Would you like to have a compact microscope that you can use with your laptop? Would you like to be able to see the images on the computer screen? Here is a cool Do it yourself project to build a microscope that can be connected via USB.
This project estimated cost is approximately $100 (less if you own a webcam you can spare). Materials required are: a radioshack pocket scope, white led, notebook pro quickcam, 30 awg wire, heat shrink or black tape, and a hotglue gun (alternatives may be used).
With the children today getting so good at computers, this DIY project could combine science and technology and be very interesting and fun.
Step by step directions may be found at Instructables.