One of the most exciting tools in any science classroom is the microscope. For many students, it’s their first real glimpse into a hidden world that is usually out of reach. Microscopes open up an incredible, intricate universe filled with tiny details that tell the story of life at its smallest scales. Teaching students to use a microscope not only unlocks a sense of wonder but also instills practical skills and confidence in handling science equipment. Learning to handle scientific equipment is a vital skill, especially for students considering a future in any STEM field.

The “letter ‘e’” slide is a classic introductory activity for students learning to use a microscope. In this lab, a small letter “e” (cut from printed text) is mounted onto a slide, and students are asked to observe it under different magnifications. This exercise helps students get comfortable with microscope basics, including handling the instrument, focusing, and understanding image orientation and magnification.

A New Version with Snappy Graphics!

This year, I redesigned the basic “e” lab on Canva to make it more visually appealing. It includes the major elements from previous labs, organized into four sections:

• How to Focus the Microscope – step by step guide, starting with focusing with the scanning objective and centering the specimen
• Practice Your Skills with “Common Things” – students can view a variety of specimens, like dog hair and pollen
• Depth Perception – use colored threads to explore how depth works with microscopes; determine which thread is on top
• Viewing Large Specimens – explore the stereo microscope by viewing large objects; compare to the light microscope
• Viewing Protozoans – Focus on the ameba and paramecium, more practice and an introduction to the Kingdom Protista
• Analysis and Summary – Answer questions about using the microscope and viewing specimens

You can go to Canva to view, edit, and download the document, or you can just access my final PDF version. Note, that on Canva, you will need to copy the document in order to make your own edits.

Other Microscope Labs and Resources

Microscope Lab with the Letter “e” (Basic) – simple wording, and explicit instructions for using the microscope

Advanced Microscope Lab for AP Biology – this advanced version also includes explorations into size and scale, and making a wet mount

Label a Microscope – image of a basic classroom microscope for students to label parts

Microscope Coloring  – learn the parts of the microscope by coloring

Microscope E Lab – Remote Edition – includes photos of slides viewed in class

Label the Microscope – Introduction to microscope parts to go with the Microscope Introduction Slides