Student Dissecting Microscope

What is a Student Dissecting Microscope

A Student Dissecting Microscope is a type of low-power microscope used primarily in schools and colleges for biological and material studies. It is designed for observing larger, solid specimens like insects, plant parts, small animals, or minerals, which do not require slicing into thin sections. Unlike a compound microscope that provides very high magnification for transparent specimens, a dissecting microscope offers lower magnification but with a 3D view, making it perfect for detailed examination and dissection work.

Key Features:

1. Magnification: Typically ranges from 10x to 40x.
2. Binocular or Monocular Head: Many student versions are monocular for cost-effectiveness, but higher models might have binocular heads.
3. Lighting: Usually includes top (reflected) illumination since it is used for opaque specimens.
4. Working Distance: Offers a longer working distance, which allows space to manipulate the specimen (e.g., using forceps or needles during dissection).
5. Focus Mechanism: Coarse focusing system, easy to operate.
6. Stage Plate: Usually flat, sometimes with clips to hold the specimen in place.

Uses:

• Studying insects, worms, or small plant parts.
• Observing textures of fabrics or small mechanical parts.
• Educational dissections in biology labs.
• Prepping specimens for further microscopic examination.