Place the microscope on a flat, stable surface
Turn on the light or adjust the mirror
Rotate the lowest-power objective lens into place
Lower the stage
Place the slide on the stage and secure it with clips
Center the specimen over the light opening
Look through the eyepiece
Use the coarse focus knob to bring the image into view
Use the fine focus knob to sharpen the image
Adjust the diaphragm or light intensity for better contrast
Move to a higher-power objective lens if needed
Use only the fine focus knob on higher magnification
Recenter the specimen after changing magnification
Remove the slide when finished
Return the microscope to the lowest-power objective
Turn off the light
Clean the lenses with lens paper
Cover and store the microscope properly