background image

Install Batteries

1. Remove button screws and cover.

2. Install batteries with the positive 

(+) and negative (-) in the correct 

direction indicated by the battery 

compartment label.

3. Replace the cover and screws.

Please recycle batteries responsibly.

How Do I Use My Microscope 

Before you use your microscope, make sure that the table, desk or surface that you 

place it on is stable and is not subject to vibration. If the microscope needs to be moved, 

hold it by the arm and base while carefully transferring it. Once the microscope is in a 

suitable location and the batteries are installed, check the light source to make sure that 

it illuminates. Use a microfiber cleaning cloth to gently wipe the lenses off. If the stage is 

dirty with dust or oil, carefully clean it off. Make sure that you only raise and lower the stage 

using the focus adjustment knob. 

How Do I Operate The Illumination?

Locate the mirror/light on the base of the microscope. Flip the mirror/light to the “on” 

position (with the light facing up) and the light will illuminate. This microscope is equipped 

with an incandescent light that illuminates the specimen from below. The color filter wheel 

is located in the middle of the microscope stage. The filters help you when you observing 

very bright or clear specimens. Using these filters, you can choose various brightness 

levels and colors. This helps you better recognize the components of colorless or 

transparent objects (e.g. sea salt). 

How Do I Adjust My Microscope Correctly?

Place the microscope in a suitable location as described above, and sit in a comfortable 

viewing position. Always start each observation with the lowest magnification. 

Adjust the distance of the microscope stage so that the stage is in the lowest position — 

farthest away from the turret head. Turn the objective turret until it clicks into place at the 

lowest magnification (Objective: 7.5x/Magnification: 300x). Note: Before you change the 

objective setting, always make sure the microscope stage is farthest away from the turret 

by rotating the focus knob. Separating the stage and turret by rotating the focus knob will 

avoid causing damage to the specimen slide or microscope. When starting an observation, 

always start with the 5x objective in the rotating head. 

How Do I Observe The Specimen?

Sitting in your location with adequate illumination, the following basic rules should be 

observed. Start with a simple observation at the lowest magnification. Position the object 

or specimen in the middle of the stage under the stage clips, center over the lower light. 

Focus the image by rotating the focus knob until a clear image appears in the eyepiece. 

Place the prepared slide directly under the objective on the microscope stage and secure 

it with the stage clips.  The prepared slide should be located directly over the lower 

illumination. Look through the eyepiece and carefully turn the focus knob until the image 

appears clear and sharp. Now you can select a higher magnification by rotating to the 

objective turret. Higher levels of magnification can be achieved by turning the objective 

turret to a higher setting (600x or 1200x). Following this procedure creates a steady 

increase of magnification without overpowering the view of the object. The following 

magnification order should be used: 300x, 600x then 1200x. Each time the magnification 

changes (due to the objective change), the image sharpness must be readjusted with the 

focus knob. When doing this, be careful because if you move the microscope stage too 

quickly, the objective and the slide could come into contact and cause damage to the slide 

or microscope. 

For transparent objects (e.g. sea salt), light is projected by the lower light traveling from 

below the stage, through the objective and eyepiece, and finally into your eye. 

This process of light transmission is known as microscopy. Many micro-organisms found in 

water, plant components and the smallest animal parts are transparent in nature. Opaque 

specimens, on the other hand, will need to be prepared for viewing. Opaque specimens 

can be made transparent by a process of treatment and penetration with the correct 

materials (media), or by slicing. You can read more about creating specimens in the 

enclosed microscope experiments booklet.

Magnification Guide:

Eyepiece

Objective

Power

40x

7.5x

300x

40x

15x

600x

40x

30x

1200x

Note:

The highest magnification is not always the best for every specimen!

Troubleshooting Guide:

Problem

Solution

No recognizable image

Turn on light, Readjust focus,

Start with the lowest power objective

No image 

Center object on slide under 

lowest power objective

No light

Replace batteries, Check on/off position

  WARNING:

• Examine devices and make sure the battery compartment is correctly secured, e.g. that the

screw or other mechanical fastener is tightened. Do not use if compartment is not secure.

• Dispose of used button batteries immediately and safely. Flat batteries can still be dangerous.

• Tell others about the risk associated with button batteries and how to keep their children safe.

V072020

©2020 National Geographic Partners LLC. All rights reserved. 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and Yellow Border Design are trademarks of the 

National Geographic Society, used under license.

©2020 Explore Scientific, LLC

1010 S. 48th Street, Springdale AR 72762.

All rights reserved. Made in China.

explorescientific.com | 866.252.3811

Contents, colors and specifications may vary.

Reviews: