Begin to start thinking like a sci- entist as you per- form your experi- ments. Observe carefully, take notes (make sure you date them), and most impor- tantly, keep your equipment and the working environ- ment clean. Experiments work best with clean and uncontaminat- ed equipment. And your parents will be appreciative of a clean work area, too.

(make sure to ask a parent for his or her permis- sion), the desk in your room....any place where

you can work undisturbed.

Label 3 of your cups: clean, flush and waste. Fill the flush cup with clean water. Next, you will obtain a specimen and make your first slide.

Want to See Crystals?

Use a measuring cup to measure one or two ounces of hot (but not boiling) water and pour it into a clean cup. Slowly add as much salt to the water as will dissolve. Stir the solution continuously while adding the salt.

Use the eye dropper (N, Fig. 1) to place one or two drops of the salt solution onto a clean slide (Fig. 4).

Allow the slide to dry. You are now finished with your tools for this experiment. Clean your tools: put the eyedropper in the flush cup, take up some water and release it into the waste cup. Do this two or three times. Stir the flush water.

The slide will dry covered with a white sub- stance. Place the slide into the microscope stage. Rotate the light source of the microscope until it turns on. Before reading any further, look through the microscope eyepiece and write down what you observe.

If you carefully performed the experiment, you will see little crystal cubes. A grain of table salt is made up of many cubes. Place one or two grains of table salt on another blank slide and compare it with the slide containing the crystal cubes.

If you wish to save your crystal slides, use a toothpick to put one or two drops of gum media (F, Fig. 1) on the slide and gently place a cover slip on top of the media (Fig. 5). Lightly tap the cover slip with a toothpick to evenly spread the media under the slip.

Attach a label to each slide and set aside for a few days until the media dries. If you don’t wish to save the slides, wash the slides in clean water and liquid soap. Rinse well and dry.

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Meade 900X instruction manual Want to See Crystals?
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900X specifications

The Meade 900X is an innovative telescope designed for both amateur astronomers and seasoned stargazers looking for a reliable and versatile option. Featuring a combination of advanced optics, user-friendly design, and cutting-edge technology, the Meade 900X stands out as an excellent choice for observing celestial objects in detail.

One of the primary features of the Meade 900X is its advanced optical system. It is equipped with a high-quality 90mm objective lens, which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities. This aperture size is particularly well-suited for viewing a variety of celestial phenomena, including planets, stars, and deep-sky objects like nebulae and star clusters. The telescope is designed to provide sharp and bright images, ensuring that users can enjoy high-resolution views of their favorite astronomical sights.

The Meade 900X also incorporates a computer-controlled mount, which enhances the overall usability of the telescope. This mount allows for smooth tracking of celestial objects as they move across the night sky. With its GoTo technology, users can easily locate and observe thousands of celestial objects at the touch of a button. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners, as it simplifies the stargazing experience, allowing them to focus on observation rather than searching for targets.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Meade 900X is its portability. The telescope is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on camping trips or to star parties. The quick-setup design means users can spend less time assembling equipment and more time enjoying the wonders of the universe.

Additionally, the telescope comes with an array of accessories, including multiple eyepieces that provide varying magnifications. This versatility allows users to customize their viewing experience based on the objects they wish to explore. A sturdy tripod ensures stability while observing, even in windy conditions.

In summary, the Meade 900X combines excellent optical performance with user-friendly technology, making it an ideal choice for those eager to delve into the world of astronomy. Its portability, advanced features, and ease of use make it a standout option for anyone looking to explore the night sky. With the Meade 900X, the universe is just a glance away.
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