Dual light microscope + accessories + lesson
Why this microscope?
A note from Amanda (Owner of Sparking STEM)
I've been using microscopes since the 1990s and teaching children to use them since 2010. Over the years I have tried (and returned) many microscopes as they have either not provided a good enough quality image for children to feel inspired, or have been flimsy and too difficult for children to keep steady whilst viewing. Many have not been robust enough to cope with transport or outdoor work. This model is now always my first choice to use with children and for my own personal use. Its robust metal casing makes it sturdy enough to use without wobbling, without being so bulky you can't easily transport or handle it. It can run from the mains or by batteries, making it great for taking outdoors. The objective lenses and eyepiece lenses provide a clear and large enough view to be great for inspiring and teaching, at the same time as providing high enough magnification and resolution to see structures suitable for teaching biology up to GCSE level. The dual light function means you don't have to choose between having an optical microscope or stereo, this does both, meaning that you can use it to view thin specimens such as cells on slides, or large opaque structures such as moss, coins, stones and so much more. Unlike many similar microscopes, it has both coarse and fine focus wheels, allowing a much finer control when looking at highly magnified images. There are two features in particular that I find really helpful for supporting children with microscopy: The eyepiece has a pointer needle, so that you can direct a viewer to see what you want them to see, and the 360 degree rotating turret means that you can easily turn the eyepiece to show someone else what you're looking at without risking jogging your specimen and having to start all over again. There are many other features that help this microscope to work well for all ages, such as the dimmable transmitting light, rotating light condenser and spring-mounted stage clips which keep your sample steady. All in all, if you want a microscope that will serve your family in their home-education journey from a young age all the way up to GCSE for education and for all ages to enjoy, you really couldn't want more than this provides. As well as including all the accessories you need to get you started, you will also receive a link (by email after purchase) to access a ~40 minute video lesson, where I'll show you how to look after your microscope, how to use it and how to set up and observe some simple slides to get you started on your microscopy journey.
Supplied:
- 1 Dual light microscope (see specification below)
- Introduction to microscopy lesson (see below)
- 2 Eyepiece lenses (10X, WF25X)
- Power cable (UK plug)
- 3 x AA batteries
- Dust cover
- 10 x plastic slides (great for younger children and outdoors)
- 5 x glass slides
- 20 x cover glasses
- 3 x pipettes
Specification:
- Monocular eyepiece at an ergonomic 45 degree angle on a fully rotating head - this allows you to easily show each other what you're looking at without disrupting the specimen
- 10x Eyepiece lens (Wide field)
- 25x Eyepiece lens (Wide field)
- Coarse and fine focus wheels
- Spring attached stage clips - helps with more controlled movement of the specimen
- 95mm x 95mm stage with rack stop - prevents slides being crushed by lenses
- Transmitted LED lower light source (for viewing thin specimens on slides)
- Three objective lenses (4x, 10x, 40x) giving a total magnification with the eyepiece lenses ranging from 40x to 1000x)
- Operating with by batteries (3 x AA included) or mains (100-240V, 50/60Hz UK plug)
- Weight: approx. 1.8kg
Video lesson: An introduction to microscopy
To help you to get started with your microscope you will receive access to a video lesson. This 38 minute video will show you how to use and care for your microscope. You'll be guided to prepare and observe two slides and to observe a solid object, such as moss, with the surface light. You'll learn the names of the microscope parts and learn how to use them to navigate and observe the details of your specimen. You may also learn a little cell biology along the way! All ages may benefit from this lesson. Younger children (around eight or younger) would certainly benefit from having an adult supporting.
You'll receive an email from Sparking STEM shortly after purchase (separate to your email receipt) with a link to view your video. If you have not received it within 48 hours please check your spam / junk folder and email info@sparkingstem.org if you can't find it.
Support
If you have any questions about your microscope or its use after purchase you can email info@sparkingstem for support.
What goes well with this?
Single cavity microscope slides
Triple cavity microscope slides
Packaging: Much as we completely hate any plastic, non recycled or non-recyclable packaging, at the moment the only way we can be sure to get this to you in perfect order is packed in a styrofoam box with some components in plastic bags as it comes directly from the supplier. We're looking into a better way!
Free postage on this item, VAT included. No hidden costs.
Warranty
This item is covered by warranty against manufacturing defects until 2027 (Excludes light bulbs, batteries and fuses).
Take me to:
Delivery, Cancellations, Refunds and Returns, Covid-19 policies
