A great microscope kit perfect to introduce a child to the wonders of science, I wanted this to show my daughter the wonders all around us we either take for granted or are unaware of every day in the microscopic world. This arrived in a nice glossy branded National Geographic box with the accessories packed in the top in a separate box and the microscope below packed and protected in polystyrene.
It came with a really nice learning guide taking you through the early history of microscopes and their part in scientific breakthroughs, evolving into the modern day microscopes you see today following onto detailing the preparation of slides and looking at specimens, the instruction manual is very clear and easy to follow giving you a step by step guide to growing brine shrimp which are supplied and this is a good interesting way to introduce your child involving them in the whole process from growing, preparation and viewing the end results.
After unpacking and fitting the two AA batteries needed for the lights (not supplied) it was time to give it a test, we started off viewing the 10 prepared slides which instantly grabbed my daughters interest changing the magnification lens to the higher magnification which is a simple process of slipping one set off and the other set on, the microscope has an adjustment to move the viewing in and out so as to find the right angle for a child’s and adults eyes and a simple turn up and down to get focus.
The light has two settings so as to give light from below for viewing slides and transparent items and light from above when viewing objects such as the supplied geode specimen which works well and is a nice touch, my daughter is obsessed with spiders and insisted we catch and view one, she was amazed by the detail it showed along with the spiders eyes which she found really interesting prompting questions and as I had hoped more research by her on the internet to find out more.
I have added a video and will also add some pictures showing the unboxing and fitting the batteries, I did managed to capture some footage of the viewing of various items including the spider my daughter captured and although not the clearest footage I think it gives a good indication of what can be seen. Please note: my original video is of high quality but the video quality often degrades considerable when uploaded but hopefully not too much.
What I liked
*************
- Masses of accessories along with samples for viewing
- The brine shrimp eggs included is a nice touch with a guide to grow them makes for a great experiments you can gain a child’s interest
- Very easy to use and switch lenses
- Nice glossy learning guide taking you through the history of microscopes and more
- Top and bottom switchable light system works really well for viewing different objects or slides
- Good weight and solid base so would be difficult to knock over and damage
- Has everything you need with the exception of 2 x AA batteries so no additional purchases needed
What I Didn’t Like
********************
- Nothing I can add here it’s a perfect started kit for a child but if any issues do arise I will return and add them
Summary
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Overall this is a superb microscope starter kid for a child with everything you need to be up and running in no time, I love it and best of all my daughter loves it and is learning along the way so for that reason I have given it five stars. If you have any questions please feel free to ask I will do my best to answer.
It came with a really nice learning guide taking you through the early history of microscopes and their part in scientific breakthroughs, evolving into the modern day microscopes you see today following onto detailing the preparation of slides and looking at specimens, the instruction manual is very clear and easy to follow giving you a step by step guide to growing brine shrimp which are supplied and this is a good interesting way to introduce your child involving them in the whole process from growing, preparation and viewing the end results.
After unpacking and fitting the two AA batteries needed for the lights (not supplied) it was time to give it a test, we started off viewing the 10 prepared slides which instantly grabbed my daughters interest changing the magnification lens to the higher magnification which is a simple process of slipping one set off and the other set on, the microscope has an adjustment to move the viewing in and out so as to find the right angle for a child’s and adults eyes and a simple turn up and down to get focus.
The light has two settings so as to give light from below for viewing slides and transparent items and light from above when viewing objects such as the supplied geode specimen which works well and is a nice touch, my daughter is obsessed with spiders and insisted we catch and view one, she was amazed by the detail it showed along with the spiders eyes which she found really interesting prompting questions and as I had hoped more research by her on the internet to find out more.
I have added a video and will also add some pictures showing the unboxing and fitting the batteries, I did managed to capture some footage of the viewing of various items including the spider my daughter captured and although not the clearest footage I think it gives a good indication of what can be seen. Please note: my original video is of high quality but the video quality often degrades considerable when uploaded but hopefully not too much.
- THE ULTIMATE DUAL MICROSCOPE! - This high-quality stereo microscope does the job of two instruments, allowing you to view both slides and 3D objects - like the included geode specimen
- OPTICAL GLASS & TWO LIGHTS! - 20X and 50X magnification and ultra-bright lights illuminate your object from above or below so you'll see everything in incredible detail
- TONS OF EXTRAS - Includes 10 prepared slides, 10 blank slides, 23-slide storage container, tweezers, eye dropper, learning guide, dust cover, mini geode, and instructions
- BRINE SHRIMP EXPERIMENT - Watch them hatch, malt, and grow! Includes brine shrimp eggs, hatchery station, petri dish, and experiments
- National Geographic Toy's 2-year manufacturer warranty
What I liked
*************
- Masses of accessories along with samples for viewing
- The brine shrimp eggs included is a nice touch with a guide to grow them makes for a great experiments you can gain a child’s interest
- Very easy to use and switch lenses
- Nice glossy learning guide taking you through the history of microscopes and more
- Top and bottom switchable light system works really well for viewing different objects or slides
- Good weight and solid base so would be difficult to knock over and damage
- Has everything you need with the exception of 2 x AA batteries so no additional purchases needed
What I Didn’t Like
********************
- Nothing I can add here it’s a perfect started kit for a child but if any issues do arise I will return and add them
Summary
**********
Overall this is a superb microscope starter kid for a child with everything you need to be up and running in no time, I love it and best of all my daughter loves it and is learning along the way so for that reason I have given it five stars. If you have any questions please feel free to ask I will do my best to answer.
Price: £69.99
