Twist Flexible Digital Microscope - A Review

Learning Resources sent me a Twist Flexible Digital Microscope for the purpose of this review. 

I received the Twist Flexible Digital Microscope in the mail yesterday and have had a chance to play around with it and share what I think with all of you. First, I want to go over some of the specs then I'll tell you how it handles. 

True 1.3MP resolution 15 fps frame rate Focus wheel 6 LED lights Measurement software SEN switch jack (adaptation for students with special needs) Gooseneck measures 15.75" Here is a video that explains more of what the Twist Flexible Digital Microscope can do for you and your students.

I was always a lover of science growing up and still am. I check out the Science section of Zite on my iPad every other day because I like learning and exploring new things. I never went into Science because the Math aspect of certain parts of Science killed me. Anyway, the thought of playing with a  digital microscope made me very excited. I quickly plugged the USB into my Mac, downloaded the software from the disc and was off and running. Within minutes, here is what I was able to capture. 

This is a close up of my EduBeard

These are two of my eyelashes on a sheet of white paper. 

What the software also allows you to do is take measurements of the objects using the software that comes with the Twist Flexible Digital Microscope. Here are some screen shots of the MicroCapture tool that allows you capture the images you want and the MicroMeasure tool for all of your measuring needs. 

Smile eyelashes!

Measuring the length of my eyelashes.

I was able to easily move the flexible neck of the microscope and look at the skin on my hand, the hair on my face and the fibers on a plain white sheet of paper. I was beyond impressed with the camera and the detail provided. These are the tools I wish I had access to when I was in school. This tool can make a Science class so much more exciting. 


Since the tool runs through the computer, it would work very well on IWBs. A teacher just needs to connect the Twist Flexible Digital Microscope to their computer connected to their IWB and they can easily work the MicroCapture and MicroMeasure software from the board at the front of the room.


When I get back from break, I'm taking this awesome tool directly to the Science teachers to let them play with it and integrate it into their classes. I'm not sure how a Science class could function without a tool like the Twist Flexible Digital Microscope. At $119.99, I think it is a great value for all of the fun things that can now be viewed by an entire class with just one microscope.