windows to a microscopic world + introduction to the scientific method

dissecting microscope

used to examine large specimens

compound microscopes

used to examine small specimens/objects

electron microscope

focuses a beam of high-energy electrons onto a specimen to create a detailed image

ocular lens(eyepieces)

magnifies image created from object lens

stage

where the slide’s placed and secured in place with the stage holder(on stage clips)

condenser aperture lever

focuses light on the specimen

nosepiece

holds objective lenses and rotates to let you switch different magnification levels

4x objective

objective lens used to first locate a speciment

iris diaphragm

regulates the amount of light that passes through the speciment

fine focus knob

smaller knoc used to fine-tune focus on the objects, only used when viewing on high power

10x objective

objective lens with the lowest magnifying power

40x objective

objective lens with the highest magnifying power

coarse focus knob

larger knob used to bring objects into rough focus, moves the stage, which moves the slide

total magnification formula

ocular lens x objective lens

scientific method

make an observation, ask a question, form a hypothesis, test the prediction, analyze data/results, conclusion

x-axis

independent variable

y-axis

dependent variable

control

no experimental treatment

experimental

dependent

mean

the average of a set of numbers, equal to the sum of all the numbers in the set divided by the sample size

mode

the most frequently occurring number in a set

median

middle number of a set when they’re arranged in either ascending or descending order

range

difference between the largest and smallest values