Types Of Teaching Microscopes Used In The Classroom Setting
Many of the most important discoveries and inventions that appeared during the last two hundred years came as a result of the microscope. From the discovery of new vaccines to the improvement of materials to the development of better drugs and stronger species of plants and animals, the microscope was a contributory factor. This is why a good variety of optical microscopy are being used as teaching microscopes, either to introduce students to a certain study or enhance their knowledge regarding a particular subject. The most common types of teaching microscopes include:
Optical Microscopes Optical microscopes are the most commonly used teaching microscopes, especially when lessons involve an introduction to microscopy. One of these is the basic compound microscope that uses two kinds of lenses mounted on a tube at opposite ends. One is the ocular lens and the other is the objective lens. Compared to the single-lens set up of older microscopes and magnifying glasses, this instrument is capable of producing higher magnification. As a teaching microscope, the compound microscope represents the simplest and most elementary instrument that can be used to introduce students to the principles of microscopy.
Teaching microscopes for special uses Since its early development in the 18th century, the microscope has evolved into different types of instruments to accommodate materials used for different fields of study. Some microscopes, for example, are more preferred for use when viewing organic or biologic materials while others can handle solid, heavier, inorganic substances better. Some of the most popular teaching microscopes for these purposes include:
The Stereo or Dissecting Teaching Microscope The stereo teaching microscope is excellent for use in biology and natural science classes. Because this type of microscopy uses low power magnification, it is often utilized for dissections, hence the other name for this type of microscopy. This teaching microscope allows the user to view the specimen in an upright position. It can also show images in 3D. Other types of teaching microscopy produce images that are usually flat.
Petrographic teaching microscope For the study of mineral and rock characteristics in mineralogy, the petrographic teaching microscope is used. This is a type of compound microscope that uses plane polarized light. In terms of illumination, the source of lighting may be manipulated depending on what is being studied or observed, so either an orthoscopic or conoscopic illumination technique may be used.
As a teaching microscope, the petrographic microscope allows both instructor and student to explore the physical structure of rock and mineral surfaces for identification or for observing their evolution over a long period of time.
Electron teaching microscope In terms of effective imaging at very high magnifications, nothing beats the electron teaching microscope. Using electrons (one of the three elementary components of an atom) instead of visible light waves, the electron microscope is capable of producing images at about 1,000,000x magnification. A conventional microscope with high power magnification capability can only reach a maximum of 2000x. This makes electron teaching microscopes excellent instruments to use for exploring objects and specimens at near molecular or atomic levels.
Digital teaching microscope Another very useful microscope used in a classroom setting is the digital teaching microscope. It uses digital technology to produce images that are bright, clear and sharp. This is an excellent microscope to use for capturing specimen images because it comes equipped with adapters to which accessories such as a digital camera may be mounted. Newer versions use a USB port to connect the microscope to a computer for image viewing, capture and storage.
As a type of teaching microscope, the digital microscope provides teachers and instructors with some of the best image processing microscopy techniques. It is also convenient for use in a classroom or lecture room because it can be connected to a single monitor. During lectures, students don’t need to handle the microscope themselves to view the specimen. Instead, the teacher may direct their attention to a screen where the images may be presented.
Special types of illumination techniques for teaching microscopes Teaching microscopes are also categorized by the illumination technique that they use. Two of the most commonly used techniques are bright field and dark field illumination.
The bright field teaching microscope uses visible light to illuminate the specimen. This is the most widely used type of teaching microscope today. Light is bounced back under the specimen using a sub-stage mirror. This light is then passed through the objective and the eyepiece where the image is viewed.
As a teaching microscope, the bright field microscope offers a practical means with which to view both stained and unstained objects. It is excellent for use in biology, chemistry and other physical sciences where objects can appear dark against a bright background. Using an accessory such as an oil immersion lens to increase magnification, the bright field microscope may even be used for microbiology.
The dark field teaching microscope allows specimens to be viewed as brightly illuminated images against a dark background. This is because illumination is sourced from the side or peripheral area of the specimen, using a low angle. Instead of passing through the specimen from beneath, the light bounces off the object, making the background look dark. The dark field teaching microscope is often used to view objects at high contrast.
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