AmScope 120X-1200X 52-pcs Beginner Microscope STEM Kit with Metal Body Microscope, Plastic Slides, LED Light and Carrying Box (M30-ABS-KT2-W),White

So I bought this as a gift for my niece and nephews we have been doing various science experiments and we've gotten to biology. My niece and nephews range from 3-year-olds to a 10-year-old. The oldest took to it very well and was able to use it on his own the littler ones needed assistance and couldn't really get the microscope to work properly. I was able to focus it and find the specimens under the microscope for them so they could look at it. They absolutely loved finding things in the backyard putting them on the slides and getting to see them underneath the microscope. I even tested the water in my turtle tank hence that nice little creature in one of the images. I would like to purchase more of these so each kid can have their own. But the microscope itself feels cheap. The body itself I think it is metal but it just feels so light. The actual neck of the microscope is plastic so are the dials to move it up and down and the light housing is plastic as well. That being said for the price and how amazing it actually works it's great. This was meant as just a small project for me and my nephews and niece and has only got them excited to do more. When they are older I might invest in a more high quality microscope but for anybody who is looking to do small experiments with children just for the fun of it this was an amazing buy. You have all the tools you need to get started and look at some small things. It gives you a few pre-made slides so you already have something to look at. The next addition we are going to get is to purchase some petri dishes and grow bacteria so that we can look at them underneath this microscope. For the price and the item that you get I could not be happier I would suggest purchasing if you have kids who are curious or you want to do some little STEM projects with them as well. It's a great starter for a cheap price to introduce them.

Perfect for a 10 year old who loves school!

The Design reminds me of my first microscope, it is fun for kids and even adults to explore and learn. It is made of a durable metal frame, the weight attests to it being well made, and the light brightness allows you to see clearly, has a pamphlet with great ideas for use. I highly recommend

Awesome first microscope

This was a perfect tool for our summer camp science project . It was easy to use, it was not to heavy for the kids to handle. The magnification was great our kids could utilize for multiple tasks.

An okay, cheap microscope for trying out the scientific tool and process. It would probably be great for a particularly scientific young person. Wigglewarts and active adventurers . . . maybe not. I wanted the kids to be able to experience the microscopic world for their science lessons, and the process of preparation and careful use of the table-top microscope while we are educating remotely.Overall everything about it fits the price. My first thought seeing it out of the box was that it was a lot smaller than expected, which makes it harder to use. The chrome looking pieces are plastic and feel flimsy; the "scalpel" blade also seems to be plastic . . .To see if this was an item worth keeping I took a quick look at the prepared slides. I got it to focus fairly well at all three magnification levels with little interference. The slides were a little air bubbly but you could see the detail of the specimens. However, the clarity and color just wasn't spectacular comparatively (* see below).I ended up returning this for lack of quality, which adversely effects the interest in using it.* We had also purchased a couple pocket microscopes which were a huge hit - suited for exploring outdoors as well as desk learning. They have a clearer image (less magnification, but enough for our level of learning) and can go anywhere and produced a LOT of interest, which has led to more self-guided learning. I got some blank slides so they could practice making their own (but they aren't necessary) and it's enough for making science fun for our lessons. Plus they each got their own.

Works well. Much better then expected after reading the reviews. I think this is a good value and certainly has potential for use with children. This is not a perfect instrument or laboratory quality, but I was easily able to look at some prepared slides i bought as well as the slides that came with it. Key issue is to adjust the light, the amount of light, and to start at the lowest magnification. Do not try to use the high magnification first. Always start low, find the specimen and then increase with care. Understandably if you are not used to operating a microscope their will be a learning curve. I was with some care able to view with little problem up to 1200x magnification. At that power there is some issue adjusting the focus, light, and specimen. At low power 300x, it is much more forgiving but still you have to make adjustments carefully and slowly. It isn't frustrating to use.The rest of the kit is of reasonable quality. The case is very nice and fits all the components well and can be used to store the scope, etc for years of use. It also comes with a instruction manual that has some useful information regarding possible experiments and observations. Simple stuff that a kid can do.Some people have commented that the light is a problem. It is a bit fragile but turning it off is easy. Just rotate it to the mirror side and the light goes out saving the batteries. No problem there.I am very happy we got this for my 6 yr old and he is very happy too.