Activity for Biotechniques: Making a Razor Blade Scores Scale

In this activity, you will make a scale to measure sizes of objects seen under the microscope.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To use the HPO of the microscope in checking score made by razor blades on TP.
2. To describe the steps in making a razor blade score scale.

MATERIALS:
glass slides
Rubber band transparent tape
razor blades transparency sheet (TP)
Cutting mat or chopping board
scissors / cutter

PROCEDURE
1. Bundle 5 razor blades with rubber band.
2. Place the TP sheet on a cutting mat or chopping board to make scores on the TP sheet with one stroke of the bundle razor blades.
3. Cut out the scored TP sheet about the size of a cover slip.
4. Tape on the sides the scored TP sheet to a glass slide.
5. View under the LPO of the microscope.
6. Are the four spaces even or equidistant to one another? if not repeat 2-4 until you have an equidistant scored sheet.
7. You may have a razor blade scores scale. You will scale in activity.