Contents
Key Stage 2
Meaning
A picture of a microscope.
A microscope is piece of equipment used to make small objects appear larger.
About Microscopes
- Microscopes can be used to see things too small for our eyes to see.
- Micro means 'small' and scope means 'small'.
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A microscope is piece of equipment used to make small objects appear larger.
About Microscopes
- Microscopes use convex lenses to magnify an image.
- The parts of the microscope are shown in the diagram below:
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Preparing Specimens
To see an object clearly with a microscope a specimen must be prepared first.
- 1. A small specimen is placed on a glass slide.
- 2. A dye is used to colour the specimen so it can be seen more easily under the microscope.
- 3. A cover slip is placed on the specimen to flatten it.
- 4. Tissue is used to absorb any excess dye.
- 5. The glass slide is placed on the microscope stage.