Microscope and Cells Lab

You will be creating a file called "Lastname_Firstname" containing your response(s). Your file can be a Word
document, a PDF, or a series of image files. You will then upload your file(s) to Canvas through the file upload
question in your quiz-based lab.

To complete this portion of the lab, please read and do the following:

1) Click on the link below to visit the NC Community Colleges BioNetwork Virtual Microscope lab (opens in
new window): Link to the Virtual Microscope lab
2) Once there, you will need to either click on the "Launch" button or on the "Download on the App Store"
button for Apple products. *The app is not available for Android devices. You will need to use a web
browser.*

3) When you have the Virtual Microscope Lab open, please review the "Guide" to learn about various aspects
on handling a microscope. The "Guide" button is on the bottom left of your screen. You may close out of
that section when finished.
4) Next, click on the "Learn" button on the bottom left of the screen. You will be brought to a view of the
workspace where you can examine all the items in the virtual workspace.

a) Examine all the items in the workspace by clicking on the circled question marks (?) and read the
provided description.

b) When you do this, you will receive a check mark for that item you examined.

You will need to have clicked on all the marked items in the virtual workspace.
 c) Once you have clicked on the marked items and have received check marks for every item, please
take a screenshot of your workspace (directions on how to take a screenshot are at the end of
this document). You should have a total of 1 screenshot for this part of the lab.
d) Paste your screenshot into a Word file or save your screenshot image as "Lastname_Firstname-1".
5) Next, please click on the "Explore" button at the bottom middle of the screen.

a) You will now view some slides through the microscope. Please click on the circled question mark on
the slide box and then select "Sample Slides".
b) Please choose to view the “Letter E” slide. You will need to work through the objective lenses until
you reach the 40x objective. *If you need to move the slide from side to side or back and forth
(e.g., like using stage knobs), click and drag within your view field (image of your specimen) to
move your field of view.

c) Please take a screenshot of the Letter E slide preparation once in focus on the 40x objective
lens. You should have a total of 1 screenshot for this part of the lab.
d) Paste your screenshot into a Word file (it can be the same file as the previous one) or save your
screenshot image as "Lastname_Firstname-2".
e) When finished click “Remove Slide” in the top, right corner of the popup screen.

f) Repeat Step 5 a) but choose “Plant Slides” this time.

g) Please choose to view the “Plant Cells” slide. You will need to work through the objective lenses
until you reach the 40x objective.
h) Please take a screenshot of the Plant Cells slide preparation once in focus on the 40x
objective lens. You should have a total of 1 screenshot for this part of the lab.
i) Paste your screenshot into a Word file (it can be the same file as the previous one) or save your
screenshot images as "Lastname_Firstname-3".
j) When finished click “Remove Slide” in the top, right corner of the popup screen.
k) Repeat Step 5 a) but choose “Human” slides this time.

l) Scroll down the list of “Human” slides and please choose to view the “Stratified Squamous
Epithelium” slide. This is the type of tissue found inside the human mouth. You will need to work
through the objective lenses until you reach the 40x objective.

m) Please take a screenshot of the Stratified Squamous Epithelium slide preparation once in
focus on the 40x objective lens. You should have a total of 1 screenshot for this part of the lab.
n) Paste your screenshot into a Word file (it can be the same file as the previous one) or save your
screenshot images as "Lastname_Firstname-4".
o) When finished click “Remove Slide” in the top, right corner of the popup screen.
p) Repeat Step 5 a) but choose “Bacteria” slides this time.
 q) Please choose to view the “Acid Fast Mix” slide. You will need to work through the objective lenses
until you reach the 100x objective (oil immersion).You will eventually need to add oil to your slide
in order to view the specimen at this magnification.

r) Please take a screenshot of the Acid Fast Mix slide preparation once in focus on the 100x
objective lens. You should have a total of 1 screenshot for this part of the lab.
s) Paste your screenshot into a Word file (it can be the same file as the previous one) or save your
screenshot images as "Lastname_Firstname-5".
t) When finished click “Remove Slide” in the top, right corner of the popup screen.
u) Clean off your oil immersion lens as directed.
v) Close the “Slide Catalog” and click the "←Main" button at the bottom left of the screen to return to
the main workspace.

6) Now it is time to test your knowledge. Please click on the "Test" button near the bottom right of the screen.
 You will be taking all 3 tests. Your scores will not be added to the grade book.
a) Click on a test subject.

b) Complete all the questions.

d) Paste your screenshots into a Word file (it can be the same file as the previous one) or save your
screenshot images as "Lastname_Firstname-6".
e) Click the “Choose Test” button to take any remaining tests.

f) Repeat steps a)-e) for the remaining test subjects. You should continually increase the last number
on your screenshot files if you are submitting screenshot images. If you are preparing a single Word
file, save the file as "Lastname_Firstname" when finished. You will have a total of 3 screenshots for
this part of the lab
7) Submit this question for your lab assignment by uploading your file(s) to Canvas through the file upload
question in your quiz-based lab. *You should have a total of 8 screenshots for the lab. One of your
workspace with check marks, four from the microscope slides, and three of your test completions.*
**Not sure how to take a screenshot? Here are a few tips**

 On a PC: Press the "PrntScn" button on the top row of keys on your keyboard. Some keyboards may
require you to hit "Fn" + "PrntScn" in order to take a screenshot. Open a new document. Paste the image
into the document and save your file as "Lastname_Firstname."
 On a Mac: Press this combination of keys simultaneously: "Command"+"Shift"+"4". This should turn your
cursor into crosshairs that you can use to select the portion of your screen that contains what you were
asked to capture and should automatically save it as a PNG image file on your desktop. Please rename
the file as "Lastname_Firstname" and upload this file as your submission.
 On other devices: If you are using another device (including phones), check out the article below, which
describes how to take screenshots on all sorts of devices.

Website on Screenshots