Virtual Lab

Microscope Lab - Introduction to the Virtual Microscope


Background Information:

In this unit, you will be using this virtual microscope to observe a grasshopper jaw. This lab will help you become familiar with the virtual microscope and how to use it.

 This microscope has an ocular lens magnification of 10x.

  1. Click on the play icon to open the virtual lab. Print students can access the Virtual Microscope in the Online Resources for Print Students section of their online course.
  2. Click on Exercise 1 under Lab 1.
  3. Click on the procedure tab on the right side of the screen to open the procedure.
  4. Follow the directions found in the procedure. 
  5. Please return to the top of this page and click on analysis to complete the analysis questions.

  1. Why do you think you should always use the course adjustment knob before the fine adjustment knob?

    The course adjustment knob makes large adjustments to the location of the stage and the focus of the specimen. Once you are generally in focus, you can use the fine adjustment knob to make any final adjustments needed.
  2. Using the ruler button on the view screen, estimate the size of the grasshopper jaw using the 4x objective lens.

    The grasshopper jaw is approximately 3.5 mm wide and approximately 3.5 mm tall.
  1. Under which magnification can you use both the coarse adjustment and the fine adjustment knob?

    The coarse adjustment know should only be used on the lowest magnification.  You should only use the fine adjustment knob with the medium and high-powered objective lens to avoid damaging the lens.