Experiment 2: Virtual Microscope

Note: Review the directions for signing in to the Student Portal at the beginning of this manual if uncertain how to access this information.

Procedure

1. Log into your eScience Student Portal account and locate the Virtual Microscope activity under the Virtual Microscope section. Click the link so that the Virtual Microscope opens in a new window.
2. Take a tour of the virtual microscope by clicking the “Start Tour” button on the right hand side and learn how to use the different controls to effectively use the simulation.
3. Once you are comfortable using the virtual microscope, turn the light on. Switch views so that you are looking through the ocular lens and can look at the slides.
4. Select the letter e slide on the top right of the page and examine with the 4X objective lens. Increase the magnification until the letter no longer fits in the field of view. Note this magnification.
5. Select the cheek smear slide on the right side of the page and bring the cells within the red circle into focus using the 4X, then 10X objective lenses.
6. View the slide under the 40X and 100X objective lenses, making sure you stay within the red circle.
7. Next, select the onion root tip slide on the right side of the page to view. Start with the 4X objective lens, and bring the cells within the red circle into focus.
8. Switch to the 10X objective lens and readjust the focus so the slide is clear. Continue looking at the slide under higher magnification using the 40X and 100X objective lenses.
9. On the left hand side of the screen, select the “Try This” box. Under measurement, select the m1 box to open an activity that will instruct you how to measure the letter e. (Remember this number as you will have to report it in Question 5!)
   

   Note: Do not click on the “Try This” instruction box or the software may freeze. If this happens, refresh your browser and start again. You will have to go through the tutorial tour again in order for the “Try This” box to become available.