Once you’ve decided to buy a microscope, the next step is to select the right slide and cover slip for the type of work you’ll be doing. The most common types of microscope slides are prepared glass slides and self-etching slides. Prepared glass slides consist of a glass plate with a chemically treated coating on one or both sides, so all you have to do is add a cover slip and start observing. Self-etching slides have a chemically treated coating on both sides, so you can select the side you want to view, and then attach a cover slip.
Here are our top picks for the best microscope sample slides.
Our Editor’s Best Microscope Sample Slides Reviews
- 48pcs microscope prepared slides of entomology, botany and mammology specimens for kids, entry-level students or home school programs.
- These slides are made of plastics without sharp edges and are safe for kids.
- Easy to use. They won't get broken during using which is easy to use and save.
- Slide Size: 2.36x0.83x0.39inch. Please note these slides are smaller than a standard slide.
- Stereo microscopes with top and bottom lights instead of compound microscopes give the best microscopy images of insect slides.
- 【Safety material】- The high transparency plastic microscope slide is cleaned in advance so that it’s non-toxic, no stains, scratches and any bacteria. there is no danger of sharp corners on the fingers because the microscope slides have smooth edges
- 【Classification label】- The microscope slides with specimens is well prepared, well labeled, it’s easy to classify and collect for permanent storage&moisture-proof
- 【Clear observation】- Stereo microscopy with top and bottom lights can provide the best microscopic image which is clean , clear, and well-dyed. cell tissue slides will stimulate young children and slides with insect parts will be more interesting for them
- 【Amazing quantity】- We have prepared 48 microscope slides of plant, insect and animal tissues for basic biology education, the children's specimens can provide students or family educators with interesting educational scientific tools and providing excellent teaching aids for biology
- 【Perfect gift】- A good collection of microscope slides, gift wrapping, is a great gift for a close-up course for a young family member who is just beginning to do biological research
- Set of 120 prepared microscope slides, including plants, insects, and animal tissues, for use in biological education
- Slides for microscope with standard dimensions: 1" x 3" (25mm x 75mm)
- Sample name is marked on each slide. Comes with a list of slides included
- Great set of slides with a wide variety of interesting specimens, for beginner to practice microscopy, to entertain and educate
- Microscope slides with specimens for kids Great for home educational / hobby use, teach your kids the wonders of biological science
- Perfect for Student: These entry-level stereo microscope prepared slides are popular using in basic lab teaching education of entomology, botany, and mammalogy.
- Keep Safety in Microscopic Observation: Made of plastic material (no sharp glass edges), these specimens are safe for your children when doing the DIY-science Observation.
- Selected Fine Samples: Buy and use it directly! Colored labels (labeled with specimen identification) enable easy classification from various categories.
- Package Protection: Samples are sealed with a coverslip to preserve specimens.
- Size: 60mm(2.4in) x 21mm(0.8in), 12 pieces specimens per one box.
- TWO MICROSCOPES IN ONE! Use the lower LED lights to view biological specimens on slides or switch over to the upper lights to examine 3D objects in intricate detail. The perfect STEM activity for boys and girls.
- OVER 50 ACCESSORIES INCLUDED – Explore a curated set of 10 prepared slides with a range of biological specimens, then create your own with the included blank slides and covers, tweezers, and an eye-dropper. This complete kit also includes a Petri dish for plant labs, a mini geode, and more!
- POWERFUL LEARNING TOOL - This microscope features two sets of optical glass lenses providing 20x and 50x magnification, and is easy to operate making learning fun and accessible for young scientists. Kids science experiments have never been so fun!
- BRINE SHRIMP EXPERIMENT INCLUDED – Track the life cycle of brine shrimp with the complete included experiment! Includes hatchery station, shrimp eggs, petri dish, and lab manual. Includes a detailed, full-color STEM learning guide.
- HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TOYS - National Geographic is proud to make the highest quality hands-on science toys, and all our products are backed by exceptional service.
- Set of 25 prepared slides, including plants, insects, and animal tissues, for use in biological education
- Samples preserved in cedar wood oil and sealed with a coverslip to preserve specimens and prevent contamination
- Labeling provides specimen identification
- Slides are composed of optical glass for clear viewing
- Set comes in fitted wooden storage box to prevent breakage and ease handling
- 48 kids microscope prepared slides of entomology, botany and mammology specimens for kids, entry-level students or home school programs
- 48 kids microscope prepared slides of entomology, botany and mammology specimens for kids, entry-level students or home school programs
- 48 kids microscope prepared slides of entomology, botany and mammology specimens for kids, entry-level students or home school programs
- Selected fine specimens from various categories, colored labels enable an easy classification
- Dimensions: 60mm x 20mm x 1 mm. Material: plastics
- Set of 50 prepared slides, including plants, insects, and animal tissues, for use in biological education
- Samples preserved in cedar wood oil and sealed with a coverslip to preserve specimens
- Labeling provides specimen identification
- Slides are composed of optical glass for clear viewing
- Set comes in fitted wooden storage box to prevent breakage and ease handling
- 48 PCS MICROSCOPE SLIDES: ANNLOV microscope slides are suitable for children, entry level students or home school programs. The kit includes 48 specimens that are colorful and sure to delight your eyes and spark an interest in science.
