Microscopes for 7-year olds – Buying guide & Comparison
If you’re in a rush and have little to no time, but you still want to find the best microscope for a 7-year old, this short paragraph will let you know the model you might have to consider. According to our research, it seems that the Explore One 40-1024x is the unit you should take into account as it is a set that includes a wide array of accessories. Besides, the model is portable and versatile as it can be used with three standard AAA batteries, so you’re free to take it anywhere you wish. Because kids have close-set eyes, this monocular microscope is an excellent choice as they won’t have to have trouble with setting the interpupillary distance. If the Explore One 40-1024x can’t be found to be available, you should consider the AmScope M150C-I.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Given this microscope’s magnification power, it can increase the image of a sample by 40 to 1024 times. Moreover, since it needs to be used by kids, the fact that it’s easy to operate is a very good thing. Plus, its portability makes it a good alternative to be used anywhere.
Since this unit is to be handled by children, you should keep in mind that this should be done with care. Even if the item is durably built, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Highly convenient and versatile, this microscope is the kind of item that can feed a kid’s passion for science, so don’t hesitate to give it a try.
2nd Best
Featuring a sturdy metal frame, this device is one of those that your kid can handle easily and freely, without having to worry too much that it might get broken. Plus, the fact that its magnification power allows an image increase between 40 and 1000 times makes it useful for school projects.
This microscope is neither delivered with samples nor a case, so you will most probably need to spend a few extra dollars on these as well since they are necessary.
With an intuitive design and a 360-degree rotating head, this device is surely one that can come in handy for many different science topics.
Also To Consider
This microscope comes with many useful features, despite its accessible price that might make you think otherwise. Made with real glass optics that render high-quality images and usable with standard batteries, the device will prove to be a reliable partner in your kid’s learning process.
Some users have felt that this model is more appropriate for children aged 8 or older. However, this is a matter of showing your kid the basics and maybe helping him or her out a little bit.
Delivered with multiple accessories, this unit is a very good starting point, if you want to get a child interested in what this part of science is all about.
As the market is slowly overflowing with alternatives, you might find it more or less hard to get the best children’s microscope. We know that getting a model designed for kids is always daunting, so you may have to take a step back and look at the needs of the little person you’re getting the microscope for. To make it at least somewhat easier for you to decide, we’ve compiled all the necessary info in a comprehensive buying guide. Check it out below.
Focus on usability
It goes without saying that the most important factor when buying such devices for kids is to focus entirely on ease of use. On the one hand, kids have close-set eyes compared to adults, so you may have to choose a monocular unit without really wanting to. On the other, you need to make sure that the design and capabilities of the model don’t risk advancing technical difficulties to the young user.
To make it somehow easier for you to make a choice in this sense, we urge you to consider some of the best kids microscope reviews. Other parents or relatives who have bought the same devices you might be eyeing either as a gift or for homeschooling purposes can let you know what to expect in terms of usability.
Design
Whether you want to get a stereomicroscope or a compound alternative, you need to make a call between getting a real microscope per se and a handheld portable unit. The latter is often called a USB microscope, but the fact is that it looks and acts like a magnifier. Most of these handheld choices are budget-friendly, but they do not come with magnification above 500x.
In fact, the majority of such USB devices don’t even come with eyepieces, so you’ll do nothing in terms of explaining to the child how a real microscope works. This situation is due to the fact that USB units don’t even have the same components as full-size options.
Consider the magnification and the illumination system
When it comes to the magnification power of such a product, it’s rather simple to tell that it’s one of the critical features you ought to mull over. The higher it is, the better, but this is a theory that isn’t true each and every time. The best microscope for beginners is the one that suits the expertise and skills of the person who will use it.
So, you might come to notice that most kids models have magnification ranges of up to 400x. If you want to invest in a unit that can be used time and time again and as the 7-year old grows older, you might have to get a model with a maximum magnification of at least 1000x.
As for the lighting, every such device has to come with some sort of bulb located either at the top or the bottom of the frame. To simplify the matter, we suggest you choose a unit that comes with both upper and lower bulbs.
5 Best Microscopes for a 7-year old (Reviews) in 2024
Because it sifting through the many options available for sale these days is a tedious business that takes a lot of time, we’ve thought about giving you a hand by putting together a concise selection of the top choices out there.
Contents
1. Explore One 40-1024x USB Eyepiece Digital Kids & Teens Microscope
Since it doesn’t cost a fortune but comes with a series of features that you’ll find particularly useful, this model deserves to be on your list.
Its magnification capabilities are more than decent given that this unit can increase the image of your samples by 40 to 1024 times.
The digital microscope is easy to utilize and doesn’t raise any technical difficulties to teens or kids.
The set also comes with a variety of extras that increase the value offered by the product. Also, it’s worth noting that the product can be utilized with three standard AAA batteries, so you can take it everywhere you want.
From what we have gathered, the model is convenient and versatile especially as it can be used for analyzing the intricate details of many types of samples.
It doesn’t give you a lot of freedom in terms of working distance, however, but that’s because it’s not a dissecting microscope.
Pros
This unit features more than decent magnification capabilities as it can increase the image by 40 to 1024 times.
It is a digital microscope that can easily be utilized by kids since it does not raise technical difficulties.
The microscope is also portable because it works with standard AAA batteries, so it is very easy to carry around.
This device is versatile and convenient as it can be used to analyze complex details of a wide array of samples.
Since this model is not a dissecting microscope, you will not have a lot of freedom when it comes to the working distance, but it will do the job you got it for.
Cons
This option is not the cheapest alternative you can find, but it will do its job.
Also, since the device is intended for children, it should be handled with care and the manufacturer’s recommendation should be followed.
