My soon to be 8 yr old is super into science. Last Christmas we got him a cheap plastic microscope, and he loved it. For his birthday, we were thinking of upgrading to something you probably used in 6th grade science classes.

Any recommendations? We don't really have science teacher friends.

Rather than a microscope, I would recommend looking into (or through) a stereomicroscope, also sometimes referred to as a stereoscope. Kids will usually find these more fun to use, since they do not require the preparation of a slide in order to see something. You just stick your subject under the lens, and away you go. And too, using two eyes to view instead of the one commonly used on low-priced microscopes is easier for most people as well, especially if viewing for long periods of time.

There are a huge number of places where you can get these things. One place that you might begin your search is Carolina Biological Supply.

C