This is a lab to use with any group of students who are just beginning to learn to use a compound microscope. Students will look at slides of the letter "e" and of colored paper. They will learn to make biological sketches and will answer an extensive list of questions about the microscope. Students will learn the parts of the microscope, and will practice proper use of the microscope. The lab includes a list of rules for the proper use of the microscope. Students will estimate the size of objects under the microscope, and learn how the field of view changes as different objectives are used. At the end of this lab, students should be on their way to becoming microscope experts.

NOTE: This product is also available in a bundled product called Biology Labs: 15 Must Do Labs for a Biology Class .


Your download includes Title, Purpose, Procedure, Materials List, Student Data Pages, and Answers to all questions. You will receive a pdf version of the lab and a word document so that you can make changes if you wish.

Materials needed for this lab: Microscope, slides, coverslips, newspaper, colored magazine paper, scissors.

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