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SCIENCE
Quarter 2 – Module 1:
The Light Microscope: Its Parts and Functions

Image Source
Note:(“Microscope,Science,Laboratory,Chemistry,Medicine
Free Image from Needpix.com” n.d.)

Self-Learning Module
 Foreword

Currently, with the rapid pace of technological

innovations in the scientific study, observing and studying minute
organisms such as bacteria and other microorganisms, cells and its
organelles, and other microscopic parts are not limited to scientists
only.

You can do investigations of small organisms and their

parts with the aid of a microscope. Furthermore, you will learn how
to use the indispensable tool in biology.

This tool is commonly used by researchers and

scientists to probe details of tiny objects such as bacteria, pollen,
miniscule insects, the cells of living tissues, and many others.

Microscopes have helped a lot in the different

discoveries and innovations in all disciplines of science and
medicine, and has given us a better understanding of the small
world of viruses, bacteria, etc.

This topic will also introduce you to the valuable

contribution of microscopes to cell structure and function in the
study of life.

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 MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

Identify parts of the microscope and their functions.

(S7LT-IIa-1)

OBJECTIVES

1. Identify the parts of the microscope together with its

functions.
2. Classify the two kinds of microscopes according to its uses.
3. Explain the proper ways of handling the microscope.

I. What Happened

Microscope is a two-word combined, where micro refers to

tiny, and scope means to view or look at. Microscopes are
tools used to enlarge images of small objects so they can be
studied properly. The commonly used microscope is the
compound LIGHT MICROSCOPE. It is an instrument
containing two lenses which magnifies the appearance of
object viewed and has a variety of knobs that resolve or focus
the specimen.

Pre-Test
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which two parts of the light microscope magnify the image of

an object?
A. eyepiece and mirror C. Objectives and mirror
B. Eyepiece and objectives D. Objectives and diaphragm

2. What is the correct way of carrying a microscope?

A. Hold the arm by grasping it with one hand and support the
base with the other hand.
B. Hold the arm by grasping with one hand and the stage
with the other hand.
C. Hold the base by grasping with two hands.
D. Hold the arm by grasping with one hand.

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Use the letters in the figure below to answer questions 3 – 10.

Image Source Note: Science 7 Learner’s Material

3. It moves the body tube and objectives up and down

A. Part A C. Part H
B. Part B D. Part I

4. Which part makes possible the changing of objectives?

A. Part B C. Part J
B. Part I D. Part L

5. Which part will you adjust if the onion cell you are observing
under the HPO is not clear?
A. Part B C. Part G
B. Part C D. Part J

6. Which part supports the entire weight of the microscope?

A. Part B C. Part I
B. Part C D. Part L

7. Edgar needs to raise the stage to focus the specimen he is

studying using the low power objective. Which part should he
manipulate?
A. Part B C. Part G
B. Part C D. Part L

8. Which of the following should be used in obtaining a sharp

image in observing a specimen under the high-power
objective?
A. Part B C. Part D
B. Part C D. Part L

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9. You are to transfer the microscope to the next room. Which
parts should you be holding in carrying the microscope
properly?
A. Part C and L C. Part E and F
B. Part D and I D. Part L and M

10. What parts of the microscope are being connected by the

inclination joint?
A. Part A and D C. Part H and I
B. Part G and J D. Part L and M

II. What I Need to Know

Activity 1 Getting to Know the Microscope

I think I can label the parts

of the microscope and
describe the functions of
each.

Objective:

In this activity, you will be able to identify the parts

of a microscope.

Material needed:
ballpen

Procedure:

1. Use the pool of words in the WORD BANK, as a basis in

answering the parts of the microscope.

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 WORD BANK
(Use the pool of words below in labeling the microscope)

Fine Adjustment
Base Arm
Knob

Diaphragm Mirror Stage

Coarse Adjustment Revolving

Stage clips
Knob Nosepiece

Eyepiece Objectives Body Tube

Inclination Joint

2. Label the parts of the microscope by writing the names of the

parts before the letter in the diagram.

Image Source Note: Science 7 Learner’s Material

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Guide Questions:

1. What is the function of the light microscope?

2. Why is it necessary for you to know the parts of the

microscope and its functions?

3. How did the invention of microscope change the world?

Read the text below to learn more about the microscope.

#Throwback

ANCIENT MICROSCOPES

Image Source Note: “Italian Image Source Note: (Hooke

Microscopes” n.d. 1665) Image Source Note:
(Rouwkema n.d.)

An early example Hooke’s illustration of An illustration of

of a microscope, his own microscope, one of
which many published in Leeuwenhoek’s
historians believe Micrographia. His microscopes.
was invented by model had a Surviving models
Galileo in the 17th magnification of from his collection
century. about twentyfold. can magnify more
than two hundred
times.

