On April 28, 2012, we have conducted a training session on the topic of Microscope Maintenance and Care. Acting as the lead speaker was Drs. Amprasto, M.Si, an education practitioner from the Biology Department of UPI Bandung.

23 people attended the seminar. They came from various cities such as: Cilegon, Lebak, Garut, Sumedang, Cirebon, Bogor, Subang, Cianjur, Cililin and Bandung Area. The aim of this seminar was to train participants so they can make fresh preparation correctly, have good skills for using microscopes and can distinguish the differences of stem plant anatomy, Magnoliopsida root (Dicotyledons) and Liliopsida (Monocot) such as corn, sun flower, water spinach and cork or cassava stem pith.

On the first session, the basic techniques of microscopes were introduced, along with theories on how to use microscopes correctly, and also introduction to simple and advance microscope parts. During the next session, participants were asked to observe and draw objects or fresh preparations. They were then asked to compare their observations with preserved preparations of monocot and dicot. The use of microtome technique on potato plant was introduced for making fresh preparation.

Participants were then taken to take a tour around Pudak Scientific’s manufacturing plant for about an hour, before the next session began which talked about simple microscope repairing techniques, microscope care and maintenance, and tips on how to prevent microscope damage from mold and mildew.

Digital microscope, the new generation of microscopes where observations are done through a computer display, was also introduced. Using digital microscope, observations and corrections can easily be done using software. Participants were given the chance to try the video features of the microscope’s software by observing and recording green pool’s water.