Given the freedom to experiment, any kid will turn learning into playing and playing into learning. Some might even make pulley systems out of barf bags (genius!). But if not, it’s time to get that child the right darn toys!
This is a kit for creating a working combination lock, and it is also available in a key lock model. The clear acrylic makes it extra neat, and before long you’ll be cracking into the local safe deposit.
Make a little buggy out of a soda can. Then apply for that internship at NASA!
I guarantee you will find yourself borrowing this one day to find a favorite lost ring in the garden or a stray earring at the beach.
A metronome is weirdly entertaining and… relaxing. I bought one for my little nephew and within a half an hour, his brother was begging for one too. But in addition to being a fun little gizmo, it also teaches you about the relationship between music and fractions. The transparent body on this one reveals gears, giving it a second lesson on fractions. For a third lesson on fractions, pick yourself up “a metronome for grownups” aka a Rolex.
This marvelous bedding will have you dreaming of infinite possibilities, not to mention becoming one of those people who can recite a gazillion digits of pi. (Check out everything else wonderful on Theodore Gray’s site too.)
This thing is the coolest night-light on the planet. Or, on another planet. It kind of feels like a nightlight you would use on Mars.
Get out of your element with this one (har) and see the universe’s building blocks like never before. Choose your pic: poster or placemats.
Is there anything more incredible than a geode?! How and why and where do these magnificent little eggs come to be?! Crack these puppies open and set yourself on a lifelong love of geology. And then take a big sigh and say, “Next year I want diamonds!”
So what if this item is vaguely reminiscent of kitty turds in a litter box. It will lead to a proper fascination with physics and/or a desire to become a veterinarian.
Wondering if your kid has the raw talent needed to become Keanu Reeves in Speed? Check out this Arduino starter kit to find out.
Ever wonder how the Germans became so good at engineering? It’s obviously from watching the thermodynamics at work in their Christmas pyramids. Your eyes will legit widen as you realize how the heat of the candles turns the pinwheel. You can order straight from Germany or find used cheapies on eBay.
These slides will captivate your little scientist for days. Hold the colors up to a window, layer them, and watch the transformations that take place. Do the kid a solid and throw in a lightbox for $22.
Dying to know what kind of parasites lurk around your home and body? Probably not! But just in case you’re planning to become an epidemiologist, then this is the perfect thing to quench your parasite appetite.
Somebody came along and re-imagined “Goodnight Moon” inside of a laboratory, and for that we think they are simply wonderful.
I’m not one to condone cheating on science tests, but just in case your kid thinks H20 is shorthand for Ho-Hos, pick this up… fast.
It would be better if these were edible. It just would. But until then, here’s the definitely-do-not-eat version.
We recommend making a pact with your family that under no circumstances will you guilt them into wearing homemade eau-de-toilette (with an emphasis on toilette).
Instantly turn any beverage into a science experiment, and throw in an evil scientist voice for some panache.
The Mad Lib App replaced paper Mad Libs a long time ago, but if you’re weird like us and still love the feel of a good pencil then these should do just the trick.
The color and movement of a Euler’s disk is enough to make even the most Fortnite-addicted chump (sorry kids, I couldn’t help myself) pull away from the screen and wonder about physics.