10Best.Guide

Science Kits for Kids Age 8-12

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Great starter kit for kids.
  • Perfect hands-on learning.
  • Fantastic gift for those who love science, experimenting, and creativity.
  • Sturdy and safe pieces.
  • Closest thing to a component-level electronics education toy.
Cons
  • Instructions do not explain why something works.
  • Some things are not well explained or labeled.
Bottom Line
Snap Circuits is a great educational toy for kids who love science and experimenting. It is a perfect hands-on learning tool and a fantastic gift. However, the instructions could be improved to explain why something works, and some parts are not well labeled. Overall, it is a great investment for kids interested in electronics.
Pros
  • Great for young children
  • Well-packaged and organized
  • Clear instructions for each experiment
  • Includes almost everything needed for experiments
  • Fun and engaging experiments
Cons
  • Some experiments don't work
  • Some experiments are too similar
Bottom Line
This science kit is a great choice for young children interested in science. It includes well-packaged and organized materials with clear instructions for each experiment. While some experiments may not work and some ingredients need to be added from home, overall it is a fun and engaging starter kit for kids interested in science.
Pros
  • Comes with everything needed for experiments
  • Fun and engaging for kids interested in science
  • Age-appropriate experiments
  • Good quality materials
  • Great gift for science-loving kids
Cons
  • Some experiments require additional materials not included
  • Poorly written instructions with missing information
Bottom Line
This science kit is a great gift for kids interested in science, with age-appropriate experiments and good quality materials. However, the poorly written instructions and missing information can make some experiments difficult to complete, and some additional materials may be needed.
Pros
  • Provides fun and interactive experience with Legos
  • Great for kids who love Legos and puzzles
  • Includes extra Legos and good ideas/instructions for projects
  • Helps kids learn simple machine concepts
  • Provides hours of entertainment
Cons
  • Requires standard block Legos to complete most projects
  • Some help is needed to complete projects
Bottom Line
This Lego Chain Reactions book is a great option for kids who love Legos and puzzles, and provides a fun and interactive experience. However, it requires standard block Legos to complete most projects and some help is needed to complete them. It also does not include all Legos needed to assemble projects in the book.
Pros
  • Clear and readable instructions.
  • Fun and engaging activity for kids.
  • Great for teaching patience.
  • Can make multiple variations of crystals.
  • Creates beautiful and unexpected crystal trees.
Cons
  • Messy and stains easily.
  • Colors continue to run after crystals are done and dry.
Bottom Line
This crystal growing kit is a fun and engaging activity for kids that requires patience and attention to detail. The instructions are clear and readable, but the kit can be messy and stains easily. The packaging is misleading and not age-appropriate, and the crystals can be difficult to remove from the containers. However, the kit creates beautiful and unexpected crystal trees and makes a nice collection of pretty crystals.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Science Kits for Kids Age 8-12

Overview

Science kits are a great way to introduce young minds to the fascinating world of science. They offer hands-on learning experiences that can help build critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you find the best science kits for kids age 8-12.

Types

There are many different types of science kits available, each with its own focus and level of complexity. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Chemistry Kits - These kits typically include experiments and materials for exploring chemical reactions, mixtures, and compounds.

2. Physics Kits - These kits focus on the principles of physics, including motion, energy, and forces.

3. Biology Kits - These kits allow kids to explore the natural world, including plants, animals, and the human body.

4. Earth Science Kits - These kits cover topics such as geology, weather, and the environment.

Key Considerations

When choosing a science kit for kids age 8-12, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Age Appropriateness - Make sure the kit is designed for the appropriate age range and skill level.

2. Safety - Look for kits that include safety goggles and other protective gear, and avoid kits with hazardous materials.

3. Educational Value - Consider the educational value of the kit and how well it aligns with your child's interests and learning style.

4. Experiment Variety - Look for kits that offer a variety of experiments and activities to keep kids engaged and interested.

Features

Here are some features to look for when choosing a science kit for kids age 8-12:

1. Instructional Materials - Look for kits that include detailed instructions and educational materials to help kids learn.

2. Quality Materials - Choose kits that use high-quality materials that are durable and safe.

3. Experiment Variety - Look for kits that offer a variety of experiments and activities to keep kids engaged and interested.

4. Interactive Components - Choose kits that include interactive components, such as online resources or apps, to enhance the learning experience.

Prices

Science kits for kids age 8-12 can range in price from under $20 to over $100. Generally, the more complex and comprehensive the kit, the higher the price. Consider your budget and the educational value of the kit when making your decision.

Tips

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your science kit:

1. Set up a dedicated workspace for experiments.

2. Read the instructions thoroughly before beginning.

3. Encourage your child to ask questions and explore.

4. Make sure to supervise experiments and follow safety guidelines.

FAQs

Q: Are science kits safe for kids age 8-12?

A: Yes, as long as you choose a kit that is age-appropriate and includes safety gear and materials.

Q: How long does it take to complete a science kit?

A: Completion time varies depending on the complexity of the kit and the pace of the child. Some kits can be completed in a few hours, while others may take several days or weeks.

Q: Can science kits be used for homeschooling?

A: Yes, science kits can be a great tool for homeschooling and supplementing traditional classroom learning.

Q: What if my child doesn't like the science kit I choose?

A: Look for kits with a money-back guarantee or exchange policy to ensure you can find the right fit for your child.

Conclusion

In conclusion, science kits are a fun and educational way to introduce kids to the wonders of science. By considering key factors such as age appropriateness, safety, and educational value, and choosing a kit with quality materials, instructional resources, and interactive components, you can help your child develop a love of science that will last a lifetime.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Clear instructions
  • Fun and educational STEM activity
  • Complete set with all materials included
  • Safe for kids
  • Cute and fun robots
Cons
  • No packaging for shipping
  • Small and challenging parts
Bottom Line
The Giggleway electric motor robotics kit is a fun and educational STEM activity for kids, with clear instructions and a complete set of materials included. However, the small and challenging parts and difficult-to-fit pieces may require adult assistance and patience.
Pros
  • Comes with everything you need
  • Easy to set up
  • Fun and educational for kids
  • Results are better than expected
  • Crystals grow as advertised
Cons
  • Solution can ruin clothes and countertops
  • Instructions can be unclear
Bottom Line
This crystal growing kit is a fun and educational project for kids, but requires adult supervision and caution with the solution. It comes with everything you need and the results are better than expected, but there may be some missing items from the kit. Overall, it's a cool project to do with kids.
Pros
  • Educational and sparks interest in learning.
  • Fun and engaging for kids.
  • Good difficulty level for kids.
  • Plenty of parts and features.
  • Amusing and reasonably priced.
Cons
  • Missing parts.
  • Manual not included.
Bottom Line
This STEM puzzle is a great educational and fun toy for kids, but it may require parental help and the instructions and parts may not be perfect.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Easy to put together
  • Great for STEM learning
  • Comprehensive instruction book
  • Fun programming/coding feature
Cons
  • Easy to lose pieces
  • Some parts may be missing or defective
Bottom Line
The Snap Circuits kits are great for children who enjoy building and learning about electronics, but may have some issues with missing or defective parts and may not be very creative.
Pros
  • Fun and engaging STEM project for kids.
  • Can be taken apart and put back together again with different changes.
  • Instructions are understandable and make putting it together fun.
  • Lots of building options.
Cons
  • Poorly labeled parts and unclear instructions.
  • Missing or defective parts.
Bottom Line
The Solar Robot Science Kit is a fun and engaging STEM project for kids with lots of building options. However, the product quality could be better, and the instructions and labeling of parts need improvement.
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