Where can I get a microscope for homeschooling?

Question

I have already looked at plenty of online sources which are pretty expensive. I just want to to know if there is a less expensive option, possibly a place that will rent it for a time or a place that has them available for homeschoolers at a more reasonable price.

Plus, does anyone really know what is the best min/max magnification to be looking for?

Been a while since my own biology class days, lol. My son is in the 6th grade, btw.

Answer 1

Edmunds Scientifics has reasonable prices.  Also, try eBay.

As another answer already suggested, try your homeschool group-they might be willing to purchase several for their lending library.  And of course, check your local library.

Answer 2

I recently purchased a microscope for my High School student, I got it used, along with a set of slides and a set of disection tools, the total cost for everything was $177.

What I suggest is that you either buy used, or contact a homeschool co-op, often they have science labs for homeschoolers, and some even have equipment lending libraries.  Even if they don't have those things, you might meet some parents who would be willing to let you come to their house and use their microscope.  For a 6th grader, a microscope is more of a luxury than a necessity, but if you continue homeschooling through High School you will need one on occasion.  

Here is a microscope that is pretty good for High School use:

https://apologia.securesites.net/store/i...

And here is the same one in a kit with other components:

https://apologia.securesites.net/store/i...

Answer 3

I found a microscope at Toys R Us for less than $25 and it works great for my daughter...she's homeschooled. Anyway it has a view screen on it that you can switch from small lens to larger screen to get a better look at stuff and more than one person can look at what is there. It has 3 magnifications on it and comes with pre-made and blanks slides and you can puchase blank slides seperatly for more make your own slides.

It is chunky and might look a little dorky to some and comes in 2-3 different colors, but we love it. I use one of those large plastic slide drawers to store it in along with all the stuff we use with it.

Sometimes homeschoolers have to go the cheaper route and we still find things that work as good or better,  since we work on a budget.

Good luck finding what you need.

Answer 4

Go to  sonlight.com  They have an awesome microscope for homeschooling-they have done all the research and found the best one-read about it online!

Warm Regards,

Jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

http://www.summerhouseliving.com

Answer 5

my son attended OHVA and they provided a loaner microscope. Here is a good site though you might want to try

http://www.labessentials.com/microscopes...

Answer 6

Try your local library, they might have one you can use for free. Yard sales are a good place to look as well as FreeCycle groups (Yahoo groups). Goodwill, Salvation Army or other thrift stores. Ask your local homeschooling groups if someone has one they would let you use or borrow (or rent) from them. Failing all that, you could always *ask* your local school district, but I wouldn't put too much faith in that one. There's a place in our area that has a "science room" that's free for homeschoolers to use as long as we reserve it in advance and it has microscopes and other equipment that come in handy for science stuff. Check around places that you wouldn't normally consider would have something like that. Maybe even your local zoo might have something-or a museum.

Answer 7

Just try the internet!!!!!!!!!!! The internet works great!