Some things are better experienced, rather than simply talked or read about. For a child, it’s often easier to learn by example rather than from the books alone.
Almost gone are the days when parents had to worry about kids blowing themselves up with their chemistry sets- things have certainly come a long way. Today, we’re going to be talking about the best science kits for kids, that will be safe as well as educational (let’s not forget about fun as well).
Rewarding Science Kits for Kids
The following are science kits for kids that are rewarding as well as educational. One of the best parts about learning is the feeling of accomplishment that comes with understanding.
When you mix that with hands-on accomplishment, the child gets a greater appreciation of what was learned, and a greater inclination toward STEM-related activities. STEM is an acronym for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math,” an important subject that will aid children through life.
Here are some STEM-related kits that you might want to consider for your child.
OLD NOBBY Organic Chemistry Model Kit
Amazon Price: $24.95
From Grade 7 to Graduate Level
Included in this Science Kit is:
- A Molecular Model Kit– The Molecular Model Kit is a 239-piece set that is meant for constructing an array of different molecules. These assist in the learning of inorganic, organic, and functional molecular groups.
- Bonus Learning Guide– The bonus learning guide is an 8-page instructional guide meant to assist in the creation of molecules while explaining the intricacies of each structure.
Pros
This kit gives the student a hands-on approach to things that they’ll not have access to in any other way. They will learn the ins and outs of molecular structure, and a leg up in the organic chemistry department.
Cons
Unlike other science kits, this kit is extremely particular. What this kit has to offer is great for the topic, but only for this topic.
Primary Science Lab Activity Set by Learning Resources
Amazon Price: $23.31
For Ages 3 and Up
The following is included in the Primary Science Lab Activity Set:
- 1 Flask
- 1 Beaker
- Safety Glasses
- Eyedropper
- Tweezers
- Magnifying Glass
- Funnel
- 2 Test Tubes with Lids
- 2 Test Tube Stands
- 1 Large Test Tube
- 10 Activity Cards
This science kit is geared for the earliest little scientist, starting at age 3. Because of this, all of the equipment is child safe and made from plastic, rather than glass and other dangerous materials. In total, this is a 22-piece set.
Pros
The Primary Science Lab Activity Set is a great launchpad for toddlers to get their interests flowing with fun and exciting experiments. All of the tools are made undersized for a child’s small hands.
The different experiments within the kit will be rewarding and fun for youngsters and will give them an edge in science when school comes.
Cons
The same thing that makes this a great set for toddlers, is the same thing that will count as a con for children a few years older. As this set is age-appropriate for toddlers, children just a few years older might find it too simple.
National Geographic Earth Science Kit
Amazon Price: $29.99
For Ages 8 and Up
The following is included in the National Geographic Earth Science Kit:
- Crystal Growing Materials
- Fitting to Make a Reusable Tornado
- An Erupting Paintable Volcano– Included are instructions to make the volcano erupt at varying levels of severity, using different materials.
- A Rose Quartz Specimen
- Two Pyrite ‘Fool’s Gold’ Specimens
- Materials and Instructions to make a Glow-in-the-Dark Vortex
- Vegetable Oil Vortex Experiment
- Dish Soap Vortex Instructions
- Read Through a Rock Experiment- Selenite included.
- Samples to Begin a Rock Collection
The National Geographic Earth Science Kit is a good-sized kit that has over 15 fun and educational science experiments to choose from. This kit is for kids ages 8 and up, and there is a good balance in complexity for the specified age group.
Pros
This is primarily an earth science kit, which is safe yet satisfying for older kids as well as younger, between 8-12 years old. Some of these activities can be done as a family, while others can be safely done solo.
Cons
This kit does have a lot of pieces that could be considered a choking hazard, so a little common sense and some caution should be exercised. Many ingredients will need to be supplied outside of the kit, to perform some of the experiments. A couple of 2-liter bottles for the tornado experiments for example. That kind of thing.
Kids Science Experiment Kit with Lab Coat by Unglinga
Amazon Price: $26.99
For Kids 5-11 Years Old
The Kids Science Experiment Kit includes:
- A Customizable Badge
- A Washable Lab Coat
- Activity Cards with Step-by-Step Instructions
- 4 Large Test Tubes with Stand
- 4 Eyedroppers
- 3 Differently Sized Funnels
- 5-Sized Measuring Spoons
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Plastic Beaker
- 1 Magnifying Glass
- 1 Pair of Safety Glasses
The Kids Science Experiment Kit by Unglinga is a great tool to gather some interest in STEM activities at home. Unlike the other sets, a child can dress the part while playing the part.
Pros
There are 6 experiments to choose from that help to sharpen skills, assist in problem-solving, and improve understanding of math concepts. The greatest pro in this kit is the outfit, adding a level of immersion and a chance to mingle some imagination with the science.
Cons
Though this kit contains fun projects and experiments, it might be shorter-lived than other kits. The reason is there are only a handful of experiments to choose from.
Though this is a unique kit because of the ID card and the lab coat, the ideas involved may suffer for them. That said, there’s nothing stopping kids from using the outfit on other kits should this one get tired.
Final Thoughts
The best science kit for kids, or rather, for your kids, should be those that you think are best for your children. No matter which area of science you’d like to introduce your child to, there is a kit out there for them to explore.