The results, while often stunning, are not as immediately gratifying for younger children since a compound microscope produces a two-dimensional image of a somewhat abstract concept, in this case cellular structures. Compound microscopes become more relevant for Middle Schoolers as their brains and curriculum engage in more scientific discovery. However, even the smartest six year old's brain is not that well developed to deal with the abstract nature of the images viewed under a compound (high power) microscope. Both enable the kids to view and image all sorts of cool, phantasmagoric images to equal the most evil aliens imagined. Make it fun! They even allow you to view the object stereoscopically (3-dimensional), hence their name. Unless you already own some Prepared Slides, much of the pleasure of compound microscopes lies in making your own slides. However, in summary, here is a brief overview of the differences: Both stereo microscopes and compound microscopes can both be used for a wide variety of biological and hobby based activities. On the other hand, stereo microscopes, named so due to their stereoscopic ability are more suitable for analyzing larger objects, where 3D visualization and depth perception would be useful. They need, in other words, to compete effectively with video games and the like! Often, younger children do not have eyes yet wide enough apart (interpupillary distance), to use both eyepieces. These microscopes offer a much greater magnification power and illuminate objects from below. Stereo microscopes also referred to as dissecting microscopes provide a relatively low magnification, typically 50x and below. Compound microscopes also use transmitted light illumination (light is passed through the sample). They learn and perhaps most important, they retain some wonderful visual images that help fire their imagination in other ways. Stereo microscopes have lower optical resolution power where the magnification typically ranges between 6x and 50x. Toll free: (877) 409-3556 It is no surprise, therefore that a fly's eye is more engaging than a blood cell to a young child! These are great for those individuals wanting to view cells, bacteria, fungi, tissues, organs and other small biological specimens. Compound microscopes named so due to their two sets of lenses (objective and ocular) offer superior magnification power and so are ideal for looking at small specimens. For example, you can imagine how many calls we receive from parents and grandparents with "very smart" kids. However, for those interested in viewing much smaller structures and internal structures of a specimen will require a compound microscope. A compound microscope is commonly used to view something in detail that you can’t see with the naked eye, such as bacteria or cells. As mentioned above, a good digital solution includes the Explorer handheld digital microscopes or simply add a digital microscope camera to your compound or stereo microscope choice. Required fields are marked *. However, sometimes one microscope is more appropriate. As a result, for younger kids, we lean towards buying a stereo (low power) microscope or increasingly, we recommend a handheld digital microscope. Your email address will not be published. Compound microscopes are able to provide a much larger magnification, which can range from 40x to 1000x or more. Their greater complexity can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your viewpoint since the set up and preparation require considerably longer time than a stereo microscope. The two most important factors are the size of the object and how much light can pass through the object. Fax: 540-904-0885, JuniorScope, The Ultimate Kids Microscope, LabZZ M101 Kids Microscope, Azure Blue, # 69300, OM36 40X-1000X Compound Student Microscope, OM118-M3 40X-400X Monocular Student Compound Microscope, OM2300S-GX4 3.5X-45X Zoom Stereo Boom Microscope, OM2300S-V7 7.5X - 45X Zoom Stereo Boom Microscope, Edge AM73915MZTL 10X~140X 5.0MP Metal USB 3.0 AMR, EDOF, EDR Handheld Digital Microscope, Pro AM4113T 10x-50x, 220x Handheld Digital Microscope, Here’s the Coronavirus Under an Electron Microscope. Under a microscope, the kids can view whatever they like. It’s certainly worth being aware of these key differences as they impact factors such as the magnification power, working distance and the depth of field, as well as imparting some other very useful qualities. Their greater complexity can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your … JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. By now, you are probably well aware of the major differences between compound and stereo microscopes (also called dissecting microscopes). The reality is that both stereo and compound microscopes can have a binocular head, but only a stereo microscope is able to offer 3D-visualization. Therefore, making them ideal for visualization of larger objects. Instant gratification, immediate engagement and ease of use. For looking at small objects, like microscopic pond life or thin sections of plant and animal tissue, it is better to use compound microscopes. Whereas, compound microscopes provide a much greater magnification power and so are better suited to inspect the microscopic structures in much smaller specimens. This often means that samples have to be dissected into smaller slices to enable the light path to travel through the sample and illuminate more of the microscopic structures. Essentially, you can use either type of microscope to view many types of a specimen. Therefore, compound microscopes are also known as high power microscopes. As a result, each is intended for viewing different types of objects and therefore for different applications. How are Compound and Stereomicroscopes Different? A biological or compound microscope (pictured left) might have a binocular (two eyepieces) OR monocular head, and magnifies at a much higher power than a stereoscope. Unlike a compound microscope that offers a 2-dimensional image, stereo microscopes give the viewer an erect (upright and un-reversed), 3-dimensional image because they use two completely independent paths of light (one to each eyepiece) that are created using objectives that are focused at slightly offset positions in relation to the sample. Compound microscopes have the advantage that they allow you to magnify an object to a much greater extent (up to 1000x) compared to a stereo microscope (max… They achieve this by magnifying in two stages, the first that uses the ocular lens and the second which uses interchangeable objective lenses, which are often 4x, 10x, 40x and 60x magnification. One of the main differences between stereo and compound microscope is the fact that compound microscopes have much higher optical resolution with magnification ranging from about 40x to 1,000x. However, since it does not allow provide two different axes of the same specimen to be viewed at once it lacks the depth perception and 3D visualization of a dissecting microscope. This means that different axis of an object or sample can be analyzed at the same time. They afford a terrific parent/child bonding time or it is a chore! The depth perception relates to the distance between two points in a specimen that both remain clear and focused when viewed. These components provide stereo microscopes with superior depth perception and a great working distance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For these reasons, stereo microscopes are mainly used for viewing opaque objects, including, insects, minerals, jewelry, coins, watches, hardware, and many other large specimens. One caveat though. AmScope can help you determine which type is best for your unique needs. Although many models look similar in design, it’s important to remember that they have some very important differences. A microscope such as our Explorer handheld digital microscopes achieves this instant engagement with a vengeance - and in our opinion, are, therefore more likely to lead the child into more serious work at a later age. They need to be more than educational....they need to be fun, cool and engaging. Stereo microscopes use a type of illumination referred to incident light illumination (light is reflected off the surface of the object). An alternative is to opt for a monocular dissecting microscope or, as my kids did, to use one eyepiece until they are old enough to use both. A young child can easily use a stereo microscope themselves particularly as the set up and preparation is minimal. The preparation time is infinitely longer than the actual viewing, which depending on your viewpoint is either a good thing or a bad thing! Your email address will not be published. You will doubtless witness some innovative new alien life form drawings to prove it! In contrast to the stereo microscopes, compound microscopes have a much higher power of magnification to see the details of a subject. Stereo microscopes have two optical paths, one which is offset from the other. Unlike stereo microscopes, compound microscopes only have a single optical path. 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