AMSCOPE M30-ABS-KT2-W Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit User Manual

AMSCOPE M30-ABS-KT2-W Kids Beginner Microscope STEM Kit

Specifications

• Product Name : Early Explorer Series Microscope Set
• Pieces : 52+
• Recommended Age : 8+
• Colors: Black & White

Product Information

The Early Explorer Series Microscope Set is designed to inspire kids to learn more about science. It includes essential components such as the body, eyepiece, stage, illuminator, and more to help children explore the microscopic world. With various magnification options, this set is ideal for STEM education in biology, chemistry, geology, and other fields.

Product Usage Instructions

Parts Names and Applications

• Body: Main body of the microscope, connecting parts
• Eyepiece: Lens for magnification
• Stage: Where specimens are placed
• Stage Clips: Prevent specimen movement
• Illuminator: Light source for specimen illumination
• Filter Holder: Holds optional filters
• Lamp Housing: Contains the light source
• Arm: Connects the illuminator to the body
• Objective turret (nose piece): Holds objective lenses
• Brightness control knob: Controls light intensity
• Focusing knob: Adjusts focus height
• Battery compartment: For coin cell battery installation

Installing Battery

Remove the battery cover on the mirror/light source and install the included coin cell battery following the diagram inside the battery compartment. Replace the cover once installed.

Adjusting Focus

1. Rotate the focus knob to raise the body tube to the maximum height.
2. Turn the turret to the shortest objective (100x).
3. Place a prepared glass slide under the stage clips and position the specimen over the hole in the stage.

FAQ

• Q: Is this product safe for children?
  • A : The product contains small parts and is not suitable for children under three years. Adult supervision is required for battery installation and usage.
• Q: What magnification options are available?
  • A : The microscope set offers magnifications ranging from 8x to 1200x depending on the combination of eyepiece and objective lenses used.

WARNING – CHOKING HAZARD
Small parts. Not for children under three (3) years. Adult Supervision

•   amstree.com/iqcrew

Safety Information

This microscope kit has tools with sharp points or edges, including a microtome and a pick. Please use this product very carefully, children must be under adult supervision. This microscope set contains chemicals that may be harmful if misused. Please read all the warnings and cautions in the instruction manual and on individual containers carefully. Do not allow the chemicals to come into contact with any part of the body, especially the mouth and eyes. Keep small children and  animals away from experiments. As the microscope kit also has instruments withsharp edges and points, eye protection is strongly recommended.

WARNING- BATTERY SAFETY INFORMATION

• Battery installation and removal should be performed by an adult.
• Follow battery use as recommended in this instruction manual.

CAUTION

The following chemicals in this package could be harmful if misused:

• Eosin Biological Dye
• Gum Media
• Blue Dye
• Dry Yeast
  Avoid eye and skin contact. Do not swallow. Do not inhale. May cause irritation. In case of accident, call a doctor. Keep away from young children.

SAFETY INFORMATION

• a) Glass slides and slide covers are very delicate. Please handle with care.
• b) The incorrect use of chemicals can cause injury and damage to one’s health. Use only the slide preparations listed in the instructions.
• c) Because children’s abilities vary, even within age groups, supervising adults should exercise discretion regarding which slide preparations are suitable and safe for children. The instructions should aid adults in assessing slide preparations to discern their suitability for each child.
• d) Supervising adults should discuss the warnings and safety information with thechild before commencing the preparation of slides. Pay particular attention to the safe handling of chemicals (if used).
• e) Your slide preparation space should be kept clean, clear and away from any food storage areas.

Introduction

IQCrew’s Science Discovery Series is designed to inspire kids to learn more about science. Microscopes are important tools which help children understand science and nature by allowing them to peek into the microscopic world, which is why they are a standard component of STEM curricula. Biology, chemistry, geology, and many more fields rely on microscopes to understand how things work.

The IQCrew brand offers a range of microscopes and accessories to drive the curiosity of the budding scientist:

• Compound Microscope : view specimens under high magnification where light is transmitted through the specimen.
• Stereo Microscope : view specimens under low magnification where light is reflected from the surface of the specimen.
• Inverted Microscope : view specimens in petri dishes as light is directed from top of a specimen while the objective is at the bottom.
• Digital Microscope : connect via USB to see the specimen on a computer or phone and capture live images.
• Experiments and accessories supplementing the microscopes to continue learning

Let’s Begin!

