Hands-On Science Kits

Students manipulate the inner workings of the human body as they build the models, gaining a deeper understanding of how organs and systems interact. Perfect for human body centers focusing on major organs or the circulatory, nervous or skeletal systems. Each realistically detailed plastic model includes a display stand and guide with facts and step by step, photo-illustrated assembly instructions. Ages 8+. Includes 29 piece Heart Model, 31-Piece Brain Model, 31-Piece Torso Model, and 41-Piece Skeleton Model. From Learning Resources. Learn More

Build a torso model and place the organs in their correct anatomical position. Learn how your taste buds work, how your sensory nerves react to temperature changes, how your diaphragm assists in breathing and how to build a DNA strand.

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Inspired by the art of Celtic and Scandinavian medieval craftsmen, as translated through intelligent 21st century engineering, Ugears is proud to introduce the Hurdy-Gurdy—the world’s first (as far as we know!) mechanical model for self-assembly that is also a musical instrument. This extraordinary mechanical model kit is truly one of the gems of our catalogue. This isn't just a toy, it's a full-fledged musical instrument that you build yourself. The Hurdy-Gurdy has a sound that's perfect for folk melodies or dancing, bringing medieval times into the present day. When you purchase the Hurdy-Gurdy you will experience a unique combination: the fun and challenge of building, the appreciation of outstanding engineering and design, and the joy of music. Feel like a modern-day Stradivari as you show your friends an instrument you created with your own hands, then start practicing so you can play popular tunes on your Hurdy-Gurdy!

Number of components: 292

Estimated time of assembly: 4-5 hours

Level: Medium

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In this corner, hailing from the rough-and-tumble robotics lab: It’s Robo-Boxer! And in that corner, the wonder from Down Under: Put your mitts together for Kangaroo-Bot!

Ding! Ding! Jab, dodge, uppercut! These boxing robots use hydraulic power to move like real boxers. Packed with the excitement of a boxing match and the fun of constructing incredible mechanical models, this kit allows you to build two boxing robots and challenge a friend to a match. With complex shoulder gestures, two boxing punches (jab and uppercut), three waist postures, and interchangeable heads, these robots are designed to float like butterflies and sting like bees. Use the handheld hydraulic controls to fight like a champ. Knock your opponent robot’s head backward and score a point on the included scoreboard. Learn about how these amazing machines and hydraulic systems work. Leave the rocking and socking to the lightweights — this awesome STEM kit really packs a punch!

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Explore simple hydraulic principles and build a working mechanical arm that can move and grab. Includes robot arm parts and instructions. 8yr+ /!\ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs. Learn More

Young engineers will be delighted with Elenco's new HydroBot Arm Kit.  Powered by water and you, lever controllers command movement, gripping, and even a suction cup.  WOW!

Hydraulics are introduced and investigated with this nifty TEACH TECH^™ kit. Young engineers will be delighted with a new HydroBot Arm Kit. Use levers and the power of hydraulics to actuate the multi-axis arm. NO BATTERIES ARE REQUIRED. Powered by water and You, lever controllers have a special braking system that helps to achieve fine, accurate tasks. Grippers can be removed and replaced with suction components to pick up objects with smooth surface areas of no greater than 50 grams (1.75 oz.). Clear, graphic instructions make assembly and operation easy to understand.

Use all 6 axis to control your Robotic Arm. The gripper can open and close with a maximum 47 mm (1.89 in.) gap, wrist joint rotation of 180 degrees, wrist joint mobility of 98 degrees, elbow joint range of 44 degrees, base rotation of 270 degrees, and shoulder joint motion of 45 degrees. With a vertical reach of 16.35 inches, a horizontal reach of 12.42 inches. 50 gram lifting capacity.

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Hydropower has been used for hundreds of years in watermills and is now commonly used to generate electricity in applications such as hydroelectric dams and tidal power plants. Explore the power of water by building models and conducting experiments with them. Learn about how different devices are used to extract useful energy from moving water — from a waterwheel in a small stream to a giant turbine in a tidal power station.

Build a waterwheel, a sawmill, and a hammer mill to harness the energy of moving water to do different types of physical work. Investigate the intriguing properties of water by performing experiments involving surface tension, adhesion, and cohesion. Learn about water pressure by building a water tower, communicating vessels, and a water fountain.

