The list of the best gifts for the child should definitely include equipment for scientific research. Of course, we are talking about the amateur and, moreover, the children's level of studying the world around us. But for laying the curious base of the student this will be enough. One of the most interesting and easy-to-use versions of such equipment is a microscope. Modern models organically combine ease of use and fairly high performance. Nevertheless, when deciding how to choose a microscope for a student, one should take into account different parameters of the apparatus. Although manufacturers highlight special lines of children's models, even among them, the choice can cause certain difficulties.
What is the peculiarity of children's models?
Usually, children's analogues of equipment and equipment intended for adults have a rather simplified design. This applies in part to microscopes, although the set of components is the same - the eyepiece, tripod, tube, lenses, stage and mirrors. Depending on the model, a microscope for a student may have different characteristics of these elements, but they are all oriented towards the operation of an initial level of complexity.
It should also be borne in mind that such models cannot be compared with full-fledged devices in terms of magnification. The minimum indicator for this parameter is 40 times, and in the middle segment of children's devices you can find devices with a 600-fold increase. The choice for this characteristic should be made based on usage requests. In addition, a microscope for a student may differ in design nuances, which is expressed in the form of design and color design. Do not forget that we are talking about children, and the external performance of the microscope also matters.
Types of microscopes for a student
The most common are electronic models that are equipped with electrostatic magnetic lenses. But this unit can not be called educational, as it has a high possibility of increase, which may be unnecessary in the hands of the student. Usually, monocular devices are chosen for such needs, which have a simple device, but at the same time cope with the tasks of the educational process. A biological microscope is also common for a student, reviews of which note the functionality and wide possibilities for studying cells. Perhaps the most technologically advanced can be called a stereoscopic device, which is equipped with two eyepieces. Such a model is attractive not only for convenient observation of the studied objects, but also for the presence of a backlight, which provides clearer image quality in the lens.
Digital models
The digital apparatus deserves special attention. It should be noted right away that this microscope is much more expensive than traditional analogs, but its functionality is worth it. A feature of the device is the ability to connect to a computer or camcorder via the USB interface. This means that a digital microscope for a student can directly transmit observation results to special storage media. Typically, such modifications are equipped with digital displays and LED backlight. For educational needs, this option is suitable in that the student can easily learn the functionality of the device, and the ability to record materials will allow you to continue research even after completing work with the device.
What to consider in the selection process?
First of all, you should think about the quality of performance in terms of material. The housing may be plastic or metal. Modern plastics are durable, and also give the product a small mass. Metal devices are more durable, but for a child they are more difficult to handle. Lenses and eyepieces should only be made of glass - a cheap replacement in the form of plastic rarely provides good quality. Regarding multiplicity, it has already been noted that microscopes for schoolchildren are able to increase vision on average from 40 to 600 times. There are models that provide a higher rate, but for the school level this is not necessary. It is much more important to consider the practicality of the device. For example, it is better to prefer backlighting based on LEDs, and provide reliable and convenient clamps in the object table.
Microscope manufacturers
High-quality and functional microscopes are available under the brand name Bresser. In the manufacturer’s lineup, you can find devices with 450x magnification, equipped with digital devices and LED backlight. If you need to equip a whole laboratory for a student, then you should prefer a microscope for a student "Young Scientist" from the manufacturer Discovery. The device has microscopic monocular lenses in construction with a high degree of magnification up to 1200 times, which allows you to examine the smallest objects in detail. This model is also characterized by a wide complete set, which includes 60 components.
Eastcolight also offers an interesting solution. The creators provide multifunctional kits that include not only a microscope for the student, but also a telescope. The magnifying power of the first is 900 times, while the kit also contains a wide range of mirrors and lenses, tweezers, magnifiers, holders, needles and scalpels.
Microscope accessories
In addition to the basic configuration, additional devices and devices may be required that facilitate the maintenance of the device, as well as the research work of a young user. This includes micropreparation kits and optics care products. It is advisable to purchase a microscope for the student along with a pneumatic cleaner, special sprays and napkins. For ease of use, it will not be out of place to provide separate illuminators, condensers and auxiliary eyepieces with lenses.
Conclusion
By their characteristics, children's models of microscopes are not so far from full-fledged analogs for adults. Even the quality of optics and its ability to increase do not allow calling such devices toy. Nevertheless, microscopes for students still have some limitations in functionality. And this is justified, because it is possible to understand the subtleties of chemical and biological observations only after working with entry-level devices. The only thing you should not save on when choosing a school microscope is on a technological filling and modern ergonomics. These qualities are best combined in digital models.