Microscopy required practical

To describe the key steps involved in preparing a biological specimen for observation under a light microscope.
To explain the purpose of using stains and cover slips when preparing a slide.
To outline the essential guidelines for creating accurate and informative biological drawings from microscope observations.

"Use a light microscope to observe, draw and label a selection of plant and animal cells. A magnification scale must be included."

Cells and their structures are too small to be seen with the naked eye, so a microscope is needed to view them.
Here’s how to prepare a slide to observe under a light microscope:
- Cut a thin section of the specimen to allow light to pass through.
- Using forceps, place the thin specimen on a microscope slide.
- Add a drop of stain (e.g., iodine solution for plant tissue) to make cell parts, which are usually colourless, more visible.
- Carefully place a cover slip over the specimen, lowering it gently to avoid trapping air bubbles.
- Place the slide on the microscope stage. Start with the lowest magnification lens. While looking from the side, use the coarse focus wheel to bring the slide close to the lens, but without touching.
- Then, look down the eyepiece and adjust the focus:
  - Use the coarse focus wheel first to lower the slide and bring the image into view.
  - Refine the focus with the fine focus wheel.
  - For higher magnification, switch to a higher magnification lens and fine-tune the focus with the fine focus knob.

A light microscope

Microscope: An instrument used to view objects too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Specimen: A sample of biological material prepared for observation under a microscope.
Microscope slide: A flat piece of glass used to hold a specimen for microscopy.
Stain: A chemical substance added to a specimen to make structures more visible under a microscope.
Cover slip: A small, thin piece of glass placed over a specimen on a slide to protect the lens and hold the specimen flat.
Microscope stage: The platform on a microscope where the slide is placed.
Coarse focus wheel: A control knob used for large adjustments to the distance between the lens and the slide, bringing the image into initial focus.
Fine focus wheel: A control knob used for small adjustments to the distance between the lens and the slide, refining the focus for a sharp image.
Biological drawing: A scientific drawing of a specimen observed under a microscope, showing key structures accurately and to scale.
Scale: The proportional relationship between the size of a drawing and the actual size of the object it represents.

Virtual Microscopy Exploration: Find online resources or simulations that allow you to practice using a virtual microscope. Try focusing on different specimens and adjusting magnification levels.
Drawing Practice from Images: Find high-quality microscope images online or in textbooks. Practice making biological drawings from these images, following all the guidelines for labelling, scale, and line work.