Viewing Microstructures of Materials Using the Optical Microscope

This lesson plan introduces students to microscopy using a light microscope. The unit will provide a background of light optical microscopy and the ways of manipulating the tool in order to optimize viewing of a sample. Students will gain a basic understanding of how the microscope works and learn to identify its components. A step by step module procedure is included. This document will serve as a framework for instructors and may be downloaded in PDF format.