The American Educational 7-1304 prism microscope has a 10x eyepiece, 4x objective, lighting provided by a prism, a fixed stage, barrel focus adjustment, and spring stage clips. The monocular viewing head has a fixed inclination to reduce eye and neck strain, and rotation capability to enable sharing. The microscope has lower (diascopic) illumination, provided by a built-in prism mechanism, which transmits light up through the specimen for enhanced visibility of translucent and transparent objects. The fixed stage has two spring stage clips to secure the specimen in place while viewing. The coarse focus eases use for young viewers and protects slides from accidental contact. A portable lightweight microscope is used in a variety of settings, including classroom and field applications, and where image capture, detailed records, or documentation is required.

The stand is constructed cast metal, with no knobs to break or lose, and a chemical-resistant finish for durability. The microscope is 10-1/2 x 4 x 5-1/2 inches (H x W x D, where H is height, the vertical distance from the lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; and D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back).

Microscopes are instruments used to enhance the resolution of an object or image. Types include compound, stereo, or digital. Compound microscopes use a compound optical system with an objective lens and an eyepiece. Stereo microscopes show object depth in a three-dimensional image. Digital microscopes are used to display an image on a monitor, rather than looking through a lens. Microscopes can have monocular (one), binocular (two), or trinocular (three) eyepieces, with varying magnification abilities. Magnification ability refers to the size of an image. Resolution, also known as resolvant power, refers to the clarity of the image. The interaction between field of view (FOV), numerical aperture (NA), and working distance (WD) determines resolution. Microscopes can control magnification through a fixed focus, or through a range of adjustments. They can also utilize LED, fluorescent, and mirror light sources to help control viewing capabilities. Microscopes are widely used in education, lab research, biology, metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, and in the medical, forensic science, and veterinary industries.

American Educational Products manufactures learning materials in math, science, and reading/language arts for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The company, founded in 1986, is headquartered in Fort Collins, CO.

What's in the Box?

• American Educational 7-1304 microscope
• 10x eyepiece
• Styrofoam case
• Instructions