When, in the course of summer vacation, it becomes necessary for one mom to cease the fooling around and to become aware that it is time to plan for the upcoming school year, it is sometimes necessary to throw out old, dilapidated equipment and seek more adequate supplies.
(We need a new microscope.)
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all microscopes are not created equal, that many are endowed by their creators with very hefty price tags, that some may not be worth the cost.
(As I am overwhelmed by the choices available, I am seeking the counsel of my peers. Which 'scope will give us the most bang for our bucks?)
Having realized the necessity of a new microscope, we, therefore, the homeschoolers in this house, in the state of Mississippi, appealing to frugal shoppers and tightwad homeschoolers everywhere who read this blog, declare our intention to find a new, more powerful microscope at a reasonable price.
(Help, please! Thanks!)
Hey Susan,
After many hours of research I came up with this one as pretty good. Never got around to buying it though...
http://www.sonlight.com/microscope.html
Posted by: Aussie Kim | June 30, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Hey, that looks pretty good. I wouldn't mind a little bit cheaper(A girl can dream, can't she?), but that's close to what I was looking for. Anyone know where I can get the same for less?
Posted by: Activities Coordinator | June 30, 2008 at 09:11 PM
We got ours at Home Science Tools and paid ~175 for it (I think). We can just barely see the yeast budding in it though, so I wouldn't recommend less resolution than that. You are of course, welcome to borrow ours. I don't think we use it this year.
Posted by: Hayley | July 01, 2008 at 05:47 AM
Thanks, Hayley.
Of course, the last time we traveled to LA, it cost $160 in gas, so I guess I might as well go ahead and buy one!
Posted by: Activities Coordinator | July 01, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Hayley
What was the magnification power of the microscope lenses you used?
Kim
Posted by: Aussie Kim | July 01, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Before investing in a microscope, we decided to borrow two scopes from our local high school for the summer (it helps to know someone). The kids found oodles of things to look at, and they were enthralled with the dissecting scope for about three days. We haven't had a chance to get slides to use in the other one. Four weeks later the scopes are gathering dust. I know now not to buy one, but when interest is back, we'll borrow again!
Posted by: Sally | July 01, 2008 at 06:56 PM
I'm not sure if I can borrow one, but will check it out! Good idea!
Posted by: Activities Coordinator | July 01, 2008 at 07:17 PM
It's top magnification is 400x, it's the basic Home Microscope from Home Science Tools.
Posted by: Hayley | July 02, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Are there any labs near you that would allow you to schedule time to use their equipment? My husband works at a test lab 6 bocks away from our home. We sometimes go in after hours to look at pond scum.
It really helps if you know people in the lab of course, someone might have to be present with you, and there is always insurance to worry about.
-Christine in Massachusetts
Posted by: Christine Guest | July 03, 2008 at 07:10 AM
I'll check it out. Thanks!
Posted by: Activities Coordinator | July 03, 2008 at 09:38 AM