What Are the Main Differences?
Overall Size
Elementary – Smaller ¾ sized (11” Height) microscopes
Smaller size makes it easier for students to handle & reduces the overall cost. A low price is especially important at lower grade levels.
High School – Full Sized, (15”) microscopes. Heavier construction & increased reliability. Increases overall cost.
Focus Controls
Elementary – Usually simple single knob focus. Easy to use for young students
High School – Separate coarse & fine focus. This style is more complex but better for accurate focus at higher magnifications.
Stage Type
Elementary – Stage is smaller with stage clips to hold the slide in place. Student’s fingers control slide movement. This is simple & cost effective.
High School – Full sized stage. These microscopes may have stage clips but optional mechanical stages can be added or are built-in to many advanced models. Mechanical stages make slide movement significantly smoother. This is an excellent feature for viewing specimens at higher magnifications.
See stage examples below.
Lighting
Both Elementary & High School microscopes are updated to use a cooler, energy efficient, longer lasting light such as LED.
Cool light is better for viewing living specimens that are sensitive to heat.
See Elementary & High School microscope images on the pages below. Important parts are labeled.
