A few months ago we told you about the Plane Launcher kit, one of the new kits from Build Your Own who make sustainable toys with less plastic. This was a a great STEM toy (one which utilises science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for kids aged 8 and over, and they have enjoyed playing with it over and over again.

Build Your Own Microscope Kit

We recently gifted the latest product in the Build Your Own range, the BYO Microscope kit, which the children couldn’t wait to put together and use. Like the BYO Plane Launcher kit, the BYO Microscope kit comes in a smart cardboard box with all the pieces pre-printed for you. It’s made using sustainable cardboards and minimal plastics, so is environmentally responsible.

It was easy to assemble using slot together techniques – there was no glue, no mess, no fuss. Everything you need is provided in the kit, you just need to follow the instructions. It didn’t take too long to put together and the kids enjoyed pressing out the pre-cut parts, adding the lenses and mirror to build the microscope.

You can make a fully functioning microscope, complete with focusing dials to get a fantastically clear image. You can also adjust the zoom to reduce or increase the detail of the specimens you’re examining. We used the torch on our iPhones to illuminate the objects through the built-in periscope.

There are also a choice of three trays for you to use to hold different types of specimens on the microscope table.

This is a really fun item to use at home and my 8 year old has already installed it on the desk in her bedroom. However you can also detach the microscope lens tubes and place them in the detachable, handheld adaptor to use outside in the garden.

The children had lots of fun finding things around the house and garden to look at under the microscope. They tried leaves, stones, petals and all sorts of things. They had so much fun not only making the kit but using it to explore their environment!

Build Your Own Microscope Kit details:

– Mess free, slot together cardboard construction
– Incredible 30x magnification
– 54 press out parts
– 1 x mylar mirror
– 2 x high quality acrylic lenses
– 3 x specimen trays
– Focusing dial
– Built-in periscope
– Removable magnifier for on-the-go exploring
– High quality sustainable cardboard
– Detailed video instructions available online at www.buildyourownkits.com

As well as the Build Your Own Microscope (£16.99) there is also a Telescope and Plane Launcher kit. They can be purchased from Build Your Own, Amazon or all good toy shops.