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2. AmScope M150C-I 40X-1000X All-Metal Optical Glass
If you need an even more affordable choice, perhaps it is high time for you to check out the specs of the M150C-I.
Its magnification capabilities allow you to increase the image by 40 to 1000 times.
Also, the sturdy metal frame enables kids to work with the microscope both conveniently and efficiently, without ever worrying about whether they will damage it or not.
Since this product is another cordless alternative, it can be used with batteries. Therefore, it’s a winner when it comes to portability.
Because this unit is a monocular microscope, the 7-year old won’t be bothered by any adjustments of the interpupillary distance.
All of the optics in this choice are made out of glass. The 360-degree rotatable head can allow you to use the device for educational purposes as you’ll be able to set the image in the right area and then just show it to the child.
Pros
With this model, you get magnification capabilities which will allow you to enhance the image by 40 to 1000 time for quite an affordable price.
Since it comes with a sturdy metal structure, your kids will be able to work with the microscope without you worrying they might cause any damage to it.
This model is cordless and it works on batteries. This means that it is also a portable option.
A 7-years old child will never be bothered by any corrections of the interpupillary distance because the unit is monocular.
The optics in this microscope are made from glass. The device is also equipped with a 360-degree rotatable head which makes it a great option for educational purposes.
Cons
Some customers would have liked the LED light to offer more brightness.
You might need to spend some extra dollars to buy samples and a case since you will not receive them with your purchase.
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3. C & A Scientific MFL-06 My First Lab Duo Scope
It would have been nearly impossible to avoid including this microscope in this selection, and that’s for several reasons.
On the one hand, the MFL-06 is considerably more budget-friendly when compared to many other choices out there.
Secondly, this microscope comes with real glass optics and can be used with batteries, so you have the advantage offered by quality and portability in a single product.
The accessory kit that accompanies the main unit comes with a broad array of extras such as coverslips, plastic droppers, a forceps, a test tube, a Petri dish, and a teasing needle. Many others are available in the set.
A detail that should be added in regards to the MFL-06 is that it does come with an inferior magnification capability when compared to that of some of the other models we’ve mentioned.
You have the choice of selecting between three settings; 40x, 100x, and 400x.
Pros
Among the greatest benefits of selecting this model is the price which is more budget-friendly compared to other products in this line.
Another advantage is quality. The microscope is equipped with real glass optics and it works on batteries, so it is portable and convenient to use as well.
You will love the accessory kit that comes with the microscope which includes essentials such as plastic droppers, coverslips, a test tube, a forceps, a testing needle, and a Petri Dish.
Compared to other similar products, this model comes with inferior magnification capability but not with inferior performance. You can choose between 40x, 100x, and 400x.
Cons
A few buyers mentioned that this model is more appropriate for 8-years old children and above. Still, the unit is intended for learning the basics.
Also, the 40x objective seems to touch the coverglass as there have been some comments made in this sense.
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4. Homee Science Kits for Kids Microscope
If you need something more basic as you aren’t feeling certain as to whether or not the child will continue using the microscope in the future, the PBOX Science might be just the right option for you.
It’s also quite affordable as we have noticed that most of the online retailers we’ve checked out sell it for less than twenty dollars.
You can select any of the three available magnification settings of this alternative; 100x, 400x, and 1200x. A LED bulb has been attached to the monocular head, so you can use this basic device for educational purposes.
The model works with 2 standard AA batteries, so once again, you can take it anywhere you wish. Even though it’s less impressive than other choices, this particular choice has acquired the appreciation of over one hundred satisfied consumers.
Some of those who have bought it have chosen to give it as a gift and apparently it was well-received by the recipients.
Pros
This option is a good alternative for beginners, especially because it can be used further on, even after your toddler is an experienced microscope user.
In terms of the advantages of using this unit, you have the option to select between three magnification settings (100x, 400x, and 1200x).
Thanks to the LED bulb attached to the monocular head, this basic device can be used for educational purposes.
You can take this device everywhere with you, as it runs on batteries, therefore does not require a cord. You need two standard AA batteries to be more precise.
Last but not least, you can get this model for an affordable price, so it will be worth your money.
Cons
Some customers were not so pleased with the fact that the microscope does not come with coverslips.
Others mentioned that the unit seems cheaply made, but it does the job, especially for the low price.
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5. AmScope-KIDS M30-ABS-KT51
There are six magnification settings you will be able to utilize if you decide to select this AmScope Kids alternative.
It’s a somewhat more serious unit compared to others that look like toys, and that’s because it has been equipped with a metal frame and good-quality optical components.
The neat thing about this choice is that it has both a built-in light for direct illumination and a handy mirror for when the sun is shining brightly in the sky, and you can conveniently use natural lighting.
As is the case with other models we’ve analyzed, this one can be used with two standard AA batteries. It comes with a case and a variety of accessories that range from tweezers and filters to a test tube and a Petri dish.
All in all, the M30-ABS-KT51 seems to be a safe bet if you’re unwilling to spend a fortune on a microscope for kids, but you don’t want to risk getting a low-quality unit.
Pros
In case you decide to select this option, you will get to choose between six magnification settings.
Although it may seem like a toy at the first glance, it is a serious unit equipped with high-quality optical components and a metal frame.
The device comes with a built-in light for direct illumination and a useful mirror which you can conveniently use for natural light on shiny days.
This unit is accompanied by some extra features including tweezers, a Petri dish, and filter to a test tube. It also works with standard AA batteries.
It seems that this is a great option due to its high-quality construction and the budget-friendly price.
Cons
It seems that the device is not very sturdy as some comments were made in this sense.
Also, there were some customers who mentioned that the light is too powerful and it is uneasy on the eye.
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