To get things started, this complete kit includes some prepared slides for viewing right out of the box. It also includes materials to prepare your own samples, like a Petri dish and blank slides. There is a graduated cylinder for measuring and a pipette for easily transfering liquid samples. Forceps, a probe, and a stirring rod are also included for preparing and positioning specimens.

Carefully lift the microscope from the box using two hands. Place one hand around the microscope arm and the other under the base. For best results, use the microscope on flat, sturdy surfaces. Install 1 coin cell battery (included) as shown on page 5 in this guide. Always be mindful of your mirror and light source. The more  light that is reflected or transmitted through the hole in the stage, the brighter andsharper the images will appear in the microscope eyepiece.

Parts Names and Applications

M30-ABS-KT2 – Parts Names and Applications

of light

Lamp Housing| Contains the light-source, including the LED bulb
Arm| Connects the illuminator to the body
Objective turret (nose piece)| Holds the objective lenses, and rotates to switch

between lenses

Brightness control knob| Switches the illuminator on and off, and adjusts the brightness
Focusing knob| Adjusts the height of the objective turret to focus on the specimen
Battery compartment lid| Covers the battery compartment, where a coin cell battery can be installed
Battery compartment screw| Secures the battery compartment lid

Microscope Features

• Focus Knob : moves the specimen up or down making the image clear and sharp. Use the focus knob to raise or lower the lens until the image you see is clear and sharp.
• The Body Tube : Connected to the eyepiece and helps focus the lenses.
• Eyepieces : The two eyepieces have 8X and 20X magnifications. Remove the dust cover from the eyepiece and put it aside in a safe place.
• Power Indicator/ Objective turret: The turret has 3 lenses or objectives: 15 X, 30 X, and 60 X (See Fig. 3.1). The shorter the objective, the lower the power or magnification. The longest objective is the highest power. To calculate the magnification you are using, multiply the value of the objective by the power of the eyepiece (Note that the power indicator on the turret makes this calculation for you). For example, turn the power indicator to the longest objective (60 X and multiply it by the power of your fixed eyepiece (20X).
• The Stage : A flat platform with a hole in the center allows reflected light off the mirror or light source to enter the microscope.
• Stage Clips : The 2 stage clips hold the glass slide firmly on the stage.
• Mirror/Light Source : While holding the base down, pull on the arm to tip the microscope back. Examine the mirror and light source located below the stage to see how you can adjust them, and choose one or the other. The light source turns on automatically when tipped upwards toward the stage. The mirror gathers and reflects light into the microscope.
• Base/Battery Compartment: The battery compartment is located inside the mirror/light source. Slightly flex the C-clamp arm connected to the microscope to remove the mirror/light source from the microscope. Using a Philips head screwdriver (not included), remove the battery door. Slide the battery sleeve out of the compartment. Insert the included coin cell battery with the positive (+) pole facing the sleeve. Slide the battery and sleeve into the battery compartment until it makes contact with the battery leads. Test the battery installation by pressing the on/off button on the side of the mirror/light source. Replace the battery door and tighten the screw. Reinstall the mirror/light source into the c-clamp located on the microscope.

Available Magnification Options

EYEPIECE | OBJECTIVE LENS| 8X| 20X
---|---|---
15x| 120x| 300x
30x| 240x| 600x
60x| 480x| 1200x

• Color Filter and Aperture Wheel: The color filters are incorporated in the stage. Use these filters to add color to enhance the image of certain specimens.

Installing the Battery in the Microscope

Remove the battery cover on the mirror/light source and install a coin cell battery (included in the kit). Make sure to follow the diagram on the inside of the battery compartment to ensure that battery is installed in the correct direction. Once installed replace the battery cover on the mirror/light source.

