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Tip: More water in the Petri dish means that the plankton will move around more and you may be able to
observe them swimming. Less water in the dish makes for easier viewing as the plankton will not move
around as much. You can use the sieve to help remove some of the water, but may need to gently rub
the bottom of the sieve to get the water to drain through.
f)
You may need to switch between incident and transmitted light to get the best view. Additionally, the
microscope comes with two different stages. The frosted stage tends to be most effective for observing
transparent specimens like plankton. Use the black and white stage plate for macroscopic objects that
require light from the top. Note: If you change out the stage plate, make sure to retighten the stage
plate thumb screw so the plate does not fall out during transport.
8.
Viewing plankton on the computer
a)
Turn on the computer and log in. Password = plankton
b)
Turn on the projector and project the computer display onto the screen for class viewing.
c)
Open the Motic Images Plus program by double clicking on the desktop shortcut.
d)
Observe your sample and adjust the light and focus to get the best image.
e)
Click on “Capture” to start the camera.
f)
Pull the prism bar on the back of the microscope out to direct light to the camera.
g)
The image in the microscope should now appear on the right side of the computer with an image
adjustment panel on the left side of the screen. To get the best image, some of the settings need to be
adjusted. NOTE: Please be patient when working with the video camera. There is a time delay between
any adjustments made with the microscope and the image displayed on the screen.
i.
Remove the Petri dish with your sample from the microscope stage without changing the light
and focus.
ii.
In the left hand panel of the Motic Live Imaging Module, check the “Auto” box next to
“Exposure” for auto exposure. You can also manually adjust the exposure by un‐checking
“Auto” and moving the slider bar under the exposure box.
iii.
Click on “Background Balance” to reduce the effects of uneven illumination.
iv.
Click on “White Balance” to obtain the best color similar to what you see through microscope.
v.
Place the Petri dish with your sample back on the stage for viewing.
vi.
For the best image, you may need to repeat steps iii‐iv when you change light intensity or
magnification.
vii.
Additional adjustments can be made using the Motic Images Plus program. See the Motic Live
Imaging Module: Quick Start Guide for details. This guide can be found in the back of the binder
or on the computer [go to Start, All Programs, Motic].
The Motic software CD is included if you would prefer to attach the microscope to a different computer. To
install the program, insert the CD into your computer and follow the instructions that pop up. The instructions
in the kit are written for using the program in plus mode. Refer to the Motic Live Imaging Module: Quick Start
Guide for reference.
9.
Capturing and saving an image
a)
At the far left of the Motic Live Imaging Module, click on the camera icon.
b)
Click the “Capture” button. You may also capture a video by selecting the “Record” button.
c)
Your captured image will appear on the side panel of the Motic Image Plus 2.0 ML window and can be
adjusted and measured within the program. See the Motic Live Imaging Module: Quick Start Guide for
details. This guide can be found in the back of the binder or on the computer [go to Start, All Programs,
Motic].
d)
Captured images will be saved to the “Capture Folder” folder under the Motic program. You can access
this folder while in the program by selecting the “File” dropdown menu, then “Open”, and scrolling until
you find the “Capture Folder”.
e)
Save your captured images to a memory stick or similar device prior to returning the computer.
i.
Open a captured image in the Motic Images Plus 2.0 ML program.
ii.
Attach external storage device to computer.
iii.
Click on “Save As” and change the location.
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iv.
Name your file.
v.
Change the file type to .jpg, .bmp or .tiff (We recommend .jpg).
vi.
Click “Save” and repeat as necessary.
10.
Microscope care
a)
Turn off the light switches and main power switch when not in use.
b)
Cover the microscope with the dustcover when not in use.
c)
Keep the microscope dry.
d)
Cleaning the lenses
i.
DO NOT WIPE ANY LENS SURFACE WITH DRY COTTON SWAB, CLOTH, OR LENS PAPER.
ii.
Breathe lightly on the glass surface and wipe with a clean, lint free cloth, lens paper, or cotton
swab.
or
iii.
Dip a lint free cloth, cotton swab or lens paper with a few drops of ethanol and carefully clean
the lens surface. No other solvents should be used.
e)
Changing the light bulb (If necessary)
Caution: Use a tissue or latex glove to handle the new bulb. Oils from the skin will shorten the life of the
bulb, so please DO NOT touch the new bulb with your bare fingers. Make sure the main power is
switched off and the power supply has been unplugged.
i.
For incident light: a) unscrew the black collar and silver lens. b) Carefully remove the old bulb,
and plug in the new light bulb. c) Reattach the silver lens and black collar.
ii.
For transmitted light: a) make sure that the lock screw for the focusing carrier is tight, then turn
the microscope 90° on its side so that you can access the bottom plate. a) Remove the bottom
plate by using a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the four rubber feet. c) Carefully remove
the old bulb, and plug in the new light bulb. d) Reattach the bottom plate.
11.
Computer care and maintenance
a)
Please use the computer solely in association with the Plankton kit.
b)
If you connect to the Internet, please update the McAfee software.
i.
Open up McAfee AntiVirus Plus by double clicking on the desktop shortcut or by going to Start ‐>
All Programs‐>McAfee‐> McAfee AntiVirus Plus
ii.
At the McAfee home screen, click on “Updates”, then click “Check for updates”.
iii.
Wait until updates have completed installation, then you can close the home screen.
c)
If you connect to the Internet, please update Windows.
i.
Open Windows Updated by going to Start ‐> All Programs ‐> Windows Update
ii.
Click on “Check for Updates”.
iii.
Please install any important or critical updates. Do not install optional updates.
d)
Please contact
kits@soest.hawaii.edu
with any questions about the computer.
Instructional Procedures:
1.
Explain to your students that they will be completing a zooplankton lab. You will work with the students to
handle the microscope and take pictures of organisms.
2.
Split the students into five groups, and distribute a ZOOPLANKTON ID GUIDE (Drifting Along) – Lesson 3:
Zooplankton Microscopy Lab to each group.
3.
Distribute a
STUDENT WORKSHEET – Lesson 3: Zooplankton Microscopy Lab to each student.
4.
Stir the sample and pour a small amount into 5 plastic beakers. Give one beaker to each group of students and
instruct the students to view the zooplankton without the aid of a microscope. Ask them what they observe
(e.g., cloudy water with small organisms).