Teach Stereo Microscopes First Most lab manuals introduce microscopy using the compound microscope. The principles learned can later be applied to the compound microscope. Centering and focusing, adjusting the light, and controlling contrasts are easy, and depth of field is not a problem at low magnification. Objects viewed are still recognizable.
Image size is still within a normal frame of reference.
Field size and how it is affected by magnification can be taught by viewing a plastic mm ruler under various magnifications. Doubling the magnification will cut the field diameter in half. To teach depth of field, view the same ruler held vertically, or stack pennies until the top one is out of focus. At higher magnification, depth of field will be reduced. Incident vs. transmitted light can be illustrated by viewing opaque and translucent objects under each kind of light.