Construct a hydroelectric power station to generate electricity and light an LED. Learn about where the energy in ocean waves, tides, and rivers comes from, and discover how we can generate electricity from them.

The full-color, 32-page experiment manual offers illustrated instructions and scientific information.

Ages 8 and up. From Thames & Kosmos.

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I Dig It! Dinos - Giant Dinosaur Skeleton Kit

The Tyrannosaurus rex is one of the most famous prehistoric animals. With this kit, you can build a 26-inch-long scale model of a T. Rex skeleton and get exciting insights into this creature’s anatomy.

The skeleton model is made of 20 plastic pieces that snap together easily and a plastic base on which you can display your skeleton. You will learn how the structure of the mega-skeleton works and what parts it consists of.

The full-color, eight-panel manual has step-by-step illustrated instructions for assembling the skeleton model. Read the manual to learn about dinosaurs, their lives in prehistoric times, and the formation of fossils.

Ages 6 & up

From Thames & Kosmos

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I Dig It! Fossils - Real Fossils Excavation Kit

Learn how paleontologists dig up fossils and where can you find them in nature. Dig animal fossils and fossilized tree resin out of the plaster block. Learn about your fossils, including their names, what makes them special, how they were formed, and how to preserve and display them.

The kit includes a snail fossil, stony coral fossil, snail aggregate fossil, fossilized shark tooth, and fossilized resin, and the tools to excavate them from the plaster block.

Age 7 & Up

From Thames & Kosmos

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I Dig It! Rocks - Real Minerals Excavation Kit

Learn how geologists dig up minerals and gemstones and where you can find them in nature.

Dig five different minerals out of the plaster block. Learn about the mineral specimens in the manual, including their names and properties, where they came from, and how to preserve and display them. The kit includes specimens of quartz, aventurine, rose quartz, red jasper, and amethyst, and the tools to excavate them from the plaster block. Ages 7 & up From Thames & Kosmos

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Work with a hammer and chisel like a real researcher and uncover the sea creatures hidden in the plaster! Dive into their undersea world and learn about these fascinating ocean animals and the captivating field of underwater archaeology.

• Dig up figurines of ocean animals
• Learn about marine biology and underwater archaeology
• A fun, hands-on activity

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Each specimen is handpicked for exceptional color, texture and beauty. Features 12 large igneous rocks produced by hot volcanic magma action Includes 4-color identification chart, self-adhesive labels, storage tray and guide packed with information Brings Earth science lessons to life for students Grades 3+ Learn More

Build a zany inflatable tube dancer that uses the physics of flowing air to perform its eye-catching moves. Like the air dancers and tube men you may have seen around your town, this motorized device uses a blower motor and a fabric tube to slink, shimmy, and shake around. Assemble the model to learn about its inner mechanisms, including fan and electric circuit, complete with battery, motor, and switch. Conduct four fun additional experiments that demonstrate principles in air pressure, air flow, and aerodynamics. Make a ball float on a stream of air, practice your aim in a game of air basketball, and launch balls into the air with the air cannon. This hands-on kit brings physics to life as it demonstrates the power of air pressure at work. An eight-panel, full-color manual guides your model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions.

+ Build a model that “dances” on air – over one foot tall!

+ Assemble and decorate your own inflatable tube dancer.

+ Adjust the blower to change the dancer’s motion.

+ Conduct experiments to learn lessons in air pressure, airflow, and aerodynamics.

+ Learn about gears and circuits as you assemble the fan.

+ Includes fun, hands-on activities like air basketball, a floating ball trick, and an air cannon.

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Requires 4AA batteries not included

For ages 8+ (under 10 may need assistance)

Great for anyone who likes to know how things work

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Discover the source of our knowledge of dinosaurs! With this STEM kit, you can play the part of a paleontologist on the hunt for evidence of these fascinating creatures that once roamed Earth. Use your special hammer and chisel tools to carefully excavate models of a fossilized T. rex skeleton, a mosquito encased in amber, and a figurine of Blue, the loveable velociraptor from Jurassic World. Assemble the T. rex skeleton and then put these specimens on permanent display in your own dinosaur exhibit. Learn about how fossils are formed, how DNA traces might be found in amber, and fun facts about each of the dinosaurs.

