During the first lockdown, it really hit home how much our day-to-day lives affected the environment that we live in, so as a family we have been continuing to make a real effort to reduce our plastic usage.
One area that we have noticed is problematic is children’stoys, as they are normally made and packaged with plastic.
Back in November, Eliza reviewed the Build Your Own Kits Telescope, part of a range of eco-friendly toys, including a Paper plane Launcher, Microscope, Marble Run and Telescope which are made from high quality sustainable cardboard.
Now that we are back in lockdown, I am constantly on the look out for learning opportunities and things that will keep the kids occupied, so when Build Your Own Kits invited Isaac to build their Microscope, we jumped at the chance.
Build Your Own’s Microscope Kit encourages kids to discover and explore and is assembled using slot together techniques – no glue, no mess, no fuss.
Everything you need is provided in the kit – simply follow the instructions: press out the pre-cut parts, then add the lenses and mirror to build your fully functioning microscope.
Isaac is quite an accomplished LEGO builder, but some aspects of the microscope were not clear and he needed help, especially with the lenses, which we found need a little glue to keep them secure and in place.
Once complete, use the focusing dials to get a fantastically clear image, and adjust the zoom to reduce or increase the detail of the specimens you’re examining. Have fun experimenting with the light source on a smart phone to illuminate your object through the built-in periscope. There’s also a choice of three trays for you to use to hold different types of specimens on the microscope table.
We cannot wait to go exploring to find some treasure to examine. We are on the look out for leaves and feathers that we can examine with the 30x magnification.
The Build Your Own Microscope has an RRP of £16.99 and is available from buildyourownkits.com, amazon or a personalised version from Not On The Highstreet. It is recommended for children aged 8 and over, although I would recommend 12+ for an unaccompanied build.
Disclaimer: We were sent the Build your own Microscope to review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
This is incredible, it is so clever what we can do from home. Activities that engage the children are much needed right now.
We have recently borrowed my Dad’s telescope and it has really got the children interested in space and the planets.
I think this would make a great gift for them x
That’s a very good price! My boys would really enjoy this, they have had a few build your own activities. A microscope is something to keep them busy for ages!
Wow, this really does look amazing. My 7 year old would be in awe of this… 🙂