Hi Randall, 

I put bees in plastic cups and check them later, like your friend does; but for a few hives I really like the Easy Check.  It has a measuring line, wash basket for the mites to fall through, and is, well, Easy.  If a student wanted a less expensive option you could point out the principles that the Easy Check works on.

There is also the Bee Squad powdered sugar kit too, if the possibility of washing the queen is too daunting for your newbies.

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