Microscope Worksheet for Biology Students

Microscope Worksheet for Biology Students

The Microscope Worksheet provides essential information for biology students on how to effectively use a microscope for studying living organisms. It covers the parts of a microscope, including the eyepiece, objective lenses, and stage, along with their functions. Students will learn about magnification calculations and the proper handling techniques for microscopes. This worksheet is ideal for middle and high school students preparing for biology labs and experiments. It includes practical exercises to reinforce understanding of microscope usage and care.

Key Points

  • Explains the parts of a microscope, including eyepiece and objective lenses.
  • Covers magnification calculations for different lens combinations.
  • Includes proper handling techniques for using a microscope safely.
  • Offers practical exercises for students to practice microscope skills.
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Microscope Worksheet
I. How Can a Microscope Help Us Study Living Things?
Microscope: an instrument that makes things look bigger
Biology: the study of living things.
Some living things are so small we can’t see them with the naked eye alone. Many of these are one
celled organisms called PROTOZOA [pro tuh ZO uh] and BACTERIA.
We can see such tiny things with the help of a high-power microscope. A microscope magnifies, or
makes things look bigger.
Have you ever used a magnifying glass? It is a simple microscope.
A magnifying glass, or hand lens, is easy to use. It doesn’t weigh much, and it’s easy to carry. But it
doesn’t magnify objects very much. We still cannot see one-celled plants and animals with a hand lens.
A compound microscope is much more powerful than a simple microscope. Most school microscopes
are compound microscope. They can make objects look 100 to 400 times as big as they really are. Some
compound microscopes magnify more than a thousand times. When we say “microscope,” we usually mean a
compound microscope.
The microscope has many uses, especially in biology – the study of living things.
Doctors often use microscopes. Is there one in your doctor’s office?
Parts of the Microscope
Eyepiece: Lens closes to the eye.
High Power Objective: Longer of the two lenses close to the slide.
Lower Power Objective: Shorter of the two lenses close to the slide.
Tube: Gives the distance needed between the eyepiece and objective.
Coarse Adjustment Knob: Moves the tube up and down.
Fine Adjustment Knob: Also moves the tube up and down but only slightly.
Base: Holds up the entire microscope.
Arm: Holds the tube and lenses. Connects to the base.
Nosepiece: Holds objective lenses.
Light: Shines light into the tube.
Diaphragm: Circular disk that lets more or less light pass through.
Stage: Platform for slide to rest. An opening in its center lets light pass through.
Clips(2): Hold the slide in place on the stage.
II. How Does a Microscope Magnify?
There are three lenses in the microscope. The
top lens is called the eyepiece. It is the lens closest to
the eye. The other two lenses are called objectives.
These are the lenses closest to the object. The object is
on a microscope slide. Different lenses magnify in
different powers. The power of magnification is marked
by a number with an x next to it. A lens that magnifies
ten times is marked 10x.
If the eyepiece is marked 10x and the objective 10x, then the total magnification is 100x. To find the total
magnification of a microscope, just multiply the two magnifications. Complete the table below by finding the
total magnification for each pair of lenses.
Eyepiece
Objective Lens
Magnification
10x
10x
100x
10x
40x
10x
44x
5x
10x
5x
40x
20x
10x
III. Handling Microscope. A microscope is a delicate instrument. Treat it carefully.
1. A student in the figure below is holding the microscope properly. Can you describe the right way to hold a
microscope?
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
2. The boy is wondering what to use to clean the microscope lenses. The lens tissue has been treated to prevent
scratching. What should one use to clean? ______________________ Why? __________________________
3. The girl is focusing a slide and she is moving the stage up toward the slide.
a) What has happened to the slide?
________________________________________
b) Is this the proper way to focus?
________________________________________
c) Should you focus by moving stage up or down?
________________________________________
d) What happens to a microscope if place at the edge?
________________________________________
e) What should you do to prevent this from happening.
________________________________________
VI. Matching. Match the two lists. Write the correct letter on the line next to each number.
1. ______ simple microscope a) support entire microscope.
2. ______ base b) has one lens only.
3. ______ compound microscope c) study of living things.
4. ______ eyepiece d) has more than one lens.
5. ______ biology e) lens closest to the eye.
VII. True or false. Write T on the line next to the number if the sentence is true. Write F if the sentence is
false.
1. ______ A microscope makes things bigger. (Careful, this is tricky!)
2. ______ A microscope can have one lens.
3. ______ Compound microscopes are used on nature walks.
4. ______ A compound microscope magnifies more than a simple microscope does.
5. ______ Light enters the eyepiece first.
6. ______ A microscope stage must have an opening.
7. ______ When you carry a microscope, you should hold it by the tube.
8. ______ Focusing upward can crack a slide.
9. ______ You should use only lens tissue to clean a microscope lens.
VIII. Find the Parts. Write the name of the microscope part next to the correct line in the picture.
Microscope Use:
15. When focusing a specimen, you should always start with the _____________ objective.
16. When using the high power objective, only the _______________ knob should be used.
17. The type of microscope used in most science classes is the ______________ microscope.
18. You should carry the microscope by the ____________ and the ______________.
19. The objectives are attached to what part of the microscope (it can be rotated to click lenses into
place?) ____________________________________________
20. A microscope has an ocular objective of 10x and a high power objective of 50x, what is the
microscope's total magnification? ______________
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FAQs of Microscope Worksheet for Biology Students

What are the main parts of a microscope and their functions?
A microscope consists of several key parts, including the eyepiece, which is the lens closest to the eye, and the objective lenses, which are located near the slide. The base supports the entire microscope, while the arm connects the tube and lenses to the base. The coarse and fine adjustment knobs allow for focusing the specimen by moving the tube up and down. Understanding these components is crucial for effective microscope use.
How do you calculate total magnification using a microscope?
Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnification power of the eyepiece lens by that of the objective lens. For example, if the eyepiece is 10x and the objective lens is 40x, the total magnification would be 400x. This calculation helps students understand how much larger the specimen will appear when viewed through the microscope.
What is the proper way to handle a microscope?
To handle a microscope properly, always carry it with both hands—one on the arm and the other under the base for support. Avoid placing the microscope at the edge of a table to prevent it from falling. When focusing on a slide, it is important to start with the lower power objective to avoid damaging the slide or the lens.
Why is it important to clean microscope lenses properly?
Cleaning microscope lenses is crucial for maintaining clear visibility of specimens. Using lens tissue specifically designed for this purpose prevents scratches and damage to the glass. Regular cleaning ensures that students can observe details without distortion, which is essential for accurate scientific observations.
What are the consequences of focusing upward on a microscope?
Focusing upward on a microscope can lead to the slide being cracked or damaged, as the objective lens may come into contact with the slide. This can ruin both the slide and the lens, making it important to focus downward instead. Proper focusing techniques are essential for preserving equipment and ensuring successful observations.

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