The 10 Best Prepared Microscope Slides
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Kids and adults can certainly learn a lot from books, but for many, there comes a time when something a little more hands-on is appreciated. These prepared microscope slides fit the bill nicely, as they offer a deeper look into the world around us and a better understanding of topics like biology, botany, and entomology. Since most are made with glass, note that young children must be supervised. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. AmScope PS25
2. National Geographic Mega Biology
3. R’s Science Beauty of Biology
Editor's Notes
October 07, 2020:
Whether you’re a science teacher, a parent who home schools, or simply know a child who enjoys biology, these prepared microscope slides can provide hours of fun and education. Today we replaced the AmScope Basic Biological, which is unavailable at this time, with the popular AmScope PS25. This set of 25 slides features a human blood smear as well as cross sections of a mushroom, connective tissue, a dog’s cardiac muscle, a dog’s esophagus, bee mouth parts, onion skin, and more. They’re preserved in cedar wood oil and sealed with coverslips. We also replaced the R’s Science All-In-One, which does not feature prepared slides, with the R’s Science Beauty of Biology. This kit includes specimens from algae, fungi, animals, plants, and the human body. It comes with a helpful guidebook with descriptions and colorful pictures, as well the instructions for eight mini-projects. Each slide is made of safe, rounded corners. It carries a money-back satisfaction guarantee.
For a set of humanely acquired samples from a century-old nonprofit organization, look to the National Geographic Mega Biology, which includes 25 slides with tissues from muscles, nerves, skin, plants, and more. They come with a colorful learning guide, as well as a slotted wooden box that helps you keep them organized. To help bring out a love of science in your little one, check out the BestOfferBuy 48 Piece, which comes with a colorful preserved butterfly, and the WhizKidsLab Science Kit, which brings you a preserved beetle. For a professionally mounted set compatible with most compound microscopes, the Omano 50 Count is worthy of a look. You’ll get 50 slides that provide an in-depth view of anatomical components such as blood, bone marrow, cartilage, and more. They come in sealed coverslips and are durable enough for classroom use, and come in a sturdy slotted plastic container. No matter which kit you go with, for safety’s sake, any set with glass slides should only be used by children under adult supervision.
November 06, 2018:
Looked at the various options offered by popular manufacturer AmScope, selecting their Basic Biological and Kids sets for their blend of affordability and range of samples. Also chose the Omano 50 Count as a viable option for anyone studying biology at a more in-depth level.
Special Honors
Home Science Tools Water Life Slide Set Well suited for marine biology students, this set of 12 high-quality slides features tiny water organisms. They’re hand-prepared by experts, ensuring each specimen is carefully sliced and dyed to provide an optimum view. They come in a durable plastic storage box. Included are specimen of bacteria, crustaceans, green algae, flatworms, and more. homesciencetools.com
Botany Atlas and Microscope Slide Set This set of 100 specimens represents the major groups of botanical organisms and is designed for use with any botany text used in a classroom. It also comes with “A Photographic Atlas for the Botany Laboratory”, which is incorporated into a 3-ring binder so students can add in other materials as they choose. This set is suitable for college-level students, with the slides selected to complement the images that appear in the atlas. carolina.com
4. My First Lab PS72
5. Omano 50 Count
6. Amscope Kids
7. Celestron 25 Piece
8. BestOfferBuy 48 Piece
9. AmScope PS200A
10. WhizKidsLab Science Kit
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.