Microscopes for Primary Schools
Currently the only RMS Approved Microscope is the BMS S-05-L LED Stereo Microscope which is included in our Microscope Activity Kits. ideal entry level stereomicroscope for achools, this easy to clean, lightweight microscope comes with its own battery powered in-built light source and offers a 20x magnification and is easy for children to focus.
The BMS S-05-L LED Stereo Microscope can only be purchased from TIMSTAR (Part of the WF Education Group). Please visit the BMS S-05-L LED Stereo Microscope webpage if you wish to make a purchase.
Microscopes for Secondary Schools
The RMS has worked hard to create a list of specifications that we feel are necessary for a microscope to be relevant and appropriate for secondary schools. These include a particular range of (total, linear) magnifications (40x – 200x), three imaging techniques; bright field, dark field, polarised light and the option to use mains power or battery power, allowing the microscope to be portable when necessary. Only microscopes that fulfil all of these criteria will be considered as RMS Approved Microscopes. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Scientific & Chemical Supplies to develop a microscope that fulfils all of these requirements, the BMS Polarizing 1001RMS Microscope is currently unavailable to purchase due to issues with the manufacturer and we are unable to recommend an alternative at the moment. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
To learn more about the history of the development of the approved microscopes for schools, please do read this infocus article.
Also see: The Hitachi Global STEM Portable SEM Outreach project.
We are happy to work with manufacturers and suppliers who would be interested in developing an RMS Approved Microscope. Please email Jess Cole for further details.
Schools Microscope Fund
The Schools Microscope Fund (previously AMFES) was founded to help provide UK primary schools with funding to purchase microscopes for their school.
The fund offers schools £25 per RMS approved microscope (the microscopes listed above only), for up to two per school. To obtain your reimbursement, please email Jess Cole with a copy of your receipt.