What brand or features should I look for in a microscope for studying bugs?
953311
A good dissection microscope with magnification ranges from 5x to 40x is what you are looking for.  Magnifications higher than 40x are useless for most work.  Binocular microscopes are a must for intense study.  One with its own light source is also a must.  Unlike regular microscopes, the light source on a dissection microscope should shine above the specimen not underneath. \n \nAs to brands, most companies that work with optics (Olympus, Nikon, Leica, etc) also make microscopes.  Just be warned, if you are thinking about a professional dissection microscope for your daughter, be ready to dish out anywhere from $500 to $2000 depending on the quality and features... shop around.
875983
It's what you peer into. There's a diagram here:\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_microscope
825404
Most likely booklice (don't worry, they are not really lice).\n\nhttp://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2080.html\n\nhttp://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/booklice.html\n\nhttp://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/uc/uc-010.html\n\n.
38143
If you mean optical, I use one.  They are much better than the old roller-ball mice and much lighter weight too.  I suggest investing in one, they really do make life easier (instead of trying to clean those little white wheels almost constantly!)
727564
a pin-hole camera (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinhole_camera)\nor kaleidoscope (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaleidoscope)\nmay be interesting projects.
1055718
try this\n\nhttp://www.projects.ex.ac.uk/bugclub/bugbid.html
595105
Start here and branch out:\nhttp://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/insectpictures.html
1152486
Basic tools for identification would include:\n\nStreak Plate - for streak test\nGlass Plate/ Nail/ Penny/ Fingernail - for hardness test\nDiluted Hydrochloric acid - fizz test for identifying CaCO3\nMagnets - for identifying magnetic properties\n10x Loop - for magnifiying & looking up close\n\nMore complicated stuff used by mineralogists include:\n\nX-ray Diffraction\nScanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)\nTransmission Electron Microscopes (TEM)\n\nMineralogists cut minerals into thin section to view them through these microscopes. They are looking at the crystalline structure of the mineral.\n\nI know it's not much but it should give you a start. The link below gives more information on the thin sectioning of minerals & the microscopes used in mineralogy.\n\nGood luck with the assignment.
925875
Here are just a few:\n\nSimple light\nCompound light\nDisecting light\nConfocal\nScanning electron\nTransmission electron\n\nI'm sure you could do a Google search on "microscopes" and find what you're looking for.
1146491
Look for caliper (spelling counts).  Specifically, Vernier Caliper, and micrometer.  \n\nThose are the two major precision measuring tools.  Try the starrett.com web site.  They have a sterling reputation for quality.
129856
I suggest the Celestron FirstScope 114 EQ Short Newtonian Reflector.  It's an excellent first or second telescope for an excellent price.  On sale right now actually for $159  at:   http://www.telescopes.com/products/Celestron_FirstScope_114_EQ_Short_Newtonian_Reflector_5936.html
311434
try here\nhttp://www.tpub.com/content/medical/14295/css/14295_272.htm\nor here\nhttp://abacus.bates.edu/~ganderso/biology/resources/microscopy.html
968574
Boston Scientific.\n\nhttp://www.bostonscientific.com/
338178
http://inventors.about.com/od/mstartinventions/a/microscope.htm
1187719
With a conventional bright field microscope, light from an incandescent source is aimed toward a lens beneath the stage called the condenser, through the specimen, through an objective lens, and to the eye through a second magnifying lens, the ocular or eyepiece. Most microscopes will have a built-in illuminator.\n\nI hope that helps
1005673
test tube- observing for chemical reations
353617
Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) is probably what you're looking for...nice for discovering chemical composition of light source and probably a zillion other different things.