Finding the right microscope for your child or teen can be a daunting task, with a laundry list of options on the market, including type, style, and appropriate features. It’s never early to get little ones interested in the natural world, and no doubt your school-age kid has STEM as a major part of their curriculum. We’ll venture to bet that it’s been a while since you’ve prepared slides in a lab, and there are microscope 101 basics you’ll need to absorb before you begin your search.

Luckily, we offer a crash course, plus shopping advice so you can make a well-informed decision. Read on for our top recommendations for the best microscopes for budding scientists of all ages.