Celestron 44120 Mode D'emploi page 7

4. Seeing Crystals: One of the easiest slides to make is a Crystal slide. Here's how it's done:
a. Use your measuring cup to measure one or two ounces of hot (not boiling) water and pour it into
a clean cup.
b. Slowly add as much table salt to the water as will dissolve. Stir continuously while pouring.
c. Use the plastic Dropper to place one or two drops of the salt solution onto a clean slide as
shown in Figure 4.
d. Set the slide aside and allow it to dry completely.
Figure 4
i. If you wish to save the crystal slides, use a toothpick to put one or two small drops of Gum Media
on the slide and gently place a Side Cover (M) and press down flat to spread the media evenly
under the slip.
j. Attach a label (M) and set aside the slide to let the Gum Media dry (2 days).
k. If you do not wish to save the slides, simply wash the slides clean with clean water and soap.
l. Try other salts and sugars in the same manner to create other Crystal Slides!
5. Creating Smears:
a. Using your Scalpel (B) gently scrape off small shavings from the surface of a freshly cut potato.
b. Smear the shavings onto a clean slide as shown in Figure 5.
c. This creates a very thin specimen that is ready to view under the microscope.
Figure 5
e. Clean your tools, using the "Flush" cup.
f. When the slide is completely dried, it should
be covered in a white substance. Now place the
slide on the Microscope Stage and center it
over the hole in the Stage.
g. Flip the Illuminator over to turn on the light
bulb. Set the objective to the shortest. Look
through the microscope eyepiece and focus
in on the specimen. You should see crystals!
h. Experiment with different objectives
and note the changes.
6. Preparing a Mount: Preparing a mount refers
to larger objects like the petal of a plant or
an ant leg.
a. Dip your Scalpel in some clean water and
make a smear across a clean slide.
b. Use your Tweezers (A) to place a portion of
an insect wing, or other part, on the slide.
6