The Best Science Kits
Have you ever wanted to do your own science experiments in the comfort of your own home? We have, which is why we decided to look into all the ways we could. It turns out it's as easy as picking up a science kit. There are thousands to choose from, and you can find one that focuses on nearly anything. From aerodynamics to zoology, there's a home kit. Because there are so many, we decided to narrow our search down to our favorites. We chose all-inclusive kits that are packed full of learning opportunities, high-quality components, and fun. That's why the Insect Lore Butterfly Garden is so fabulous. Then again, it does rely on living creatures and speedy shipping, which may cause issues for those that want to get straight to the science. Meanwhile, the Sillbird Stem 12-in-1 Robotics kit provides hours of fun with versatile pieces. If you want to check out more options in-depth, you may want to take a look at our list of the best science kits.
Insect Lore Butterfly Garden
Watch life bloom
Habitat kits are an excellent way to see how living animals go through their life cycles. The Insect Lore butterfly garden, in particular, is one of our favorites. The reusable enclosure comes with baby caterpillars and food, along with a chrysalis holder and butterfly feeder. All you need to do is set it up and watch them grow. The observation journal makes keeping track of everything you see, too.
Pros:
- This kit is fun for the whole family. Both kids and adults can enjoy watching the caterpillars grow.
- It’s easy to set up, and even if you don’t do it perfectly, your caterpillars are still likely to develop to be healthy butterflies.
- You can order more caterpillars from the company whenever you’d like.
Cons:
- Extreme weather can create shipping challenges.
Sillbird Stem 12-in-1 Robot Building Kit
Hours of fun
Robots are part of life throughout the world, and we use them for everything, from entertainment to surgical procedures. That’s why learning how to build them and how they function is so important. This kit by Sillbird includes everything you need to get started. You get 190 pieces that you can fit together to create 12 solar-powered robots. You’ll get hours of fun and learn the basics of robotics, all with this one simple setup.
Pros:
- This kit is fun for kids and adults to do alone or together. It’s easy enough for kids to do alone but exciting enough for adults, too.
- Although there are 12 plans included, you can find even more ways to build robots using the pieces.
- You can pull the pieces apart and put them back together as often as you’d like, which means your fun doesn’t have to end just because you completed one robot.
Cons:
- It can be tough for younger kids to assemble on their own.
National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit
Beautiful results
We love all kinds of rocks from big to small, colorful to clear, and everything in between. The problem is that it can be expensive to buy tumbled stones and crystals from the store. That’s where this fabulous Rock Tumbler Kit by National Geographic comes in. Its heavy-duty construction and spinning action take your river rocks and turn them into smooth, shiny display pieces using the included polishing mediums.
Pros:
- The rubber barrel is quieter than many plastic competitors, making it less annoying to leave running.
- You can use it for regular rocks, crystals, and homemade “sea” glass.
- There are rocks included to get you started, and you can find more as they tumble.
Cons:
- As with all rock tumblers, getting the final results can take weeks.
National Geographic Ultimate Dual Microscope
Scope in on the wonders
Microscopes come in handy for nearly every field of study. They make it easy to see things right down to the cellular level, so you can see what plants are made of, how blood cells move, and even what type of microorganisms are in the water near your home. The Ultimate Dual Microscope by National Geographic is our favorite example, and it can get you up close and personal with anything you can fit on your slides.
Pros:
- The included slides are great for beginners.
- Its quality is fantastic for the price point, and it’s more durable than most competitors.
- Changing the lenses and adjusting the focus is easy enough for even children to figure out.
Cons:
- We feel the lights are a bit dim, so we recommend using this microscope in a well-lit area.
4M Solar System Planetarium
Simple and affordable
We love this Solar System Planetarium from the 4M Store. You build it up yourself from start to finish, all while learning about the planets of our solar system. The finished product can be set up for display on a table or shelf, and you can use it to continue educating your kids or students. Best of all, the assembly is easy, and the quality is excellent.
Pros:
- Nearly anyone can quickly snap together the pieces and put the model together, including kids.
- It’s fun to paint and decorate each piece. You get a custom finish that you can show off.
- We like how the planets rotate around the sun.
Cons:
- The model is smaller than we expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of science kit should I choose?
If you’re trying to choose a science kit for yourself or someone else, we recommend keeping a few things in mind, including the level of difficulty and subject. For example, if you want to learn about robots, the Sillbird kit is a great option. On the other hand, if you’re trying to help your kids learn about the world around them, the Insect Lore kit may be best.
Who can benefit from using a science kit?
We feel everyone can benefit from exploring different scientific subjects. Kids can use kits as an introduction, and adults can use them to further their education. Learning never needs to end, and even the elderly love to find new and exciting things to focus on.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.