Adjust the focus

1. Rotate the focus knob and raise the body tube as far as it will go. Turn the turret to the shortest objective (the power indicator will read 1OOx).
2. Put one of the prepared glass slides under the stage clips and position the prepared specimen over the hole in the stage.
3. Rotate the focus knob to lower the body tube as far as it will go.
4. Look through the eyepiece and slowly turn the focus knob until the specimen can be seen in focus.
5. Observe what happens when you slowly move the light source or the mirror. Adjust the mirror or light source to provide the amount of light that gives you the best image.
6. Look in the eyepiece and observe what happens to the image when you move the slide to the left and then to the right.
7. If you wish to increase magnification, rotate the objective turret to a higher power and refocus. Practice rotating the turret to change the magnification.

Using filters

Locate the color filter located at the front of the stage. Rotate the filter to change filter colors. Observe how the color filter affects your view of the prepared slide. Next, take a blank slide and place a few grains of salt or sugar on it. Rotate the filter and see how the filtered light enhances the image of the salt or sugar.

Tip : The color filter will be most useful when looking at clear or dim specimens.

CAUTION : To prevent the wires attached to the light from breaking, never rotate the light source a full 360°. Be careful as you turn the focus knob so that the objective lens does not make contact with a slide or the stage. This may cause damage to the slide and also to the objective lens.

Your First Experiment!

Now that you’ve studied the features of your microscope, its time to take it out for a test drive and try out a simple observing exercise.

Prepare your own slides.

NOTE : When preparing slides you want to use the thinnest possible sample. Have an adult use a razor blade or sharp knife to cut slices for you to try.

DO NOT CUT SPECIMENS WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION.

Wet Mount Slides

The most common way to prepare a specimen is with a “wet mount”, and here’s how you do it:

1. Place a specimen on the slide. Using a pipette, place a drop of water on the specimen.
2. Then place one edge of the cover slip over the specimen and carefully lower the cover slip into place using a toothpick or equivalent. This method will help prevent air bubbles from being trapped under the cover slip.
3. Your objective is to have sufficient water to fill the space between the cover slip and slide. If there is too much water, the cover slip will slide around. Take a piece of paper towel and hold it close to one edge of the cover slip. This will draw out some water. If too dry, add a drop of water beside the cover slip. Practice this until you get used to it.

Recommended Specimens to look at with wet mount slides

• Plant material, like leaves, onion skin, flower petals
• Mold spores from bread, cheese or fruit
• Fibers like thread or yarn

Dry Mount Slides

The procedure for making dry mount slides is much the same as for wet mounts.

1. Select a clean slide. Make sure it is free of dirt & smudges
2. Inspect the specimen to determine if it needs to be sliced. (Try to use a translucent to transparent specimen for light to pass through it)
3. Place the sample specimen on the slide using tweezers or toothpick – just enough to fit under a cover slip.
4. Carefully place a cover slip over your specimen to flatten it out. There is no need to worry about air bubbles, so you can just drop the cover slip onto the specimen.

Recommended Specimens to look at with dry mount slides

• Hair, fur or feathers
• Small insects or insect body parts
• Butterfly or moth wings
• Cloth
• Printed Material

Observing Cheek Cells

Recommended Supplies

• Paper towel, napkin or tissue
• Glass microscope slides
• Plastic coverslips (round or square)
• Plastic pipette or dropper
• Clean toothpick or sterile cotton swab
• Blue dye solution (mix approximately 1 part blue dye with 4 parts of water)
• Disposable gloves

1. Take a clean toothpick or sterile cotton swab and gently scrape your cheek from inside your mouth
2. Take the toothpick or cotton swab and smear the cheek cells onto the center of a microscope slide for 1 to 3 seconds
3. Using the blue dye solution, add one drop onto the microscope slide.
   • Note : Avoid eye and skin contact. Do not swallow. Do not inhale. May cause irritation. In case of an accident, call a doctor. Keep away from young children.
4. Place a coverslip slowly onto the specimen so that it stays in place.
5. Remove any excess solution from the microscope slide by allowing the paper napkin or towel to touch one side of the coverslip
6. Place the slide with the new specimen on your microscope. Adjust the placement of the slide until you find cells. .

