Thames and Kosmos Fun and Fundamentals Elements of Science
by Thames & Kosmos
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Thames & KosmosBrand: Thames & Kosmos
Release Date: 2008-01-01
Model: 631116
Product features:
- Giant science lab
- The mission of the National Geographic Society is to inspire people to care about the planet
- The National Geographic science kits from Thames and Kosmos further that mission by helping kids learn about science in a fun way
- 100 experiments in biology, chemistry, and more
- Thames & Kosmos Biology Genetics and DNA
- Thames and Kosmos Biology Tk2 Scope
- Thames & Kosmos Technology and Electronics Electronics Workshop 1
- Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Original
- Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Wind Power
Toys and Games Reviews of Thames and Kosmos Fun and Fundamentals Elements of Science
Customer Review: Great first science kit for my 8 year old daughter.
Summary: 5 Stars
We purchased this kit for our 8 year old daughter for Christmas. I was a little concerned that it might be above her head since the kit is recommended for ages ten and up. Our daughter is a very strong reader so we hoped for the best.
She is enthralled with this kit. She spent all afternoon with it the first time she used it. Most importantly, she learned from every experiment that she did, and was successful with every one that she tried. She could hardly wait to show her younger sisters. She just skimmed through the manual and would stop at one that caught her interest. Some are simple effects, but with pretty impressive results, especially for a kid. Although many of the experiments seem simple, the underlying science, which is described in the manual, is usually important. Each experiment has a point to make and they seem to do it well. As a parent, you may want to consider paying close attention to the point of the experiment to see if your child grasps it. For example, one that she tried involved charging a balloon by rubbing it in her hair. No big deal, who needs a science kit for that? Well, they had her sprinkle salt and pepper and mix them. When she brought the charged balloon near the mixture, the pepper all leapt to the balloon, leaving only salt behind. It was a pretty effective demo. She did not remain silent when it happened. Then you can imagine her further reaction when she noticed some of the pepper flakes leaping back off the balloon like fleas into the salt, only to leap back to the balloon again. The point is that she was seeing evidence of the internal structure of salt vs. pepper (salt is an ionic crystal and pepper is not and can be easily polarized). She was learning and having fun at the same time. Now my youngest daughters are rubbing balloons in their hair and watching them repel each other (the balloons, not the kids...)
She does need a small amount of guidance in opening vials, using the provided measuring spoon, and with a pretty complicated sticker of Earth's surface that is supposed to go on a styrofoam ball. Even a ten year old will need a small amount of help with some of the items, but not much. Should be a piece of cake for a typical 12 year old. There are some experiments in the kit (such as making the electric motor) that actually fascinate college students.
The components of the kit are simple, but not hokey. I am a scientist myself and can vouch for the experiments that I have seen thus far, and that I saw in the large experiment manual.
This is a good set. It is quite well thought out and organized. It is very safe. For some experiments, be prepared to provide household items such as a strand of thread, salt and pepper, a comb, a few cabbage leaves to make your own pH indicator, two batteries, etc. Does not make a mess that a vacuum can't clean up.
The magnets provided work for the experiments, but it would have been nice if the kit came with stronger ones, especially the ring magnet.
NOTE: Our kit was sent with the 1st edition manual for the 2nd edition kit. The 2nd edition recommends standard 1.5 volt batteries. If your manual recommends a different voltage, read the bulbs to make sure they match the battery recommendation.
Thames & Kosmos provides a phone number and they answer it and are very helpful.
Description of Thames and Kosmos Fun and Fundamentals Elements of Science
Broad yet elaborate introduction to the physical and life sciences 100 Experiments in Biology, Physics and Chemistry expose students to the full spectrum of science and show firsthand how these core disciplines interrelate 112-page, full color manual organized into 15 different chapters: Water, Air, Heat, Sound, Forces, Magnetism, Electricity, Electromagnetism, Light, Optics, Plants & Animals, Colors, The Human Body, Chemistry, and Earth & Sun. A Parents' Choice Silver Honor WinnerScience Toys
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