Procedure:

SEM Procedure:

Sample Procedure

1. Collect pollen samples from three different flowers.
2. Take fresh samples and place into dehydrator until dry.

Microscope Procedure

1. When samples are dry prepare SEM stub.
2. Peel carbon tape and align with stub.
3. Place stub firmly on carbon tape and remove.
4. Take tweezers or a straight stick and divide it into thirds. 
5. Mark one third | the second third || and the third third |||.
6. Create a diagram showing where each sample will go. (Ex. |Sample 1||)
7. Place the first sample under under a dissecting microscope.
8. Locate the pollen grains under the microscope.
9. With a clean paint brush, collect the pollen grains on your brush. 
10.  Take the paint brush with the pollen grains and place it to the side.
11. Place the stub underneath the dissecting microscope. 
12. With the brush containing the pollen, carefully brush onto the stub in the correct section.
13. Repeat steps 9-14 with pollen sample 2 and 3.
14. Retrieve can of concentrated oxygen.
15. With the stub in one hand, point the concentrated oxygen 1 1/2 feet away. 
16. In a tornado motion, release oxygen directed at the stub until 2 inches away.
17. Repeat. 
18. Check under dissecting microscope to ensure pollen grains stayed in place.
19. Push stub into place of the SEM cup.
20. Turn it clockwise until it is no longer visible at eye level. 
21. Turn it an additional two notches.
22. Lift SEM door and slide cup into place until you hear a click.
23. Slide door down slowly.
24. Press maze icon to map image. 
25. Click setting> label and label selected sample With the first three letters of the sample, period and first initials of teammates. (Ex. Kanp4avmm) 
26. Locate the selected sample and zoom in at 2000x
27. If image is blurry, press contrast and auto focus until clear. 
28. Take pictures and 2000x or greater if wanted.
29. Go to archives.
30. Select 2000x picture and click ruler icon.
31. Tap one end of pollen and then the next. Record measurement. Save.
32. Repeat with 2 other samples.

Leica Procedure

1. Take first sample and place on the stage.
2. Locate pollen grain and focus. 
3. Capture picture at 35x. Repeat with other 2 samples.