Guide
Children's microscope
The ultimate guide to the
ideal microscope for children
How is a microscope constructed?
In order to choose the right children's microscope, you should know a little about these optical devices yourself.That's why we'll briefly explain the structure of a children's microscope, which doesn't differ much from the adult model in this respect, using the most important terms:
The optic
- The objective is a lens system that produces a magnified intermediate image of the object under examination
- The tube connects the objective lens and the eyepiece; the length can vary depending on the type of objective lens
- The eyepiece is used for viewing and is an interchangeable lens system that further magnifies the intermediate image for the eye
The light source
- An LED light shines through a sample (transmitted light microscope) or onto the object from above (reflected light microscope)
- A mirror that deflects the ambient light can be used as an alternative to LED lighting
The frame
- All important components of the microscope are attached to the stand
- The foot weighs heavily and thus provides the necessary stability
- The specimen is fixed on the stage for examination using the specimen holder
- The coarse or fine drive is used to adjust the height of the object stage in order to focus the image
Which microscope is suitable for children?
As with toys for children in general, children's microscopes also depend on age. Does your child show an interest in nature and its small and large wonders from an early age? Then why not embark on an exciting journey into the world of microscopy together? If, on the other hand, your child's passion is first sparked in biology lessons, they can continue their research alone at home. A children's microscope needs different features for both scenarios. That's why you'll find our recommendations here.
Mikroskope für Kinder im Kindergarten-Alter
Eltern, Familie und Freunde von jungen Kindern wissen: Geduld ist nicht die Stärke der Kleinen. Sie sehen etwas Interessantes und dann muss alles ganz schnell gehen. Dabei wollen sie möglichst alles selber machen. Darum eignet sich für das Mikroskopieren mit Kindern ab 4 Jahren ein Auflicht-Mikroskop besonders gut. Bei einem solchen Kinder-Mikroskop wird das Objekt von oben beleuchtet. Die Probe muss also anders als beim Durchlicht-Mikroskop nicht transparent sein oder lange mit Mikroskopierbesteck auf Objektträgern präpariert werden. Handelt es sich bei dem optischen Gerät um ein sogenanntes Stereo-Mikroskop, können die Kinder ihre Untersuchungsobjekte zudem mit beiden Augen beobachten. Durch die zwei Objektive bestaunen sie dabei ein räumliches Bild mit beeindruckendem 3D-Effekt. Eine niedrige Vergrößerung reicht hier schon, um ein spannendes Bild abzugeben. Der Vorteil dabei: das größere Sehfeld, in dem Objekte komplett betrachtet werden können.
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Grass blades
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Algae
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Pollen
What can you examine with children under the reflected light microscope?
Little explorers can simply put everything they find on their expeditions indoors and outdoors under the children's microscope: Bugs, sand, leaves, water samples, minerals, toys, sweets. There are no limits to curiosity and imagination.
And even at 20x magnification, many fascinating details can be discovered! Flies, for example, have incredibly hairy legs and an inconspicuous grey moth with its scales and compound eyes looks like a creature from another world!
Here are our recommendations for
children's microscopes for kindergarten children:
Microscopes for children of primary school age
Children between the ages of 6 and 10 are already very comfortable with a transmitted light microscope - also known as a biological microscope. These children's microscopes are also more like what you would classically imagine a microscope to be. The super-thin samples are illuminated from below. In addition, such a children's microscope has a nosepiece, 3 to 5 different objectives and, in the case of beginner's microscopes, usually only one eyepiece. Because children at this age are still not necessarily careful with objects, the children's microscope should be made of robust materials and have a stable design. Many primary school children are also enthusiastic about bright colours and are particularly happy about a microscope in red, blue or purple.
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Reflective Sticker
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Moth
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Beetle
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Vanadinit
What can you examine with children under the transmitted light microscope?
Unter einem Kinder-Mikroskop mit Durchlicht lassen sich Mikroorganismen, Algen, Blutzellen und iele andere Winzigkeiten wunderbar im Detail betrachten. Etwas schlammiges Wasser oder Pflanzen aus einem Teich oder Aquarium sind wahre Fundgruben. So schnell nicht greifbar? Dann tut es auch der Belag aus der Gießkanne oder einer Blumenvase. Kleine Forscher mit mehr Geduld setzen einen Heuaufguss an.
Under a children's microscope with transmitted light, microorganisms, algae, blood cells and many other tiny things can be observed in wonderful detail. Some muddy water or plants from a pond or aquarium are real treasure troves. Not within easy reach? Then the coating from a watering can or a flower vase will do. Little explorers with more patience can make an infusion of hay.
For an easy start to microscopy, many beginner's microscopes already come with prepared permanent specimens of plants, pollen, textile fibres and more. Alternatively, they can also be purchased so that the little ones can start marvelling straight away. Once the young researchers have familiarised themselves with their children's microscope, they can prepare their own samples. This requires some knowledge, patience and dexterity. Younger children still need some support and guidance.
Our tip: There are also children's microscopes with incident and transmitted light. You can accompany your offspring for a long time and let them examine both transparent and non-transparent objects.
Here are our recommendations
for children's microscopes for primary school children:
Microscopes for older schoolchildren
Children come into contact with microscopes for the first time at school at the latest. For many pupils, biology lessons are particularly enjoyable when they are allowed to scrutinise plant structures, water samples or specimens they have made themselves under a microscope. If there is not a children's microscope for everyone in the class, teachers like to use an eyepiece camera. This allows you to simply show the investigations to all the children directly on the screen.
Once an interest in microscopy has been awakened in the classroom, there is no reason not to continue the hobby at home with similar equipment. For example, a children's microscope with several objectives and eyepieces is worthwhile. This allows young researchers to experiment with different magnification levels - and thus penetrate ever deeper into the smallest structures of their objects of observation. Onion skin at 400x or 1000x magnification - the difference can literally be seen. In addition to microscope instruments, objective carriers, and cover glasses, technical accessories also become more interesting at this age. After all, you can shoot entire films with an eyepiece camera and proudly share your discoveries on social media.
