We put this set together especially for kids in middle school through high school (age 11 - 18) who want to learn more about science and explore the microscopic world around them. This set is an excellent choice for home school students and public school students who need more “microscope time” than they get on shared equipment during school hours. It's also an excellent choice for parents who want to buy one microscope that can be used from elementary school all the way through introductory high school biology courses. (For students who will take advanced high school biology courses that require a 1000X microscope, we recommend our Advanced Microscope Set.) Yeah, this set gives your kids a big advantage against the other kids in their science classes. But they're your kids.

The set includes all the essential accessories you need to get started right. Just unpack the scope, set it up, and your kids can start observing the invisible world around them. Within minutes, they can begin making their first close-up examinations of leaf structures, insects, pond life, fibers, and other tiny items. They'll learn essential microscopy skills and procedures, from preparing whole mount slides, section slides, and smear slides to growing and observing their own microorganism cultures.

The core of this set is our Model 131-CLED-MS microscope, which provides the standard 40X, 100X, and 400X magnification settings. This full-size scope is as good or better than the microscopes used in most public schools. Its precision optical system uses achromatic, optical glass lenses, and its rugged metal frame is engineered and student-proofed for years of reliable performance. We've also included an important option that's often missing from microscopes in this price range: an optional mechanical stage, which allows fine adjustments in positioning of the object being viewed.

We didn't stint on the accessories, either. Other than some common household items, the MAKE Intermediate Microscope Set set contains everything you need to hit the ground running.

Essential equipment and supplies for making your own slides

Specialty equipment and supplies needed to culture (grow) bacteria colonies

Adult supervision required. Contains glass items. All consumable items can be replenished separately. Microscope drop-ships separately from manufacturer. Please note: We cannot ship chemicals outside of the USA. No foreign orders please.