Children’s minds are like sponges, craving to learn new and exciting information. A microscope can be a great way to stoke their creative energy and spark an interest in science and learning from an early age. Children will love exploring, magnifying objects to highlight details they never knew existed.
Take a look at reviews below for a new and exciting way to foster learning in the classroom or at home.
Best Microscopes for Elementary Students
Here are our reviews of the best microscopes for elementary students
1. AMSCOPE-Kids M30-ABS-KT2 Starter Microscope Kit
This AmScope M30 starter kit is one of the best sellers on the market. Complete with all of the accessories you need to get started right out of the box and capable of reaching magnification levels of 1200x, it’s no wonder this telescope is so popular.
- Durable stain-resistant frame
- 49 piece accessory kit included
- Built-in color filter wheel
2. AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Kids Beginner Microscope
This beginner compound microscope comes with a 52-piece accessory kit. School children will love examining the included items, magnifying them up to 1200x for excellent detail.
- Durable design
- Portable, easy-to-carry case for easy transportation and storage
- Forward-facing rotating turret
3. IQCrew Science Discovery Set
This microscope set includes two microscopes for versatile viewing. Made for children, this set comes complete with all the accessories any beginner needs to get started straight out of the box.
- Capable of 1000x magnification
- Learning set and accessories all included
- Includes a stereo microscope and compound microscope
4. Educational Insights Nancy B’s Science Club Microscope
This colourful microscope has a design that kids will love. Children will have a blast exploring the included accessories, magnifying and examining them up to 400x.
- Activity journal to encourage STEM learning
- Soft, rubber eye cups for comfortable viewing
- Multiple award winner means this is a product you can trust
5. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope
Kids are never too young to become interested in science and this microscope is a great way to get started. Designed with the youngest in mind, this playful scope will have students scrambling to be the first ones in from recess.
- Extra-large eyepieces for viewing with ease
- Large, flat viewing area is great for viewing large objects
- Simple-to-use and extremely durable
Microscopes for Elementary Students Buyer’s Guide
A microscope gauged toward young children is a great way to get your students interested in science and the unseen world from a young age. Kids will love examining and magnifying just about anything they can find, in the classroom or outside during recess.
When selecting a microscope with young children in mind, there are a few things to consider. Take a look at our buyer’s guide for some tips and features to look for when making your purchase.
Durability
It is no secrete that children have a habit of roughhousing and easily get excited. Try to find a microscope that is designed to handle a bit of wear and tear. A strong metal or heavy plastic frame can go a long way and end up saving you money in the future.
Illumination
Specimens and slides require a light source to make viewing possible. Common light sources to look out for include halogen, LED and fluorescent lights. LED lights come highly recommended for their brightness and long life. Keep an eye out for a microscope that includes replacement bulbs, as they can be obscure and hard to get a hold of in a pinch.
Magnification
The purpose of a microscope is to magnify specimens to see detail unseen to the naked eye. Although many microscopes are capable of extremely high levels of magnification, it is not needed for young, inexperienced children. A device capable of 400x to 1000x is perfect for beginners.
Starter kits
These are a great choice when it comes to children and classrooms. These kits include everything you need to get started right out of the box with no additional purchases. These starter kits are geared toward children and come with objects and specimens such as minerals, test tubes, glass slides and experiment journals.