AmyontheFarm Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Hi. I'm planning on using the Apologia High school Science books when the time comes. I will have a bit of money to spend this Christmas and I'm wondering if I should be buying a microscope. Ds is in grade 7 this year so I would have a couple of years before I needed one. I don't have the textbook yet so I can't check there. What says the hive? Also, if it is a yes, can you recommend a microscope and other components that I should pick up at the same time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyontheFarm Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Also, if someone could comment on if I should get a digital one or not that would be helpful. DD wears bi-focals and each lens is a dramatically different prescription and I'm concerned about her being able to use the microscope properly. If it was digital I could possibly put it up on a screen which would be easier for her to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeegal Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 It's useful, but not required. I purchased a nice, used microscope, nothing fancy, and it's worked well for us. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I don't use Apologia so can't speak as to whether it's strictly required, but I do feel that it's beneficial for students to experience microscopy in high school. I just picked up a good used scope for $25 plus shipping on Ebay. I'll spend another $35 to upgrade to a mechanical stage. Retail for that scope with a mechanical stage upgrade is over $200. You are in luck that you have time to shop around. You'll be able to get a great deal, I'm sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 We have a microscope because dh searched ebay. The kids love it but use it for their own investigations more than for formal science class. We did Apllogia Biology last year and we did make slides for what was easily available. I think I found every item on the internet nicely magified for their drawings. It is not absolutely necessary to complete the course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyontheFarm Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Off to look around ebay.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 We bought one years ago, we have not done a formal microscopy study with it but the kids enjoy using the prepared slides. I don't know if apologia specifically calls for one or not but I think it would be highly beneficial for all high school students to have access to one. We bought a fairly decent one, though not the best out there. I paid less than $200, maybe even less than $150 if I recall correctly (it has been about 6 years so can't remember exactly).As for digital vs standard.I think a standard is more practical, though you can get an eyepeice attachment to make it connect to your computer. The little hand held digital ones are more like stereoscopes, good for close up examination of big items no good for things like smears of cells, pond water etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 The biology book calls for it, but as a PP said, you can work around it easily enough. The only other thing we're adding is a dissection kit from homesciencetools.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyontheFarm Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 ...dissection kit.. great. Ok, I think the first thing will be to get all the textbook, etc in the house so I can see what I need. :scared: Freaking out as I walk away muttering.... Please don't make me dissect a fetal pig, please don't... WAIT! Co-op does the disection labs! Hayhooo! I just remembered there is a lady who does all the disection labs with the kids every 2 years. I need to find out when she is scheduling this next and plan for it. Happy dance! Happy dance! No dead piglets in my house! Yes, I'm a big baby. I admit it! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Dissection kits are the best part of any bio course ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Also, if someone could comment on if I should get a digital one or not that would be helpful. DD wears bi-focals and each lens is a dramatically different prescription and I'm concerned about her being able to use the microscope properly. If it was digital I could possibly put it up on a screen which would be easier for her to see. My son has vision troubles and also has a different prescription for each eye. He found that the monocular microscope was easier for him to use. The binocular microscope was very hard for him as he was unable to focus with both eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyontheFarm Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Thank you Jilly! That is good to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 There are virtual youtube dissections -- we did similar things from butcher watched "proper" ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandalwood Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I would get a microscope. We are doing it this year.If Co-op didn't work out, you can always do the landry intensive labs over 2 days if they came close to you. The earlier you sign up, the cheaper it is. http://landryacademy.com/lab-intensives.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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