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 Two Kinds of Microscope

In general, there are two kinds of microscopes: light and

electron microscopes. In a light microscope, visible light is used
to transmit the image to the viewer’s eyes. On the other hand,
the electron microscope uses beams of electrons instead of
light rays and magnetic or electrostatic fields as lenses to
create an image of the specimen. Electron microscopes are
much more powerful than light microscopes.

Kinds of Microscope Description/Uses

Types of Compound Light Microscope:

• Monocular Light Microscope - Objects
viewed through a monocular microscope
will always look flat and without depth.
1. Monocular microscopes are used to
study true microscopic sized animals,
plants and cells. Whole live
insects are not observable with
Image Source Note: (“Flickr” 2019)
compound monocular microscopes.

• Binocular Light Microscope - Virtually

the same as a monocular microscope
but with two eyepieces allowing less
eyestrain. However, both eyepieces are
trained onto a single objective lens, so
all views are flat. More expensive than a
monocular microscope without much
Image Source Note: (Haupt 2015) increase in potential.

Electron microscopes are used to

investigate the ultrastructure of a wide
range of biological and inorganic
specimens including microorganisms,
2.
cells, large molecules, biopsy samples,
metals and crystals. Industrially,
Image Source Note: (road 1 2020) electron microscopes are often used for
quality control and failure analysis.

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 Functions of the Parts of the Microscope

To be able to use a microscope better, you will have to

familiarize yourself with its parts. The parts of a microscope can
be classified into three: illuminating parts, magnifying parts,
and mechanical parts.
The illuminating parts gather light for the viewer to see the
specimen. These include the following:
1. MIRROR – reflects the light or is the source of light
2. DIAPHRAGM – controls the amount of light on the
specimen
The magnifying parts, which are responsible for giving the
resolution of the specimen being viewed, include the following:
3. EYEPIECE OR OCULAR LENS – the lens where you look
through.
4. OBJECTIVES – the lenses with varying sizes and
magnification. The types of objectives include the following:
a. scanning objective – with 4x magnification
b. low power objective (LPO) – with 10x magnification
c. high power objective (HPO) – with 40x magnification
d. oil immersion objective (OIO) – with 100x
magnification. (This objective is designed to be used
with cedar wood oil.)
The mechanical parts of the microscope are the parts necessary
to support the other parts of the microscope. They include the
following:
5. REVOLVING NOSEPIECE – holds the objectives and can be
rotated to change the power.
6. BODY TUBE – connects the eyepiece to the objectives.
7. ARM – supports the body tube and connects it to the base. It
is used along with the base to carry the microscope.
8. STAGE – the horizontal platform upon which the slide is
placed.
9. STAGE CLIPS – holds the slide on the stage.
10.INCLINATION JOINT – attaches the arm and the base and
allows the microscope to be tilted.
11.BASE – supports the entire microscope, gives the instrument
stability.
12.COARSE ADJUSTMENT KNOB – the larger knob used for
focusing the specimen on the low power and scanning-power
objective.
13.FINE ADJUSTMENT KNOB – the smaller knob used to fine-
tune the focus of your specimen using the high-power
objectives.

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 Microscopes are expensive and sensitive scientific
instruments, so make sure to put it away properly after using it.
Always avoid dust, clean the microscope and lenses, and replace
the microscope’s dust cover. Doing these things will keep your
microscope in pristine condition.
Knowledge about objects and organisms revealed by
the microscope is of great value not only to students like you but
also to everyone who wish to study and understand life. It is
important for you to know to take care of this tool for an efficient
and longer use.

How to Handle the Microscope Properly

1. Get the microscope from its box or from the cabinet. Do this
by grasping the curved arm with one hand and supporting the
base with the other hand.
2. Carry it to your table or working place. Remember to always
use both hands when carrying the microscope.
3. Put down the microscope gently on the laboratory table with its
arm facing you. Place it about 17 centimeters away from the
edge of the table.
4. Wipe with tissue paper or old t-shirt the metal parts of the
microscope.

Activity 2 Handle with Care

TRUE OR FALSE. Write True if the statement is correct and write
False if it is not.
1. Objects viewed under the microscope appear upside
down and inverted.
2. When moving the slide toward the left, object viewed
through the microscope will move toward the left.
3. The diaphragm is used to adjust the amount of light
entering the microscope.
4. All objects in different depths appear in focus at the
same time.
5. Stains are used to make clear objects appear darker
under the microscope.
6. Low power objective shows more area than high power
objective.
7. High power objective has more detail than low power
objective.
8. There is less depth of focus under high power compared
to observing under low power.
9. Observers see about 10 times more width under low
power objective than under high power objective.
10. The coarse adjustment knob can be used at any time
while using the microscope.

