Top Science Toys

Chemistry sets encompass slime, cooking, glow-in-the-dark fun, and traditional mixing of reagents in test tubes. There's something for everyone!

Pictured: Thames & Kosmos Advanced Chemistry Kit

You could start an aquarium or terrarium with any number of animals and plants. Creature habitats extend well beyond the traditional ant farm! Check out homes for butterflies, hermit crabs, 'sea monkeys' (can you say brine shimp?), bird houses, frog farms, and more! Keep the season in mind. Some habitats include coupons to ship creatures that may be unavailable at certain times of the year.

Pictured: Smithsonian Biodome Habitat

Choose from reflectors or refractors. A telescope is an investment... this instrument really requires a bit of research before purchasing. Expect to spend a few hundred to a few thousand US dollars. In addition to the telescope manufacturer pay close attention to the maker of the optics!

Pictured: Celestron 8" Telescope

There are rock tumblers that rotate such that they 'tumble' the rock and those that spin along the other axis and agitate the rocks. The first produces rounded rocks and the second retains the rock's shape. You get what you pay for in a tumbler, so buy the best you can afford and from a reputable manufacturer. Get extra grit!

Pictured: Smithsonian Rock Tumbler

In addition to traditional electronics sets with wires, capacitors, and such, there are also brightly-colored modular sets suitable for younger inventors. Use kits to build motion detectors, light beam alarms, lie-detectors, water sensors, and more!

Pictured: Elenco Motion Detector Kit

As with all optics, microscopes vary greatly in quality. Check the manufacturer of the optics. Also, look for a microscope with a self-protective mechanism if the lens is mashed into the specimen. There are also sets that project magnified images onto a screen or television.

Pictured: Learning Resources Microscope

There are hand-held metal detectors and height-adjustable models. Choose one with adjustable sensitivity and be sure to buy batteries in advance. Metal detectors are available in a wide range of prices.

Pictured: Bounty Hunter Pioneer VLF Metal Detector

Dig artifacts or fossils, reconstruct skeletal remains, or hone archeological skills through the many games and puzzles available. There's something for every treasure-hunter and explorer. Be advised that some toys are one-use-only (but fun while they last).

Pictured: Skullduggery Fossil Casting Kit

There are rocketry sets for all age groups. Choose from air or water powered sets, vinegar and baking soda rockets, or those using serious propellants. In all cases plan on parental supervision and participation.

Pictured: Hydrogen Fuel Rocket

You can grow crystals using common household chemicals, but sometimes it's more convenient to get a kit. A variety of safe crystal-growing kits are available. Most kits contain projects that yield crystals within a few hours, with background information about crystals and ideas for further investigations.

Pictured: Smithsonian Crystal Growing Kit