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Imagine a bird-like creature with a 36-foot wingspan, a massive beak, and fierce talons soaring through the skies above you! Now you can build and fly a model of this incredible pterosaur, the Quetzalcoatlus — the largest flying animal of all time. Assemble the model and hang it from your ceiling with the included hardware. A battery-powered motor propels your Quetzalcoatlus through the air while a thin cable keeps it soaring along a circular flight path. Learn how the propeller makes the model fly, about the similarities between pterosaurs and modern-day birds, and all about this awe-inspiring giant of the prehistoric skies.

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Explore the future of advanced computing technology with KAI — short for Kosmos Artificial Intelligence! Build and program an intelligent, six-legged, app-enabled robot that uses machine learning to react to the gestures and sounds that you make. Machine learning is the process by which computers use data to recognize patterns, learn, and make predictions, and it is a key aspect of artificial intelligence.

Using the app and your smart device’s camera and microphone, record physical gestures and sounds, assigning them to KAI’s five functions: walk forward and backward, turn left and right, and stop. The AI will learn to recognize each gesture or sound, even if they differ in small details. The more data you collect, the better the AI will learn from it. 

Use the data collected to create an AI model in the training screen of the app, where the AI takes your data and recognizes patterns in it. The learning curve shows you how accurately the AI model is learning, and you can use the sliders to adjust the number of times it will analyze the data and how quickly the training should run to get better results. Then put your AI model to the test in play mode by controlling your robot remotely. Just perform the same gestures or sounds that you did when collecting data, and your robot will perform the assigned function! You can also control KAI directly using the remote-control function in the app or by using your smart device as a gyroscope, tilting it in the direction you want it to move in. 

Mechanically, KAI is a fascinating robot that can walk on six legs and rotate its upper body around 360 degrees, allowing it to turn toward any direction on the spot. Composed of 25 red LEDs, its face display can be programmed via the app to show different expressions and scrolling messages.  

A full-color, 64-page manual provides step-by-step illustrated assembly and programming instructions, teaches lessons in AI and robotics, and includes a fun, comic-book-style story that brings KAI to life. Read about the history and future of AI and its real-world applications. The app requires a tablet (recommended) or smartphone running iOS or Android. Please check the app stores for compatibility and device requirements.

• Build your own six-legged robot from more than 100 pieces
• Collect data via your smart device's camera and microphone
• Train your AI model to more accurately recognize patterns in the data
• Control your robot remotely using gestures and sounds
• Remote-control mode allows you to manually control your robot
• Display emotions and messages on the robot’s LED face display
• Includes a lesson in creating your own AI using household items (paper and cups)

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This 71-piece science kit combined with the beautifully illustrated storybook provides an engaging way to teach simple engineering concepts to preschool-age kids.

Start laying the groundwork for strong STEM related skills and comprehension.

This kit helps develop fine motor skills, science and math skills, visual-spatial skills, and reasoning and concept development skills.

With durable storage case and illustrated storybook!

Read the amusing story of two inquisitive kids and build simple models of the aircraft they discover on their hilarious family vacation.

Ages 3+

From Thames & Kosmos

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Read the funny story of two inquisitive kids and build simple models of the vehicles they encounter on their comical trip to the supermarket with their dad. Along this roundabout journey, the kids build various vehicles to help the people in their town solve problems and complete tasks.

As you follow the story, you can build models of the 10 vehicles in the story. Large, colorful plastic building pieces make it easy for small hands to put the models together.

The kids start out by building a minivan to take them to the supermarket. Along the way, they pass a construction site where they build a crane truck to help the workers lift some beams to the top of their structure. As they continue along their trip, they also build a fire truck, tractor, school bus, motorcycle, cement truck, forklift, pickup truck, and racecar to help their friends out.

From each humorous segment of their silly adventure, the kids learn something new and collect a funny souvenir.

Includes 24-page illustrated story book & durable storage case.

Ages 3+. From Thames & Kosmos.

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This big, colorful microscope was designed specifically to enable young kids to have successful microscopic viewing experiences, and to be a fun tool for early biological investigations. The 8x magnification power is appropriate for this age group, who often have trouble adjusting their eyes to see images at higher powers. The extra wide eyepiece and battery powered, light-up slide stage also make viewing images through the microscope easy.

