Sad to say, but I actually made it through high school and college (several years ago) without ever using a microscope. Needless to say, I was slightly intimidated with figuring this piece of equipment out on my own. PLUS I have autoimmune problems, which often gives me "fuzzy brains." However, the directions were clear enough for me to understand, and the equipment is easy enough to figure out. It's definitely adequate for our 7th grade general science and 9th grade homeschool biology course. We are really enjoying getting a closer look at our own hair strands, cultures from inside our cheeks, and mosquito larvae from our front yard. The possibilities are endless. I've been using it more than my three girls (probably because I'm a little protective of my new "baby") but I'm sure they will get many year's worth of education from it. This microscope is definitely worth the money (cheaper than a Wii, and better for our brains)!

It was better than I expected. Solid and well built, will last years and through several children. Packed well. Fast shipping. Will not be disappointed if you purchase this.

Amazing set! I am very happy with the quality and performance of the microscope as well as the lab set and slides.

Nature's Workshop Plus has updated the microscope included in this kit. I received Model 131-RLED which is cordless with rechargeable batteries. This is the description from https://www.workshopplus.com/products/biology-lab-set-with-scope:

Includes the National Optical cordless 131 Microscope.

The microscope that sets the standard for high school instruction, now with the freedom of rechargeable batteries. Includes all the most commonly specified features, like rugged metal construction and locked-on parts. Superior DIN optical system and precision mechanical components assure parfocalled and parcentered optical alignment for sharp, unsurpassed viewing. Utilizes rechargeable batteries for bright, cool illumination from long-life LED bulbs.

OPTICAL SYSTEM

Widefield 10x eyepiece with revolving pointer. Accepts optional #965-160 eyepiece reticle.

45 inclined viewing head rotates 360 for easy repositioning of the eyepiece and sharing by more than one student.

DIN 4x, 10x, and 40xR, objectives are achromatic, parfocalled, parcentered, and color-coded.

The 3-hole nosepiece is ball-bearing mounted for more precise alignment and has positive click stops.

ILLUMINATION

LED light rated up to 50,000 hours of life, with illumination equal to a 20-watt tungsten bulb.

It is equipped with 3 AA rechargeable NiMH batteries and an auto-cutoff charger with an LED charge indicator.

A single 8-hour charge allows up to 50 hours of use.

Variable on/off light control

FOCUSING

Rack & pinion coarse focus with tension adjustment, slip clutch and separate fine focus.

Stage moves up or down, eyepiece and body remain fixed.

Slip clutch prevents damage to the focusing system.

Tension adjustment eliminates stage drift.

Safety rack stop prevents damage to slides and objective lenses.

STAGE

Large 110mm x 210 mm stage, with locked-on, spring-mounted stage clips, drilled and tapped to accept optional mechanical stage.

Built-in 0.65 condenser lens

FRAME

Rugged cast metal, gray enamel finish.

Height 360mm (14-1/8 in.) Net wt. 3.1 kgs (6.8 lbs)