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Microscopes for children (Prices and Tips)

Finding the best microscope for kids can be tricky given the wide range of microscopes. In this article we start by introducing you to the essential aspects that you should keep in mind when making your choice. For further info, click here: best microscope for kids
 
Optical quality
 
A children's microscope must meet minimum optical quality . There is no point in buying a nice microscope that comes with many accessories if the image it produces is poor and does not allow us to observe different types of samples . It is much more fun to play with a microscope in which we can observe samples such as the cells of an onion or microorganisms in a pond with clarity and sharpness.
 
Ease of use
 
Children's microscopes should be easy to use . It is important that they can be used intuitively and that they do not require following complicated instructions. Its ease of use must be in accordance with the age of the child . For the little ones it is more suitable to buy a simple microscope that does not require complex steps for its operation. The best option would be to buy a microscope with three fixed objectives and with some samples prepared to observe.
 
Accessories
 
Accessories are essential to make microscope operation more fun. In the most basic cases the accessories can simply be a series of samples prepared to observe (cotton cells, onion cells, insects, etc.). The most advanced accessories are slides and coverslips for children to prepare the samples they want to observe themselves. Most microscopy kits often also include a pipette and sample dyes .
 
Security
 
Children's microscopes should be robust and not include parts that can be easily broken. Children's microscopes are generally already designed to comply with all applicable safety regulations. Still, it is important to take this factor into consideration and make sure that the child who is going to play with it is the recommended minimum age according to the case.

 
Price
 
The price is one of the factors that can limit our choice. The cheapest microscopes are usually made of plastic and include few accessories. Low prices can be attractive and perhaps they are the right choice in some cases.
 
Tips
 
Here are some tips to keep in mind to make a good choice:
Many children's microscopes come equipped with a small mirror instead of a light source . This type of microscope can only be used in good light conditions , otherwise it is impossible to see anything. It is much more advisable to buy a microscope that has its own light bulb, usually using LED light .
One of the aspects that tells us if we are buying a good microscope is its optical quality . This is basically defined by the quality of your objective lenses . It can usually be seen with the naked eye if the microscope objectives are simple, low-quality parts or have a minimum of complexity to correct optical defects and produce a clear, sharp image .
It is important that a children's microscope comes equipped with a minimum of accessories . This allows children to create their own samples to respond to their curiosity. If the microscope you buy is of good quality but does not include accessories, it is always possible to buy them separately.
The maximum magnification that a light microscope can achieve is around 1500x. However, for most observations a magnification greater than 600x is not required . Most samples observed by children are observed well at low magnification.
An alternative option to the light microscope is the binocular loupe , technically known as a stereoscopic microscope . This type of microscope produces less magnification than the light microscope. However, it can also be a very fun instrument because it allows to appreciate in great detail the three - dimensional characteristics of objects.

Driving too, Sunglasses are Mandatory 

On the beach, in the mountains or just in the city, wearing sunglasses is recommended to protect yourself from the dangers of the sun's rays. This is also true for drivers, who should take advantage of the prospect of vacations to have their eyes checked and choose the most appropriate pair of glasses.
 
Sunglasses: to preserve a capital that is running out 
Just like the sun capital our skin has, our eyes wear out with age, which is accentuated by the rays of the sun.

Did you know that our glare resistance decreases with age by about 50% every 12 years?

That you have to protect your eyes from the sun from childhood?
And that the maximum natural protection is reached only at the age of 15?

For all these reasons, you should wear sunglasses in sunny weather, at any age and regardless of activity.

But not just any glasses ...
The filtration of the glasses must be adapted to the intensity of the radiation, the covering frame and the model certified in conformity with the European regulation in force. Beware of glasses that are more of a gadget because behind any tinted plastic, the pupil dilates and lets the rays to the retina. If the plastic does not filter the rays, the retina is exposed to the damaging effects of the sun. So it's even worse than not wearing glasses at all!
Driving too, sunglasses are essential
Driving too, it is essential to wear the best sunglasses for driving to protect his eyes of course, but also to prevent accidents. Under certain conditions, the luminosity and the rays of the sun are real risk factors: dazzling, reflections, entries and exits of the tunnels, sun shaving at the rising and the setting of the sun, etc.

You must also make sure you are not carrying a vision problem. According to the National Association for the Improvement of Vision (Asnav), one-third of drivers have one or more eye disorders. But 90% of the decisions and gestures necessary to the driving depend directly on the sight. It is therefore necessary to regularly check his eyesight and if necessary correct it (myopia, astigmatism, alteration of the visual field ??).

This approach could be part of the preparations for your holiday, as well as the purchase of a good pair of sunglasses ?? !
Sunglasses: make the right choice!Choose the right category. Avoid categories 0 and 1 to favor categories 2 and 3 corresponding to medium and strong luminosities, respectively. The last category 4 corresponds to exceptional luminosities and is totally contra-indicated with driving.
Give preference to covering frames that further block the sun's rays on the sides.
Avoid wide branches that may interfere with lateral vision, especially if you have to drive.
If you're driving, also choose a shade that does not affect color perception .
Avoid blue or pink lenses and generally favor gray lenses, while the contrast-enhancing brown shade is better for nearsighted people and green for farsighted people.
Eyeglass wearers must equip themselves with a pair of sunglasses adapted to their vision problem or solar clips .
In all respects, opt for organic lenses with a polarizing filter (dazzling, visual fatigue, colors, contrasts).
At the wheel, avoid photochromic lenses because the windshield prevents the lenses from darkening.
 