When did you start using a microscope in science?

[neesek]

I have BJU Science 3 and it looks like they use a microscope in a couple of lessons. I was also looking at RS4K Pre-Level 1 Biology and they use one also. I hadn't even thought about buying a microscope this soon, but I was just curious when you found that you needed one. I will have a 3rd grader and 1st grader next year.

[EKS]

I used one in K with my younger son, but only because we already had one. One thing you could do is instead of buying a full microscope, you could buy a pocket microscope. They are pretty inexpensive and they are wonderful.

[mcconnellboys]

Well, I think it depends on what your programming calls for and what you want to do with your kids. We've always used a microscope, but there are certainly other things you can do without one,

Regena

[Chris in VA]

We started using the Sonlight microscope when ds was in 9th, but we got dd7 a Tasco pocket scope this year to use with Home Science Adventures. Check what magnification is required. Tasco's are 22 power--enough to see good detail in small things, but not enough to see critters in pond water, for example (well, you can, but they just look like small blobs zipping around! lol). Tasco microscopes cost about 7 or 8 bucks. Our Sonlight micro cost about 120, if I recall.