What is a Science Kit?

A science kit is basically a toy or collection of toys for kids, but scientific! What do we mean by that? Well, as opposed to a doll or toy car, for example, a science kit is a science project or group of projects consisting of hands-on experiments that often result in a fun science toy. Science kits, such as the ones sold by Science Store for the Stars, are presented in an easy-to-understand and interesting way and are intended to teach kids facts about various science subjects. For example, Crystal Radio kits are very popular and consist of one project; build a crystal radio. While they work on this project, kids learn about electronics and electricity, and how radios function.

When they're done they have a cool toy that really works! Or take "The How's and Whys of Science" kit by Educational Insights, which has many experiments in various subjects including biology, ecology, astronomy, and others. Kids can learn why the sky is blue, why it rains, how you can bend light, and conduct experiments similar to those real scientists would to discover many of the Earth's secrets. As you can see, a science kit is infinitely better for children than a regular toy. Not only do kids use their imaginations, but they learn real science which will help them in both school and the real world. When you start to understand how the world around you actually works, you start to think in a different way. Instead of just accepting things as they are, you become curious about them, begin to ask questions, and realize that there is reason and logic to world around us.

It's never too early for a child to start learning science and parents are the best teachers! If your child asks you about the Moon, will you simply reply, "It's the Moon?" Or would you rather say, "The moon is bound to the Earth by gravity, causes waves in the ocean, and reflects light from the Sun?" Kids have amazing memories and retain information presented by their parents better than anyone else and if you give them a science kit to learn these things, they will eat it up with a spoon. The more they learn at an early age, the easier it will be in school and as they get older. Science kits and science experiment books are the absolute best way for kids to learn science.

It's well known that kids learn concepts and skills more quickly, retain in memory longer, and have more fun, when they learn with hands-on experiments rather than simply reading about them in books. Science kits are designed specifically for these experiments and can make an otherwise boring subject fresh and exciting. There is real educational value built right into a science kit. They are designed, created, and written by teachers, scientists, and other professionals in various fields of science and they incorporate appropriate national teaching standards. Science kits are also a great source for science fair project ideas.

Science kits can be used at home as activities for one or more children. They are an excellent way for teachers to explain certain science concepts to their students and are great for parents who home-school their children and want to spice-up the curriculum. How much do adults love crossword puzzles, Soduko, and other mind challenging games? Well, kids want to be active problem solvers as well, and the design of science kits caters to their big imaginations and creativity by involving them in direct experimentation. And if your child is falling behind in one area of science, you will be sure to find a science kit covering it. It's a great way to get a child interested in a science subject!

Science kits tend to use real life investigations, so kids will think about what they've learned and apply it when they go outside to explore, or while they are in the classroom. If the kit doesn't already include what's necessary to perform the 'investigations', all you'll need are some common household materials and occasionally some batteries. Overall, a science kit will teach a child science concepts that they can apply to the world around them, and help them think "outside the box".

It's a fact that science is becoming more and more neglected in our schools and American kids are falling farther and farther behind the rest of the world in science knowledge. Most schools, public and private, now have suggested reading lists for summer break. Look at science kits and experiment books the same way and give your kids a boost in the subject of science. They're prefect for birthdays, holidays, or when you're feeling generous any time of the year. It's science-learning-fun!

Copyright © Thomas J Ryan - Science Store for the Stars 2007

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