Binocular Teaching Microscopy

The Need for Binocular Teaching Microscopes in Microscopy Binocular teaching microscopes are one of the most critical equipment necessary in the field of microscopy. Binocular teaching microscopes allow two people to work together. In a teacher-student tandem, the instructor will be able to observe and evaluate the student’s skills in using the microscope and dispense advice immediately. In a student pair-up, teamwork spirit could be improved while both students try correcting each other’s mistakes.

The Benefits of Binocular Microscopy in Teaching

Microscopy refers to any technique used for managing a microscope or any other magnifying device to properly enlarge the image of any object or specimen that’s too small for the naked eye to see.

Improved Costs – Rather than purchasing inexpensive but limited student microscopes, universities and laboratories may now purchase fewer but more powerful microscopes. The binocular eyepieces allow a 2:1 ratio for students using microscopes.

Improved Learning – As mentioned earlier on, student microscopes have limited features. Replacing them with research microscopes will allow students to learn more about microscopy and develop skills using the same equipment being utilized by professionals in their chosen fields.

Reduced Need for Space – Using binocular teaching microscopes also reduce the need for physical space since two students will be able to work on one table.

Finding the Right Binocular Teaching Microscope

If you’re looking for a binocular teaching microscope for your class, make sure you look for the following features.

Magnification – Although compound microscopes can show up to 2000x magnifications, a binocular teaching microscope with a maximum of 1000x magnification would do. Anything under that might limit your students’ learning experience too much.

Base – Look for a microscope with a larger and sturdier than usual base. Students can be quite clumsy and until they get past the adjustment stage, all microscopes in class are at risk of getting knocked down. A firm foundation will prevent your microscope from falling over too easily.

Dual Binocular Head – Try looking for something that could be rotated to 360 degrees so that students may be able to share use easily and conveniently view the sample or specimen in any position.

Prepared Slides and Cases – It would take you forever if you start with Day One teaching students how to prepare slides. Let them get used to handling slides first by purchasing a binocular teaching microscope that comes with sets of prepared animal and non-animal slides with matching cases.

Teaching Students How to Clean and Care for Microscopes

One vital lesson a teacher of microscopy should never forget to impart is the proper way to clean and care for microscopes. These devices are expensive to repair and replace and it will reflect badly on your school if you don’t remember to teach them proper microscope use and etiquette.

Tip #1 Never try disassembling the parts of a microscope. Leave this to a professional. Doing so could damage the microscope or cause electric shock.

Tip #2 If you need to check on the halogen bulbs, wait for it to cool down if you’ve just finished using the microscope. If you touch it immediately after use, they may still be heated and burn your fingers. Do not replace the bulbs of your microscope with anything that’s not officially prescribed for it.

Tip #3 If there is any need to touch the internal parts of your microscope, make sure that you unplug it first. Unplug as well before moving.

Tip #4 Never carry the microscope, even the most lightweight of them, with just one hand. Use one hand to carry the microscope by its arm while your other hand should hold the microscope from the base.

Tip #5 Always use proper cleaning materials for your microscope. Dust must be brushed off with a camel brush or anything that’s soft or using pressurized air. Never touch the lenses of your microscope with your hands. Clean it with the appropriate paper or tissue. If necessary, use a very weak ammonic solution to clean off stubborn stains and grease.

Tip #6 Ambient temperature could affect your specimen or how your microscope works so it’s best to use it in areas with temperature of zero to forty degrees Celsius.

Tip #7 When the microscope is not in use, cover it with the usually free dust cover it comes with then store somewhere dry. If possible, return it to its original packaging. If you’re forced to store it in humid areas, place it inside waterproof casing. Avoid placing it directly under sunlight as this could also damage your microscope.

Binocular teaching microscopes are costly instructional devices but if you wish your students to excel in microscopy, consider it as a necessary investment.