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 III. What I Have Learned

Answer the questions in your own words. (Make at least 1 – 3

sentences)

1. What is the difference between a compound and an

electron microscope?

2. How do you handle the microscope properly?

Microscope Crossword
Identify what is being referred to in the description stated in the
ACROSS (rows) and DOWN (columns) found in the next page.

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 ACROSS:

3. Located on the side of the frame, used to adjust the focus of

the microscope
7. The lenses with varying sizes and magnification
9. It is where you hold the microscope
10. The horizontal platform upon which the slide is placed.
11. The lens where you look through
12. Reflects the light

DOWN:

1. Holds the objectives

2. Hold in place the specimen to be viewed on the stage
4. Controls the amount of light on the specimen
5. Is a tool which can help you see tiny objects and living
organisms.
6. Supports the entire microscope
8. Connects the eyepiece to the objective lenses.

Enrichment Activity: Integrate

Do this!
Make-A-Word Challenge! How many words can you make out
of the word MICROSCOPE? Go!

1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
10. 11. 12.
13. 14. 15.

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REFERENCES:

Books

Burbos, Leah M., Cinco, Cynthia D., Majul, Marie Antonette M., & Tizon,
Melbert B.(2018). Connecting Science (A Progressive Approach). Quezon City,
Philippines: St. Bernadette Publishing House Corporation.

Asuncion, Alvie J. et.al. (2017).Science 7 Learner’s Material. Quezon City,

Philippines: FEP Printing Corporation.

Websites

http://0.tqn.com/z/g/homeschooling/library/microscopecross.pdf

http://0.tqn.com/z/g/homeschooling/library/microscopemixup.pdf

http://0.tqn.com/z/g/homeschooling/library/microscopecolor3.pdf

https://microbenotes.com/light-microscope/

“Microscope,Science,Laboratory,Chemistry,Medicine – Free Image from

Needpix.com” n.d. www.needpix.com. Accessed June 2020.
https://www.needpix.com/photo/180897/microscope-science-laboratory-
chemistry-medicine-biology-technology-medical-chemical

Rouwkema, Jeroen. n.d. “Leeuwenhoek_Microscope_Replica.”Wikimedia

Commons. Accessed June 2020.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leeuwenhoek_Microscope.png

Hooke, Robert. 1665.”English: Robert Hooke’s Microscope. From Scheme I. Of

His 1665 Micrographia. On Permanent Display in ‘the Evolution of Microscope’
Exhibit at the National Museum of Health and Medicine, in Washington, DC.”
Wikimedia Commons. 1665.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hooke-microscope.png

“Italian Microscopes.” n.d. Wikimedia Commons. Accessed June 2020.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Italian_microscopes_Wellcome_M0
010771.jpg

(“Flickr.”2019. Flickr. Light Microscope |Vivien Rolfe | Flickr. November 2019.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/biologycourses/7006378754

Haupt, Joe. 2015. “Vintage Bausch and Lomb Binocular Microscope, Model
1603-443, circa 1955.” Flickr. August 2, 2015.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/51764518@N02/20233109332

1, Oak tree road. 2020. “English: An Example of an Electron

Microscope.”Wikimedia Commons. March 4, 2020.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hitachi-7100-transmission-
electron-microscope-equipped-with-a-gatan-high-resolution-digital-bottom-
mount-camera-3-1024x683.jpg

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 SCHOOLS DIVISION OF MANDAUE CITY

NIMFA D. BONGO EdD, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

DR. ESTELA B. SUSVILLA

Assistant Schools Division
Superintendent

DR. JAIME P. RUELAN

Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

DR. ISMAELITA DESABILLE

Education Program Supervisor (LRMDS)

DR. RUFINO TUDLASAN

Education Program Supervisor (Science)

CONCHITA PONCE
Editor

GRETCHEN G. IGPUARA
Writer

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ANSWER KEY: PARTS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MICROSCOPE

SYNOPSIS

The microscope has become an important investigative tool

in studying objects and organisms around us. Knowing its parts as well
as the proper manipulation and care will make the study of science
effective, interesting, and more meaningful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gretchen G. Igpuara is a graduate of Bachelor of

Secondary Education major in Physics and
Mathematics. She graduated from University of San
Carlos. She pursued her graduate studies in Cebu
Normal University with 36 units (CAR) in Master of
Education major in Mathematics Education.
Currently, she is teaching in Maguikay National High
School and is handling the subjects Science 7 and
TLE 7.
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Division of Mandaue City
Plaridel St., Centro, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines 6014
Telephone Nos.: (032) 345 – 0545 | (032) 505 – 6337
E-mail Address: mandaue.city001@deped.gov.ph
Website: https://depedmandaue.net