~I received a Smartphone Science Lab kit for review. Opinions and stories are my own.~
I’m a huge fan and supporter of educational toys for my kids and SmartLab Toys is at the top of the list. It’s not that I have two budding scientists in the wing, they’re just a whole lot of fun! From making robots and slime, to constructing and demolishing buildings, my boys have run the gamut.
Today I wanted to share something new from SmartLab that takes a modern spin on things, their Smartphone Science Lab. This unique toy turns your iPhone, Smartphone or Tablet into a Microscope for experimentation and it is awesome.
As if Smartphones weren’t amazing enough, SmartLab takes it one step further with their Science Lab. Inside the kit you’ll find:
- Universal Smartphone/tablet mount
- Microscope
4 filters (polarizing and color) - Filter adapter
- Specimen slide
- Carrying case
- 24-page book
It takes just minutes to get started and is really easy to set up. I was using my Google Nexus and even kept the cover on without any issues with the mount.
The universal mount connects front or back via a clip-on, whichever way your camera is facing and adjusts to your camera’s location.
You connect the microscope lens to the mount directly, or add the filters first. For now I am going to skip the filters and go back to them later.
You can see the button on the lens that turns on the light for the microscope. After it is connected, you can turn on your camera app and adjust the zoom for clarity. You should see a ring on your camera with a circle in the middle. The middle portion is where the lens focus is.
Once you are all set, you can use the specimen slide to test and make sure everything works properly. The slide includes a piece of microprinting, a fruitfly and a microchip!
It’s really amazing to see how much a Smartphone with the right added accessories can turn this little slip into something much bigger. I took screenshots with my phone of the magnification without the lens or additional zoom features.
Here is where the optical filters come into play. These are used to selectively transmit certain spectrums, such as: ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectrum, block ambient light or increase contrast. In other words, they help to get a better visual on the specimen. One great project to start out would be to see what each filter does and the difference it makes on each specimen!
The filter lens connects between the universal mount and the microscope lens. There are slots so that you can use up to 2 filters with the camera.
The included 24 page book includes many different science projects for your kids, however, one great way to practice is just by letting them check out their clothing. I was having fun checking out a snowflake on my socks. Don’t make fun of my style!
This is a great toy and is packed with lots of educational fun. Your kids can look at everything beautiful to icky and gross while learning something new! You can find out more about the Smartphone Science Lab at SmartLab Toys online. Make sure to check out all their other fun activities. You never know what you are going to find there!
For all of you looking for squishy icky science fun for Halloween at the SmartLab, make sure to use the Promo Code: SQUISHY31 for 20% OFF!
Connect: You can connect with SmartLab Toys via their Facebook Page and/or @SmartLabToys on Twitter.
