8 Reasons to Choose a Binocular Microscope in Schools

Are you thinking about getting a binocular microscope for your class? This device allows observing various samples and objects. It can be a learning asset for students. Are those reasons enough to acquire this product for schools?

This guide focuses on the importance of these microscopes in educational facilities. You’ll discover the main reasons how tutors and students could benefit from this unit. Keep reading to discover if this is a suitable product for your class!

What Are the Main Benefits of Using a Binocular Microscope in Schools?

A microscope is a single device that delivers many benefits. You probably used this unit when you were going to school yourself. These products have been present in educational facilities for decades. These are the top reasons why!

1. You Can Observe a Huge Variety of Samples and Objects

The binocular type of microscope is most common in schools. That’s because it’s most convenient for observations. It delivers a high-quality picture with two tubes. You can enjoy watching without an eye strain risk. 

Here is what you can observe with this microscope:

• Consumables. The device is suitable for observing drinks and foods and see how they look when zoomed in. You can even observe cosmetic items.
• Environmental. It’s exciting to watch a molecule of water. The students can also see how various soil types look under the microscope. That’s convenient for biology and related programs.
• Live blood analysis. Medical schools and facilities can analyze live blood cells with their students. You can observe other microorganisms, too.
• Skin and other cells. It’s easy to acquire cheek cells because they retire after a single day of work. They are convenient to learn about these structures. You can identify cytoplasm, nucleus, membrane, and other components.
• Microorganisms from the pond water. You can divide these into plant-like and animal-like structures. The algae from ponds come in different shapes. Some protozoa are even impossible to see without a microscope.

This is a portion of what you can see under this zooming device. It can be useful in different classes, such as chemistry, biology, etc. The actual applications depend on your requirements. Please note that the items you can observe will vary on the product type chosen.

How Different Types of Microscopes Affect What You See

The market offers two primary microscope types: compound and stereo. Each device has specific advantages. You can choose based on your facility and class requirements. If you are in a dilemma, check out the main characteristics below.

Compound Microscope – an Overview

A compound device allows you to see a variety of samples. These include live blood analysis, water, soil, and other environmental specimens. You can also observe drinks, foods, cosmetics, etc., which makes it suitable for scholars of all levels.

The nosepiece of the compound microscope can rotate. That component features multiple objective lenses. These have different magnifications, and users can choose based on their needs.

Some compound devices will also have an additional lens. That is a condenser, and it is below the stage. Its task is to focus the light on the objective. An alternative is a disc diaphragm. It’s another component that allows adjusting how much illumination will go through to the eyepiece. The third option is a slider. It gives you control over the positioning, which is excellent for advanced microscopy.

You can find a binocular compound light microscope. These devices don’t weigh much. That makes their transport easy. It’s simple to bring them and take them out of the classroom. That contributes to their suitability for schools.

What’s the Usual Magnification in Compound Microscopes?

The usual range of magnification to expect is from 40x to 1,600x. You’ll always use only a single lens with the specified power. That means the device only collects a single light path. It affects the sample’s image. It will always be two-dimensional.

You should make a difference between the total and lens magnification. The latter has a certain power, but the overall unit’s strength is often bigger. Here is a simple formula to calculate the total magnification:

1. Write down the objective lens capability.
2. Note the eyepiece characteristics.
3. Multiply the two, and you’ll get total magnification. If you use a 10x eyepiece with a 50x objective, the total magnification is 500x. 

Stereo Microscopes

The main advantage of stereo microscopes is their 3D image. It’s also characteristic that the picture is erect. That means you won’t see a reversed sample portrayal. It will be upright since these devices use separate light paths for each eyepiece.

The objectives are in an offset place when compared to the sample. The device’s name is from the word “stereo.” It describes two viewing angles that this unit uses. The result is that you observe the specimen with admirable depth perception. 

You won’t find monocular stereo microscopes. Two tubes are the minimum necessary for this type. You can also go for trinocular or “inspection” devices. These are special units that look similar to the stereoscopic category.

You’ll also find inspection microscopes. These have a 2D image and a single tube. You can use them to observe the same specimens as with the stereo devices.

2. It’s More Versatile Than Other Head Types

Binocular microscopes are only one of the three available head types. You can also pick monocular and trinocular devices. The former features a single tube and eyepiece. That restricts the image depth, which is why they are only suitable for children and at-home use.

A binocular microscope features two eyepieces and tubes. Each pipe has a separate lens to ensure the observation is easier for the eyes. You can see the specimens in impressive depths. This device is suitable for educational, commercial, and research settings. That versatility is why it provides the best value for schools.

