At the time of the last major eclipse, interest in our solar system rocketed (if you'll pardon the pun) and children were inspired to find out as much as they could on the subject, but a telescope is always an entertaining and exciting tool for teaching science.
The Halsall Science Museum Telescope and Microscope set from Mail Order Express is designed for the eight-years- plus age group and includes an astronomical telescope with strengths of 20x, 30x and 40x, with an objective diameter of 30mm, a focal length of 400mm and a tripod. The 8.625-inch die cast microscope has 18 accessories including a spatula, a hatchery, 18 prepared slides, an animal fibres data bank and a Petri dish.
Priced 59.99.
Telephone 0870 012 9090
The University of Cambridge Astronomical Telescope comes with a tripod and ABS body, three 30mm diameter objective eyepieces in strengths of 20x, 30x and 40x, plus a diagonal mirror. Suitable for seven-year-olds and upwards, priced Pounds 25.99 from Insect Lore.
Telephone 01908 563 338
Hand-held, Extending Telescope, 'naval style' with a metal body, extends between 18 and 35cm with 30x power and a focal length of 300mm. The telescope comes in navy, chrome and black with a carrying pouch. Suitable for five-year-olds and upwards, priced 7.95 from Bright Minds.
Telephone 0870 4422 144
Toyway's Pocket Telescope and Microscope is an 8x telescope and 30x microscope and is priced 2.25.
Telephone 01462 672 509
Dawson's Whale Telescope is suitable for three- to seven-year-olds and can be focused by extending the whale's body. The telescope measures 14cm long, priced 6.99.
JTelephone 0870 830 2021
