10 Best Science Kits 2025 in the United States

The National Geographic Mega Science Lab is a comprehensive kit designed for children aged 8 and up. It offers an impressive 130+ experiments across earth science, chemistry, and science magic, making it an engaging and varied educational tool. The kit includes materials to build and erupt a volcano, grow crystals, dig up fossils, and perform chemistry experiments like creating gooey worms and launching a gas-powered rocket. Additionally, it teaches kids science magic tricks, enhancing the fun and learning experience.

The educational value is high, as the kit not only covers different science disciplines but also encourages hands-on learning and creativity. Safety is a consideration, as the experiments are designed to be child-friendly, though adult supervision is recommended. The complexity of the experiments ranges from simple to more involved, catering to different skill levels and ensuring sustained interest.

Most of the materials and tools are included, but some experiments may require common household items. The kit is quite reusable, especially with the bonus guide offering many additional experiments. However, some materials might be single-use, which can limit repeatability without additional purchases. Coming from a reputable manufacturer known for educational toys, this science kit would be a great choice for curious kids who love exploring different branches of science through hands-on activities.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Kit is designed for kids aged 8-12, making it a suitable choice for elementary to early middle school students. This kit focuses on 'gross' science experiments, which include activities like dissecting a brain, making slime, and creating glowing worms. Such themes can captivate young minds and make learning fun, while also covering important scientific concepts like polymers, chemical reactions, and pH science.

The kit includes materials for 15 primary experiments and offers instructions for an additional 30 experiments using common household items, enhancing its educational value and reusability. The easy-to-follow instructions with illustrations ensure that the experiments are straightforward and engaging for kids.

The emphasis on 'gross' experiments might not appeal to all children or parents, and safety must be considered as some experiments might involve chemical reactions. The quality of materials is assured by the brand, and they offer support if there are any issues. This science kit can be a great hands-on STEM learning tool for both boys and girls, especially those who enjoy more unconventional, fun scientific explorations.

The National Geographic Earth Science Kit is an engaging option for children aged 8 and up looking to explore earth sciences. This kit offers over 100 experiments, including crystal growing and volcano building, making it a solid choice for a comprehensive educational experience. The included materials cover 15 core experiments, while additional guides suggest 85 more that can be done with household items. This combination provides both variety and depth, encouraging long-term interest and repeated use.

The rock collection component adds another layer of hands-on learning, allowing kids to start their own collections with the 10 included specimens and storage case. The educational value is significant, fostering both creativity and scientific curiosity. However, it's important to note that some experiments may require adult supervision due to complexity and safety considerations.

The kit is also relatively lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to store and handle, though some users might find the materials slightly less durable. If you're looking for a diverse and educational science kit that balances fun and learning, this product is worth considering.