5
How Do I Observe The Specimen?
Flip over the appropriate illumination source. Position the object or specimen in the
middle of the stage under the stage clips, centered over or the light source. Focus the
image by rotating the focus wheel until a clear image appears in the eyepiece.
Place the prepared slide or specimen directly under the objective lens on the
microscope stage. Secure all slides with the stage clips. The specimen should be
located directly over the appropriate illumination source. Look through the eyepiece
and carefully turn the focus wheel until the image appears clear and sharp.
For transparent objects (e.g. sea salt), light is projected by the lower light traveling
from below the stage, through the objective and eyepiece, and finally into your eye. This
process of light transmission is known as microscopy. Some specimens will need to
be prepared for viewing. You can read more about creating specimens in the enclosed
microscope experiments booklet.
Troubleshooting Table
Problem
Solution
No recognizable image
• Make sure the light source is
directed at the specimen
• Readjust focus
No image
• Center object on slide under
lowest power objective
No light
• Replace batteries
• Make sure the mirror is
angled to reflect a light source
• Check on/off position
