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EXCALIBUR ET412 Einstein Mega Screen Microscope Hatchery Instructions User Manual

EXCALIBUR Games

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The hatchery is for culturing or growing

micro-organisms, like protozoa, to be

studied under the microscope.

Some extra material is needed to grow

protozoa. These items may be purchased

from a science supply store.

• Vial of protozoa dry culture mix

• Wheat grains (protozoan food)

H

ATCHING

I

NSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill the hatchery with spring or natural

bottled water and add the contents of

the dry protozoan culture. Do not stir

or shake the hatchery once the mix has

been added.

2. The protozoan culture vial includes

2-3 grains of wheat. Make sure the

wheat grains are included in the

hatchery to provide food for the

protists.

3. Place the culture in a place where the

temperature stays a fairly constant

65ºF - 75°F (18-24°C) and the light

is not bright. Do not place near a

window, heater, refrigerator, stove, or

any place where temperature changes

occur.

4. Fill a glass or jar with bottled water

and keep it nearby so you can replace

evaporated water in your culture if

necessary.

5. Do not cover the culture as this will

upset the air directly above the water.

Protozoa are living organisms and

need oxygen.

O

BSERVATION

I

NSTRUCTIONS

1. Protists will usually begin to appear

after 24 hours. Each day, use the pipet

to take a sample of the water near the

material fl oating on the surface. Place

1-2 drops on a plain microscope slide.

Gently place a cover-slip over the

water drop.

2. Examine the slide with your

microscope starting at 30x. Most

protist have little color and are very

diffi cult to see. It will take patience

to adjust the focus of the microscope.

Initially you will see very tiny dots

moving around on the slide. Some

move very rapidly, others more

slowly. Some will be round in shape,

others more oblong. Once you fi nd an

area of protist activity on the slide,

turn the magnifi cation up to 80x or

even 400x to see them better.

U

SING

THE

H

ATCHERY