Science Gift Idea for Kids? A Microscope!

A couple of years ago we gave our oldest daughter a microscope for Christmas and she loved it!  It's really neat watching her pull it out every now and then to study something she found up close.  This past Christmas my niece received a microscope (not from us) and it was cool watching her and my daughter interact as they opened up the package and put the microscope to work.

Microscope kit my niece received for Christmas.

Learning or teaching microscopes such as these are relatively inexpensive yet offer hours of investigative play for kids.  Most kits come with a few sample slides already loaded with some substance, to get one started, as well as several empty slides and other equipment that provide the opportunity to explore.  The microscope itself isn't the greatest, but it's perfect for kids who are interested in science and simply need opportunities to explore.  Pull out a hair and take a look.  Or a piece of thread.  Even cheaper microscopes such as these open up a world of exploration for kids.  Compare a human hair to a cat hair.  Any differences? 

Your child may need a bit of help in the beginning figuring out how to use the microscope, but after some basic introductions, they can use it on their own without constant parental instruction.  This allows kids to come up with questions and explore on their own without directions.  In other words, a fantastic way to help develop those important critical thinking skills. Every month or so my daughter will pull out her telescope and look at something new she found.  She often heads outside and grabs a sample of something to observe closer up.   

The opportunities for exploration with a microscope are limitless, making it an excellent gift idea for a young scientist.