Need Telescope and Microscope suggestions

[DebMcDonald]

I have a 15 year old that wants a microscope and an 8 year old that wants a telescope - any suggestions. I searched Amazon, but have no idea if they are any good and then looked at discovery shopping, but again, have no idea. If you have either at home and want to offer suggestion I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[tzolkin]

See if there is an astronomy club in your area. Many will have telescopes that you can borrow for free if you/your child are members. (Membership for the one in my area is $15/yr.) It's really a tough thing because your child will probably not be able to see anything with a telescope you can afford and might lose interest quickly. The nice thing about a club is that they will have fun learning events and there will be people who are willing to help your DD use a telescope properly.

My DD has been interested in astronomy for the past two years. She reads a lot of books on the subject and we often go to astronomy events at my local university. We were planning to buy her a telescope for Christmas or birthday, but have been talked out of it by amateurs and professors. We're joining the local club to try out the telescopes before we spend any money and to get some help deciding what to get when we're ready to own one.

 

[dis-happy]

As a homeschooler I found that sonlight.com (a curriculum company) had a good explanation of microscopes and what to look for. My ds plans to major in science in college and as a result is taking a lot of science and math high school classes now, including biology, so we bought him his own microscope--I think it's a great gift!!!

 

[Lolalu]

For one-stop shopping, my suggestion is American Science and Surplus (www dot sciplus dot com). I don't think they have storefronts outside of the Chicago area, but they have a good website, knowledgeable staff and good prices for all kinds of great and unusual science stuff, including telescopes and microscopes.