As for trinocular microscopes, they are an advanced version of binocular units. They have an additional port where you can connect a camera. That gives you the option of capturing videos and photos.

3. Microscopes Are Easy to Use

You can’t have a complicated device in the classroom. As a tutor, you won’t have much time to set it up for observation. It’s better to focus on sharing more information with students. 

The good news is that microscopes are simple to use. An entry-level unit is a fine choice for students. You can plug it into a power socket and move the eyepieces to the desired position. Once you place the specimen, you can start observing. 

You can use a digital binocular microscope for advanced classes. It allows projecting the image to a big screen. That means the entire room can see the specimen as if they are observing via the device.

4. They Boost the Learning Experience

Teachers have an impressive knowledge of various topics. They could talk about how a cell looks and draw all its parts on the board. The students will understand in theory. The problem is they’ll be unfamiliar with how the actual microorganism looks.

A microscope can improve the learning experience. The device allows students to see how an actual cell looks. That gives them a better idea of what they focus on in classes.

5. It Makes Learning More Fun

It’s easy for students to get bored during a class. Their attention span is often low, and they might lack interest in a topic. A microscope can assist in boosting their engagement in the classroom.

You can spark the students’ interest by letting them observe different samples. It’s a creative way to meet the world around them better. That should boost their motivation and make the learning process more fun.

6. You Can Boost Magnification with a Barlow Lens

You found a microscope binocular unit that fits your expectations. The only problem is the magnification could be better. That’s where a Barlow lens comes into play. This is an auxiliary component that you can place in stereoscopic devices.

The Barlow lens increases the magnification options. If you use a fixed power device, it can provide more adjustment choices. The only thing to consider is that you’ll lower the field of view. You’ll see less of the observed specimen if you zoom in more. It’s not about finding a unit with the biggest strength. It’s about finding the right setting for every sample.

7. It’s Easy to Find a Suitable Size

Microscopes vary greatly in size and weight. A portable device doesn’t have to be higher than 20 inches or longer than ten. You can find other units that are two times bigger or larger than that. It ensures you have enough options to find a suitable product.

The weight varies from 20 to 60 or more pounds. The lightest units are often the smallest. You can go for a bit heavier microscope if you don’t carry it often or at long distances. A heavy product is more stable and trickier to knock over.

Do you plan on keeping the microscope in the classroom? If the device stays in a specific area at all times, you can go for larger units. What if you need to move it around frequently? It might be dangerous to leave the product alone with students. They could damage it accidentally or on purpose. That’s why it’s smart to lock it and keep it in a safe space.

The odds are you’ll only take out the microscope when it’s necessary for class. That makes size and weight vital factors in assessing when selecting the desired device. A small and light unit should be your preference. It ensures you can carry the product around easily.

8. It Offers an Admirable Construction Quality

A microscope should be a long-term investment. These devices offer an impressive construction quality and ruggedness. That durability should ensure that uneducated users can’t damage it easily. The premium units can even withstand strong impacts like dropping the device to the floor.

Various things could affect its durability. If many students use it, somebody might hit it accidentally. Moving the unit around also increases the risk of damages. That’s why some products have integrated safety characteristics. 

Objectives and eyepieces in fixed positions contribute to the device’s durability. It also ensures you won’t lose a component. Another convenient addition is a non-removable observation head. The locking pin ensures the part remains in position. That’s important to avoid this piece dropping while carrying the microscope.

LED bulbs are a better lighting source than halogen. They emit little heat and can work for thousands of hours. Even if the microscope stops working, the odds are that this diode can serve elsewhere.

Tips for Choosing a Microscope for Schools

You decided to acquire this device for your educational facilities. The selection starts with main features like magnification, head type, and size. 

Here are other tips to help choose the right device:

• Course level. Advanced classes might require premium microscopes. Students in elementary schools won’t need more than an entry-level unit.
• Price. The product should fit your specific budget. These units can be affordable. Their cost greatly varies, so pick a device in the expected range.
• Maintenance. Read the instructions and see how you should take care of the unit. A simple process of cleaning the components is helpful.
• Cables. You want the microscope to come with as few cords as possible. Make sure where the cables go. You don’t want them hanging in a place where students can bump into them. That could cause accidents and damage the components.
• Labeling. This is a tip useful for the classrooms. If the manufacturer didn’t label the components clearly, you can do that yourself. That will make sure you identify the detachable parts easily.

Final Thoughts

A binocular microscope is an excellent tool to have in a classroom. It can be an ideal asset at all educational levels. The market offers a huge device selection, and your task is to pick a suitable one.

It’s imperative that the microscope is easy to operate. Durability and robustness are useful because the classroom involves frequent use. If you choose the right unit, it can serve the facility for years!