Educational Insights: GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope Review (& Giveaway Ends 11/18)

The perfect first microscope! Great for introducing scientific observation.

First to really get use out of this microscope, you do need three “C” batteries which it does not come with it.  I was a little disappointed with that as I don’t typically keep “C” batteries on hand.  You can still look through the lens without battereis but you can’t use the talking part or light.

So anyways once the batteries were in, my boys couldn’t wait to put the slides in and look through the magnifier.  When you turn on the microscope, a light comes on and you can push one of two buttons for Facts or Quiz.  Then you place the slide (it comes with 12 slides of bugs) on the magnifier which it snaps securely in place.  I will say the microscope is very kid friendly, from the colors to the durable plastic slides and even that there are not tons of buttons to push or cords to deal with.  My boys are 3 and 4 and with a little help from me they are able to use the microscope.  They love hearing the different facts, which you just type in the code from the slide on the microscope using A,B and C.  For the Quiz portion they aren’t very good at that part yet, but it is a neat addition.  There are True/False questions and multiple choice using the A, B, and C buttons.  You can also use other items from inside or outside your house to look through the mircoscope at like fabric, leaves, or flower petals (hopefully not bugs your kids find!)  So once your child is bored with the 12 slides and their Facts and Quiz buttons, you can use it like a regular microscope.

Overall, I think this is a great first microscope for preschoolers/kindergartners.  It is plastic, has few buttons and durable slides.  I would recommend though to make sure you are putting the slides away as there is nowhere within the microscope to store them (that would have been nice) nor can you pick up replacements.  I love that I don’t have to totally supervise my boys with this magnifier as it is reasonably priced so I won’t be devastated if it breaks and they can use it themselves.  I would say too that this is more than a toy and with the included slides and Facts/Quiz button it makes learning fun for kids!  I hope to push as much on my kids as I can so they can figure out what they like and are good at.  Maybe I have a future scientist at home!

BUY IT: The GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope can be purchased for $39.99 from Educational Insights or check out the Store Locator for a store that carries Educational Insights products near you!