Magical essential oils have long been used for their healing and spiritual properties. These oils, derived from plants and their various parts, contain potent and concentrated compounds that have the ability to affect our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Among the most popular magical essential oils is lavender oil. With its soothing and calming properties, lavender oil is often used to promote relaxation and relieve stress and anxiety. It is also known to help induce sleep and improve the quality of sleep. Another powerful essential oil is peppermint oil.
Which National Geographic science kit should I get?
They often feature full-color booklets with large print and illustrations that are easy to follow, including when kids want to work on experiments more independently. Other National Geographic kits require more of a time investment to see how experiments shape up, such as crystal-growing kits that take a few days before materializing.
Another powerful essential oil is peppermint oil. Its invigorating and refreshing aroma is believed to enhance mental clarity and focus. It is commonly used to relieve headaches and migraines, as well as to alleviate fatigue and boost energy levels.
The best National Geographic science kit
Since 1888, National Geographic has made science accessible and exciting. Outside of watching their award-winning documentaries and reading their books and magazines, kids can now enjoy hands-on experiments with National Geographic science kits.
Well-received as high-quality STEM toys, National Geographic science kits guide kids through fun experiments, like building volcanoes or catapulting stomp rockets into the air. The top-selling kit, National Geographic Ultimate Dual Microscope, lends itself to plenty of use with over 50 accessories and specimens.
What to know before you buy a National Geographic science kit
Subject matter
The world of science is a big one whose branches range from A-Z, or more specifically, from astronomy to zoology. Some National Geographic science kits feature a broad range of experiments that touch upon more than one branch. It’s also common for kits to incorporate other STEM disciplines and concepts into experiments.
Adult supervision
Like many other STEM toys, National Geographic science kits are kid-friendly, though adult supervision is recommended. While all experiments and accessories are designed for safe play, adults can make sure that kids are using the items appropriately. Additionally, every National Geographic kit includes warnings, including ones regarding small parts choking hazards and chemicals that are not safe to ingest.
National Geographic science kit features
Accessories
National Geographic science kits are diverse, and each kit is essentially a treasure trove of different tools and accessories for experiments. Kids may recognize many of these items, like beakers and test tubes, from hands-on experiments in science class. Some kits come with mold or slime, whereas others may have liquids and powders for chemistry experiments. Other National Geographic science kits come with things from the real world, like rocks, geodes or biological specimens.
Short- vs. long-term experiments
Some National Geographic kits offer short-term experiments. In these kits, such as marble runs and stomp rockets, kids see results either immediately or the same day. Other National Geographic kits require more of a time investment to see how experiments shape up, such as crystal-growing kits that take a few days before materializing.
Instructions
National Geographic science kits come with detailed, kid-friendly instructions. They often feature full-color booklets with large print and illustrations that are easy to follow, including when kids want to work on experiments more independently. The booklets are durably made with thick pages and reinforced bindings that withstand plenty of handling.
Reusability
While they provide hours of interactive fun and learning, National Geographic experiments may offer limited use. In these kits, such as chemistry sets, kids can only perform experiments until they run out of materials. Unfortunately, National Geographic doesn’t sell replacements.
On the other hand, a few National Geographic science kits provide plenty of future use. These kits usually come with tools or devices that can be used in other types of experiments, such as hammers, mini shovels, rock tumblers, microscopes, telescopes and metal detectors.
National Geographic science kit cost
National Geographic science kits with limited experiments cost $20 and below, whereas those featuring a dozen or more experiments cost $22-$35. There are a few deluxe National Geographic science kits that come with accessories and tools that can continue to be used.
National Geographic science kit FAQ
Do National Geographic science kits list age ranges?
A. While National Geographic science kits specifically say they’re not intended for small children 3 years or younger due to choking hazards and chemicals, the packaging doesn’t list an actual age range. This is done, in part, to encourage all-ages educational play for kids. Some retailers, however, take it upon themselves to recommend National Geographic science kits for specific ages.
How do I store my National Geographic science kit?
A. Many people simply store accessories and tools inside the original boxes. Certain National Geographic science kits come with drawstring cases to hold accessories. If neither of these options are suitable for your kit, purchase a transparent storage tote, ideally one with a secure lid to prevent younger kids and pets from getting into them.
Which National Geographic science kit should I get?
Best of the best National Geographic science kit
National Geographic Ultimate Dual Microscope: available at Amazon
Our take: Kids get an up-close look at organisms and other substances with this 20x and 50x microscope.
What we like: The microscope can be used to examine biological specimens as well as 3D objects in detail. It comes with over 50 accessories for dozens of examinations, including slides and covers, droppers and tweezers. The microscope is durably made and kid-friendly.
What we dislike: There are a few reports that the microscope’s lighting functions were faulty.
Best bang for your buck National Geographic science kit
National Geographic Mega Science Series Science Magic Kit: available at Amazon
Our take: A fun and engaging option, this 50-experiment kit intertwines science and magic with tricks that are actually experiments.
What we like: The kit has a well-rounded assortment of experiments, many of which can be reproduced with common household items. Instructions are illustrated and full-color, making them easy to understand. The kit even comes with a magic wand for “ta-da!” moments.
What we dislike: The kit is designed for kids ages 8 and older, but it may require adult supervision or participation for certain experiments.
Honorable mention National Geographic science kit
National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit: available at Amazon
Our take: In this volcano-focused kit, kids get to simulate eruptions with popping crystals — a classic STEM project.
What we like: The kit comes with an easy-to-use volcano mold and true-to-life paints to decorate it. It comes with a few bags of eruption powder, giving kids the chance to see the volcano in action more than once.
What we dislike: A few people felt the instructions could be clearer regarding mixing the plaster.
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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Best of the best National Geographic science kit
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