The microscope comes with a unique slide holder, 24 printed slides, and one blank slide. Each printed slide features one object at three magnification levels, so kids can relate a recognizable object, like a feather or bee, with two different magnified images of the object. The 72 slide images give kids a lot of things to investigate.

The 32-page, full-color manual is set up as an illustrated storybook, making it fun for adults and children to read together, while also instructing them how to use the microscope. As you read the story, you can find the slides of the objects that appear in the story and view them through the microscope. The blank slide can be used to view other objects at 8x magnification.

This introductory series of lessons is designed to give kids an effective and fun introduction to microscopy and microscopic biology. The manual explains the parts of the microscope, how to use it, and gives scientific explanations of the images on the printed slides. Observe biological specimens from animals like a feather, skin, hair, dragonfly wing, and fly eye; biological specimens from plants like a mushroom spore, kiwi seed, lichen, pollen in honey, and flower stamen; and other specimens from everyday life like table salt, sugar, and a zipper.

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Discover the science of living things with this complete introductory microscope kit. The beautifully illustrated experiment manual guides you through observations of many living specimens found in and around your home: onion cells, pond water, chloroplasts, plant stem cross sections, microorganisms, mouth cells, meat cells, different types of hair and fur, dust mites, bugs, pollen in honey, and much more.

See how an onion cell shrivels and how an paramecium wiggles. Analyze the differences between the hair on your head and the sheep’s hair in your wool sweater. The kit includes slides, cover slips, and many helpful tools. Learn how to use these tools to prepare slides and how to use the microscope to examine them.

Investigate how the lenses in a microscope bend light to magnify images. When the ocular lens, or eyepiece lens, works together with the three objective lenses, the result is a total magnification power of 60x, 150x, or 600x. The microscope has a battery-powered light to light up the specimens. The full-color, 32-page manual covers microscope setup, usage, and many fascinating observations of biological specimens.

Discover the science of living things with this complete introductory microscope kit. The beautifully illustrated experiment manual guides you through observations of many living specimens found in and around your home: onion cells, pond water, chloroplasts, plant stem cross sections, microorganisms, mouth cells, meat cells, different types of hair and fur, dust mites, bugs, pollen in honey, and much more.

See how an onion cell shrivels and how an paramecium wiggles. Analyze the differences between the hair on your head and the sheep’s hair in your wool sweater.

The kit includes slides, cover slips, and many helpful tools. Learn how to use these tools to prepare slides and how to use the microscope to examine them. Investigate how the lenses in a microscope bend light to magnify images.

When the ocular lens, or eyepiece lens, works together with the three objective lenses, the result is a total magnification power of 60x, 150x, or 600x. The microscope has a battery-powered light to light up the specimens. The full-color, 32-page manual covers microscope setup, usage, and many fascinating observations of biological specimens.

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Budding botanists will love getting their hands dirty in this unique biological science experiment kit. Learn about plants and seeds by conducting experiments in a specially designed botanical laboratory with greenhouse domes. Assemble the domed greenhouses, complete with thermometers and ventilation. Construct an automatic watering system to keep your plants from getting too thirsty. Grow beans, cress, and zinnia flowers, and learn how each plant has different needs. Experiment with plant cells and capillary action. Learn how roots work to transport water and nutrients throughout a plant. Conduct experiments that demonstrate how plants need water, light, and heat to grow. Discover the strength of a bean and how leaves sweat. See why grass grows back after it is cut and how cuttings can grow roots. Germinate fruit and vegetable plants from the seeds in your kitchen. Grow a flower garden. Make tiny plaster bugs to decorate your garden. Collect seeds with your socks, and grow a funny grass head. Make leaf and bark rubbings. Learn how you can force budded branches to bloom in winter. With a 48-page, full-color illustrated guidebook, this kit teaches botany fundamentals with step-by-step instructions for the hands-on experiments as well as growing information for many common plants. Ages 5+. From Thames & Kosmos.

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Kick off a chain reaction of fun-filled experiments with this introductory chemistry set designed specifically for young kids. Junior chemists can safely explore simple chemistry using the tools in this kit and common household substances from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Learn how to use basic chemistry equipment such as filters, test tubes, pipettes, and measuring spoons, and beakers. Make your own test tube racks out of plaster and learn about the chemical reaction that formed them.

Conduct experiments to identify different chemicals using reactions, heat, evaporation, and crystallization. