Microscopes

[JWSJ]

We need a microscope for biology. I see prices are dirt cheap to more than we make in a year. I'd like to get one that'll last into high school and doesn't cost as much as the child.

Any recommendations?

[Jeanne in MN]

I have no experience with the Sonlight one, but the Brock is sweet. Works great, easy for kids of all ages to use, can take it anywhere as it requires no electricity, and can be used through high school.

Most of us here get package III through Rainbow Resource. It was $142 when I got mine-not sure what the price is now. But RR has free shipping on orders $150 or more.

[Eliana]

I think Home Science Tools has the best quality (and the best pricing) I have seen.

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/catalog/microscopes-accessories/cat_compound-microscopes.html

They also have some good information about choosing a microscope, which could be helpful no matter where you end up shopping.

The year we bought our microscope I was doing work in a college lab & I expected to hate whatever we got, b/c there was *no way* we could afford a comparable piece of equipment, but I was very pleasantly surprised. (We saved up for the laboratory binocular microscope, something that would take us comfortably through even AP bio courses. )

Eliana

[Tarheel Heather]

For myself to play with. With an oil immersion lens and polarizer. So I can pretend I'm at work again!