Just like the other expensive equipment, parents balk at buying a microscope. Some families sketch the image from an online image. Noooooo! Yes, decent microscopes can be run hundreds of dollars. I think kiddos should have the experience of focusing and sketching slides—not just looking at the image online. There are affordable solutions!
Does your library have a microscope? They might! Ours does! They may or may not have microscope slides. You may need to use the microscope at the library. BTW I don’t think you have to use the specific slides recommended by Apologia. It’s more important your kiddo gets a microscope experience. A set of 25 prepared slides has enough variety for a high school Biology course.
Another option is a clip-on or zoom lens for any cell phone. Do you have an old cell lying in a drawer? Use it! Clip-on microscopes are around $10-20. Your kiddo will get the experience of focusing, taking a screenshot, and sketching the image.
Another choice is a USB Microscope, which runs about $20-30. They attach to a laptop or a Chromebook. Again, teens focus the microscope, snap a screenshot, and sketch the image. I have a box of these microscopes. Kiddos bring their devices. Some brands work better with a laptop; others interface with a Chromebook. I can’t get any to connect with an iPad.
Do I use traditional microscopes? Yes! Typically, we set up every variety of microscope and have teens use all of them. I have an adapter for a traditional microscope which allows students to position their cell phone and capture the image. My favorite brand is Amscope. The one immediately below is around $100 and includes a few slides. Yes, we use kiddie microscopes, such as My First Microscope, too. I can’t recommend buying a used microscope at eBay or Good Will. Have I tried? Oh yes! It’s been a very mixed bag. If you have a microscope slide, test any used microscope from the thrift store.
Can you tell I am passionate about this topic? Don’t blow your budget! Do sketch microscope slides
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