Are you thinking about buying a microscope for kids? Microscopes are amazing science tools that can greatly enhance your child’s learning experience. Wondering what to buy, which features are important, or how much it could cost? I wrote a recent guest post on Pandia Press’s blog called Microscopes for Kids.
Does my child need a microscope?
Many of us have memories of using microscopes in biology class, but is it really necessary to buy a microscope for kids? A child who is interested in science or medicine will need to be proficient in using a microscope for college and career purposes. But even students who don’t plan for a career in biology may need access to a microscope.
Although it’s possible to access high quality microscopic images online, it feels much more “real” and empowering to kids when they can see it themselves. With a real microscope, kids can sample and see their own environment, even their own cells! Using microscopes makes science hands on for students and helps them understand the methods that scientists and doctors use to study the world.
Microscopes become truly necessary when studying biology, particularly in looking at cells. If your child is in middle or high school, s/he will most likely need access to a microscope with at least 400x magnification. The good news is that there are many affordable options that provide microscopes for kids with this magnification or higher, at a reasonable price.
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