Experimenting with Yeast

• Recommended Supplies
  • Dry Yeast
  • Water (cold and warm)
  • 2 Teaspoons White Sugar
  • 3 Clear Glass Cups
  • 3 Small Containers (Glass cups should fit inside container)
  • 3 Labels or Sheets of paper and one pencil

Run the experiment

1. Fill each of the three containers with at least 2 inches of cold water
2. Label each glass cup with its own number: 1, 2 and 3
3. Place one glass cup in each of the three containers
4. In glass 1, mix one teaspoon of yeast, ¼ cup of warm water, and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
5. In glass 2, mix one teaspoon of yeast with ¼ cup of warm water.
6. In glass 3, place one teaspoon of yeast in the glass.
7. Observe each of the glasses. What do you see? Why do you think each glass is different from the other?

Make Your Own Slides

It’s so easy to make slides that the variety of slides you can create will be limited only by your own imagination.

A section of almost any material can be placed on a slide and observed with a microscope. All you need is the proper equipment and a little patience, and you’ll be making slides in no time. Everything you need for the following experiments can be found in this kit or around your home (make sure to ask a parent first before you borrow any items, such as the measuring cup).

NOTE:

In order to stain a slide, you will need to prepare the Eosin Dye: Without opening the container, look closely at the container marked “Eosin Dye”. You’II notice a few grains of ‘dust’ at the bottom of the container. These are the grains of Eosin. Remove the container’s lid and fill the container with water. Gently stir the mixture, you have now prepared Eosin Dye for use.

Onion Skin Cell Experiment:

Tissue from an onion is a good first exercise in using the microscope and viewing plant cells. The cells are easily visible under a microscope and the preparation of a thin section is straightforward. An onion is made of layers, each separated by a thin skin or membrane.

1. First, place a small drop of water on a microscope slide. This is to hold the onion skin and to keep it from drying out.
2. With adult supervision, take a small piece of onion and using tweezers, peel off the membrane from the underside (the rough side).
3. Using tweezers, place the onion skin membrane flat onto the drop of water on the slide.
4. Using your dropper, add a drop of Eosin dye provided with this kit on top of the onion on the slide. This will help you see the cell structure better.
5. Place one edge of the cover slip over the onion and dye. Carefully lower it into place using a toothpick or tweezers. This helps prevent air bubbles from getting trapped under the cover slip.
6. Observe the slide under your microscope. What do you see? Can you spot the four parts?

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing difficulty with your microscope, try these troubleshooting techniques:

2

| Light source is bright but the image is not, or the light is not uniform|

The objective lens is not properly aligned

|

Rotate objective turret (9)

until it clicks in place.

3| The image is blurry| The focus is not correctly set.| Follow the instructions to properly focus. (Refer Pg 5)

4

| The specimen cannot be focused and the entire focus range has been used|

The specimen is too thick, or liquid is too high.

|

Try a thinner specimen sample or less liquid.

Microscope Best Practices

The microscope should be used in a dry environment. Do not use the microscope outside in wet conditions as water can damage the light source or contaminate the optical system. Always turn off the illuminator when the microscope is not
being used.

When storing the microscope, remove the batteries to prevent corrosion. Always remove slides from the stage before putting the microscope away. Do not use anything except lens-cleaning tissue to clean the lenses. Always carry the microscope with two hands – one around its arm and one under the base. Keep the microscope in a cool, dry, dust-free place. Use a dust-cover to prevent dust and humidity from entering the microscope.

Make a Record of Your Experiments

Begin to start thinking like a scientist as you perform your experiments. Observe carefully and make records of your experiments (make sure you date them). Record the types of specimens you observe; their colors, shapes and patterns; how they look through each objective; how you prepare your slides; what tools you use; how different specimens compare with each other; and so forth.

NOTES

• Date of slide:……………
  

• Name of sample:………………….
  

• Collected from:……………….
  

• Stain:………………
  

• Mount:……………..
  

• Lighting:………………..
  

• Observations ……………….

Sketches

NOTES

• Date of slide:……………
  

• Name of sample:………………
  

• Collected from:………………
  

• Stain:………………..
  

• Mount:……………….
  

• Lighting:………………
  

Observations

Sketches

Questions? We are here to help!
Visit : amscope.com/iqcrew

or email: info@amscope.com

References

• Microscopes & Microscope Parts Store | AmScope
• IQ Crew – AmScope
• IQ Crew – AmScope

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