Science learning, particularly Biology, cannot exclude microscope. Microscope is vital for most Biology topics. However, microscope usage has not been optimized in school because most microscopes available are not in good condition.

Therefore, Pudak Scientific was once again held a workshop in microscope, which called the “Workshop of Microscope Usage, Care and Maintenance”. This workshop was held on March 4, 2017 and attended by 20 participants from West Java, DKI Jakarta and Banten. Pudak Training Center in Gedebage, Bandung was where this workshop took place.

The workshop began with a lecture by Mr. Kusnadi, M.Si. He conveyed about the principals of microscope, as well as its usage, care and maintenance. He also emphasized about the importance of a science teacher to master a microscope because the teacher should be able to train students on how to properly use a microscope. Next, participants had several Biology experiments that required a microscope, which included:

• lives in a water drop
• stomata observation
• simple colorization of bacteria
• negative staining
• yeast observation
• technique to make fresh plant preparation
• blood smear making
• cheek epithelial cell observation

After the break, participants visited Pudak Scientific’s factory that located in the same complex as Pudak Training Center. Guided by a staff from Pudak Scientific, participants were directly observing the production process of educational aids products, including microscope.

Next session was microscope disassembling and assembling activities, which were followed enthusiastically by all participants. In this session, participants were allowed to disassemble and explore all and each parts of the microscope, as well as to understand about how each part of a microscope works. After that, participants were guided to handle problems and failures that could happen in a microscope. 

This workshop was ended at 5 p.m. western Indonesian time with a positive impression from participants. Participants were satisfied with this workshop because they can expose and explore all and each parts of a microscope. We wished this workshop on microscope will improve microscope usage optimization in science learning in schools. By holding this kind of workshops, Pudak Scientific wishes to be able to continuously involve in improving the Indonesian education’s quality.