Posted by
mcammer on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/A-digital-microscope-for-kids-any-recommendations-tp7082751p7087675.html
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When I taught elementary school in 2008-09 the science teacher across the hall had a few of the
http://magiscope.com/model70.htm
I brought in slides of darkly stained neurons. Also, the 4th graders looked at pond scum. With a small lamp shining on the Plexiglas or by putting the microscope up near a window with the shades pulled down so that there was light on the base but very little coming into the room overall, the images were excellent. Far better than the microscope in the wood case that my parents gave me when I was a kid which was frustrating then and when I looked at it recently I understood why (I just threw it out
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcammer/4509667646/ ).
Also, I brought in an old fixed tube length 20X Nikon objective and it fit the threads on the magiscope.
Another option is if you can get an old one of these. A few years ago I got this freebie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcammer/3229161177/ which works well with a camera against one of the eyepieces. Not as high power, but fun for kids as pictured.
-Michael C
________________________________________________________
Michael Cammer, Assistant Research Scientist
Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine
Lab: (212) 263-3208 Cell: (914) 309-3270
-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:
[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Kilgore, Jason
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 12:55 PM
To:
[hidden email]
Subject: Re: A digital microscope for kids - any recommendations?
When I was in 5th grade, my mother bought a kid's microscope for me. Had one eyepiece and was barely good enough quality for imaging much, and a nice wooden case. Not digital, of course, but it opened a whole new world that led to the career I'm in. I started with looking at pond scum. :) What a great gift.
Someday I'll surely do the same for my kids. Sorry, I don't have one in particular to recommend, but I'd probably go with digital. I'd avoid the pocket ones -- I have yet to be impressed with the few I've looked into. Why make it harder for your nephew? If a computer interface is required, you can get an older, used laptop for the purpose for pretty cheap these days. (televisions are a lot less portable, after all).
Jason
Jason A. Kilgore
Technical Application Scientist
Molecular Probes Labeling and Detection Technologies
Cells Systems Division
T 1 800 955 6288 then option 4, then option 6, or 541 335 0353 . F 541 335 0238
29851 Willow Creek Rd . Eugene . OR . 97402-9132 . United States
www.invitrogen.com/technicalsupport
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