I’ve been traveling a lot lately and after seeing what’s on the market for science equipment… well, I just had to write this article to help you separate the trash from the treasures. (I’ve been to 13 different educational conventions in 16 months, 17 weeks of science camps, and countless other science-related workshops!)
NOTE: These are the items that I personally use in my teaching and science recreation, and thought I would pass them along to you, from one science educator to another.
I’ve focused mostly on the big-ticket items, the ones that will put the biggest hole in your wallet if you’re not careful. With these tips, you’ll be able to turn those hard-earned dollars into a sound investment in your child’s education and journey toward life-long learning.
The three most important things you can give your child:
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Yes the Celestron Cometron binoculars are really good also: https://www.celestron.com/products/cometron-7×50-binoculars
the binoculars you recommended no longer have a live link. any others out now you would recommend for astronomy? thanks!
Sure thing! Here’s a complete list of my favorites ones:
https://www.sciencelearningspace2.com/category/unit-16-life-science-part-1/microscopes/microscopes-shop-list/
And yes, stereo microscopes are a lot easier for kids to use when they are first introduced to microscopes. Some scopes have a detachable head that you can swap out between monocular and binocular eyepieces. Remember that stereo microscopes are going to be more expensive, as you’ve have twice as much optics as with a standard microscope. Here’s a company that has affordable and good quality scopes.
Aurora, can you recommend a stereo microscope? Or are those a waste of money? My boys are wanting to do some pond water studies, so I’d like a scope we can use a petri dish type “slide,” and also examining close ups of bugs, flowers, tree bark, etc.
Yes, try Home Science Tools: http://www.hometrainingtools.com/
I was wondering if anyone else has tried to order from Greatscopes.com?? I have been trying for a month to try and at least get some pricing and I am having to hound them and I STILL am not getting any kind of a response. Does anyone know of another reputable place to purchase these microscopes?
Oh thank you!! I have been putting off buying a telescope for my son for years because I didn’t have the foggiest idea what I was to look for. You made this SO simple now and the whole family is excited ! It may be worth the drive to the U.S. to purchase one since it’s more expensive in Canada. We are also upgrading our microscope too, which we use quite extensively. Thanks Aurora! 🙂
Great information, will save a lot of money and heartache for our family. Thank you for taking the guesswork out of the equation.
Thanks – I’m going to write another one about lesser-expensive items soon – maybe around the holiday season would be a great time to finish that one up. 🙂 Happy Science Shopping!
thank you so much for sharing. great to have this information and links.