The 10 Best Microscopes For Kids
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Introducing children to the world of science from a young age is a smart move, and may even set them on a path toward success in one of the highly paid STEM fields. The microscopes for kids on our list are a fun and engaging way to get youngsters interested in experiments and observation, and we've included models suitable for everyone from preschoolers all the way up to high school students. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Amscope M150C-SP14-CLS
2. My First Lab DuoScope MFL-06
3. Omano Full Size Monocular
Editor's Notes
September 11, 2020:
While there wasn't a ton of turnover in this category recently, we did see fit to remove the Gosky model from our rankings for a few reasons. To start with, its illumination source was a big disappointment, and even moderately opaque samples could render it difficult to use. Its included smartphone adapter was a nice touch, but the monocular eyepiece it came with was uncomfortable to use. We replaced it with a nice model in the Omano Full Size Monocular, which is definitely intended for use by students in levels ranging up to high school, though it's probably best suited to grade schoolers.
The age-appropriateness of a given model will likely be the determining factor for most people. Something like the Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking is very clearly targeted to kids so young they might not even fully comprehend the tool they're using until they've spent a little time with its interactive voice feature. Moving up the age scale, you'll find nice sets that include a series of prefabricated slides and experiments for kids to engage with, like growing brine shrimp. The AmScope M30 Beginner is a good choice among these if you're looking to stick with a brand name that produces significantly powerful professional microscopes, but it does come with a plastic scalpel that might make it a better choice for parents who know they can be there to observe their kids as they play.
October 24, 2018:
A little suspicious that the Omano model shares its activity book with an AmScope model, but both companies most likely sourced the book from a third party. As a category, models seem to increase in price as they increase in target age group, with a smaller, but undeniable corresponding increase in quality.
4. AmScope SE306R-P-LED Forward-Mounted Binocular
5. Omano Portable JuniorScope
6. National Geographic Dual LED Student
7. Thames And Kosmos Biology TK2 Scope
8. AmScope M30 Beginner
9. Educational Insights Nancy B's 5350
10. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).