Kid's Microscope

[charmd2]

My eleven yr old son wants a microscope for christmas.   We have a Walmart cheap one, and it is worthless and a waste of money.   

My question is can anyone recommend a microscope that would be user friendly for a child of that age, and yet still functional?   As in able to see the amoeba in pond water.  Without breaking the bank.   Something under $250 or $300 would be nice if it is possible.     Anyone got any ideas?  I don't even know where to start looking.. 

[G3farms]

I would try ebay and get a good used or new compound microscope, be sure it has its own light source and not just a mirror reflector.

If nothing else you will be overwhelmed with the choices.

Good luck

G3

[poka-bee]

G3 has very good advice!  Start on eBay or Amazon to get an idea of what's out there. Then you will have the manufacturer information, model #'s and all. Once you have that you can go to the websites for more details.  Many times I also use Amazon for the reviews. Do take them with a grain of salt though.  Look for the same info to come up in multiple reviews.  Let us know where your journey takes you, I've always wanted a microscope just because!

Jody

[kathyp]

google microscope reviews.  there are many and will at least help you weed through the ones you find.

http://www.galttech.com/research/buying-online/best-microscope.php

example of one site i looked at.

[charmd2]

CARSON ZPIX 26X-130X ZOOM DIGITAL MICROSCOPE has been recommended.  I think this might do the trick. 

[mick]

You can get amazing quality old microscopes off ebay, Spencer Buffalo comes to mind. The glass and lenses from 1850 to 1960 are as good as ones today. A kids gunna go through a few cheap microscopes. Theres millions of really good quality old ones around that will last yet another lifetime.

[BoBn]

Check your state & federal surplus.  When they do lab upgrades, they dispose of the old ones for pennies on the dollar.
Example:
http://www.govdeals.com/eas/itmDisplay.cfm?itemID=2064&acctID=446