells that are the building blocks of the macroscopic
organisms (like ourselves, the trees, and birds we noticed earlier.)
In addition to magnifying organisms, most cells are colorless so many times preparing slides
also involves adding stains (dyes) to color the cells so they are more easily viewed. The slides
you will practice with today are either naturally pigmented or have been stained so we can find
them more easily. Look for these colors as you are focusing the virtual microscope.
The Microscope and Your Eyes
Students often wonder if they should remove their glasses when using a microscope. If you are
nearsighted or farsighted, there is no need to wear your glasses. The focus adjustments will
compensate. If you have astigmatism, however, you should wear your glasses because
microscope lenses do not correct for this problem. You should still wear your glasses when
working with the virtual microscope.
Activity 1: Introduction to the Microscope and its Parts
1. Go to http://www.ncbionetwork.org/iet/microscope/.
2. Click on the Guide link ( bottom of the home page ).
3. Click through the six parts of the Guide, starting with the Introduction. You can use the
arrows at the bottom of the Guide box to guide you through the chapters.
4. When you have completed all six sections, click Close.
5. Next click on the Learn link (bottom of the page), which will take you to an image of a
microscope with question marks.
6. Starting at the top of the microscope, click on the question marks identifying the parts
of the microscope.
7. Read the description of the part of the microscope and take notes as needed.
8. Continue clicking on question marks until all turn to green check marks.
a. Do not forget to click on the question marks for items associated with the
microscope.
b. You may click on any green check mark to review any part of the microscope.
c. Use the Microscope Parts checklist on the next page to ensure all parts have
been identified.
9. Click on the Next button (bottom right).
10.Start on the left and click on the question mark. When the lens enlarges, click on each
question mark until each turns into a green check mark. Read the descriptions and take
notes as needed.
11.Click on the Next button (bottom right).
12.Click on the Dry Slide and Oiled Slide buttons to see the difference in why immersion
oil is used for the 100X objective lens.
13.Click on the Next button ( bottom right ).
14.Click on the Eyepiece Options and Lens Options to learn about calculating total
magnification. Try all combinations and see how the Letter E slide image changes.
15.Click on the Next button (bottom right) to return to the home page.
16.Answer the provided questions on the next page.
Microscope Parts
Match all parts of the microscope and associated items in the photo below.
On/ Off switch K Eyepiece/ Ocular lens C
Arm J Nosepiece F
Objective lenses G Stage D
Diaphragm H Stage adjustment knob E
Base M Coarse adjustment knob L
Lens paper A Fine adjustment knob N
Immersion oil B Slide/ slide box P
Kimwipes O Body I
Questions
1. What is the proper way to carry a microscope?
2 hands one holding the arm and one holding the base
2. What is the typical magnification of an ocular lens? What other magnifications are possible?
10x, Possible ones are 15x and 20x
3. What are the magnification abilities of each of the objective lenses? What is the total
magnification with each objective?
Scanning ( small lens ), red ring 4x total 40x
Low-power ( medium lens ), yellow ring 10x total 100x
High-power ( large lens ), blue ring 40x total 400x
Oil immersion ( largest lens ), white ring 100x total 1000x
4. Why do you use immersion oil with a 100x objective lens?
Reduce light refraction.
Increase resolution and clarity by improving the focus of light on the sample.
5. What is the total magnification of a sample with an ocular lens power of 15X and using a
40x objective lens?
15x × 40x = 600x
6. What is a diaphragm? What does it do?
The diaphragm is a part of the microscope located beneath the stage.
It controls the amount of light that passes through.
Activity 2: How to use a compound microscope to view slides
1. Click on the Explore link ( bottom of the home page ).
2. Click on the question mark on the slide box.
3. In the Slide Catalog, click on the Sample Slides.
4. Click on the Letter E slide. It will automatically be placed on the stage of the microscope.
5. When the Microscope View window opens, make sure that the 4X circle is highlighted
in blue. NOTE: Always begin examining slides with the lowest power objective.
6. Use the slider under Coarse Focus to find the E. NOTE: The coarse adjustment knob
should only be used when you are viewing a specimen with the 4X objective lens.
7. Then use the slider under Fine Focus to make the image “crisp and clear.”
8. You can click on the E in the viewing window to move the image and visualize different
parts. Sketch your view of the letter E at 4X in the space below.
9. Next click on the 10X circle. The nosepiece on the microscope will rotate automatically.
10.Repeat steps 6 – 8 to see part of the E. Sketch your view of the letter E at 10X in the
space below.
11.Click on the 40X circle and repeat steps 7 & 8. You may need to use the slider under
Light Adjustment for better visualization. Sketch your view of the letter E at 40X in the
space below.
12.Click on the 100X circle. A notice to add immersion oil will open.
13.Click on the question mark on the immersion oil bottles to add oil to the microscope.
14.Repeat steps 7 & 8. You may need to use the slider under Light Adjustment again for
better visualization. Sketch your view of the letter E at 100X in the space below.
15.When you have visualized the Letter E slide using all 4 objective lenses, click on
Remove Slide ( top right ).
16.Read the notice about using lens paper to clean the immersion oil off the microscope
and click on the question mark over the lens paper. Choose wisely!
17.Click on the Main button ( bottom left corner ) to return to the home page.
Questions
1. What did you notice about the letter E when you increased in magnification from the 4x
to the 10x and then to the 40X?
Did the size (magnification) increase or decrease?
Increase
Could you see more of the entire letter or less?
Less
Knowledge Check
1. Click on the Test button (bottom of home page).
2. In the Challenge Mode window, click on Care & Usage link and answer the questions.
3. If you get a 75% or better, click Choose Test. If you do not get a 75% or better, click Try
Again.
4. Next choose the Calculating Magnification link and repeat #3.
5. Then choose the Terminology link and repeat #3.
6. Click on the Main button ( bottom left corner ) to return to the home page.
Activity 3: Viewing virtual slides
Using the virtual microscope at http://www.ncbionetwork.org/iet/microscope/ , view and draw the
following slides. Use your judgment as to what magnification is best for viewing any particular
slide. Record the magnification in the space below your drawing.
Plant slide: Plant cells
40x
Animal slide: spider leg
4x
Animal slide: spider
4x
Bacteria slide: acid fast mix (be sure to use
oil immersion)
100x