- SAFE MATERIALS: Highly transparent plastic slides are non-toxic, non-staining, non-scratching and easy to store for a long time. The edges are safe, so you don't have to worry about scratching your fingers.
- COLORIZED LABELS - EASY TO CLASSIFY: The set has 4 types of specimens classified in different colors: animals, plants, flowers, and insects for easy classification and collection.
- COMPATIBLE WITH MOST MICROSOPES: This set of slides can be used with most Stereo microscope and digital microscopes on the market. There is a wide selection of microscopes in the ANNLOV store.
- FUN GIFT: This slide set is perfect for children, students, and educators. Suitable for entertainment as well as for teaching sessions.
- 【High-quality optical glass】Highly transparent slides, strong light transmission, no impurities, easy to observe from different style of microscopes.
- 【100 Various Contents】It includes human tissues, insect and plants body parts, 100 pieces in total. E.g. Orange peel, Sunflower, Pumpkin, Tilia, Onion, Pollen germination, Yeast smear, Spirogyra, Paramecium, Earthworm, Honeybee, Housefly, Ant, Skeletal muscle, Small Intestine, etc.
- 【Thickened Package】Multiple package with protective sponge, plastic box, and condensed cardboard tray outside. These thickened package box is not easily deformed, discoloured, durable, and fully protected from any damage.
- 【Round Edge】All sides of every single piece are polished decently to remove the sharp edges, not scratching for kids and adults. Every single piece is 2.5*7.5cm(1*3 inch), 1mm thick; product weight 750g/1.7LB.
- 【Application】This basic specimen set is suitable for young scientist, students, kids, and adults,no matter for home study or academic teaching demonstration use at high school, academy, college, university. 【Global Warranty】 If any piece is broken or lost upon receipt, please contact us for resend or full refund.
Best Microscope Sample Slides Buying Guide
Before choosing the best microscope slide you should consider following options:
1. Size: The first thing you should consider when choosing a microscope slide is its size. Standard-sized microscope slides are either 15×75 or 15×60.
The 15×75 slides are the most popular ones since they offer ample space to work on. However, you can get them in a ‘super-wide’ version as well which makes it easier to view and photograph samples.
The ‘super-wide’ slides are 15×90.
The 15×60 slides are ideal for viewing thin sections of biological samples.
2. Coatings: The slide’s coating plays a crucial role in its performance. The most common types of coatings are plain, blank, girdled and gridded.
The plain slides are the most popular ones. They are ideal for staining samples and viewing them under the microscope.
The blank slides are ideal for mounting latex, ink and watercolor paint. The gridded slides are perfect for viewing and photographing samples.
The girdled slides are used for examining thin sections of samples. The coating determines the slide’s resistance to chemicals and heat. The most common coating used is a siliconized one which makes it easy to slide samples without damaging the slide.
3. Features: The features of the slide are determined by the coating and the type of microscope you are using.
For example, if you are using a wet mount slide, you should opt for a slide with a smooth coating to prevent the slide from getting damaged by liquids.
If you are using a compound microscope, you should get a slide that has a ridge around the perimeter to hold the slide in place.
If you are using a stereo-microscope, you should get a slide with etched lines on the slide to help you place and view samples.
What else you should know about microscope sample slides
1. How to prepare microscope sample slides?
There are many ways to prepare microscope sample slides. One way is to use a microscope slide kit, which usually comes with a variety of pre-made slides. Another way is to make your own slides using a microscope slide template.
2. How to choose the right microscope sample slides?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. However, there are some factors to consider when choosing microscope sample slides, including the type of microscope you are using, the type of sample you wish to view, and the level of magnification you require. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the microscope slides you choose are of high quality and free of any defects.
3. What are the most common mistakes when preparing microscope sample slides?
The most common mistakes when preparing microscope sample slides are putting too much or too little of the sample on the slide, not labeling the slide, and not making sure the slide is clean and free of debris.
4. How to store microscope sample slides?
Microscope sample slides can be stored in a variety of ways. They can be stored in a slide box, slide binder, or slide folder. They can also be stored in a drawer or cabinet.
5. How to clean microscope sample slides?
Microscope sample slides can be cleaned with a soft cloth or paper towel dampened with distilled water.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best microscope sample slides. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best microscope sample slides will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.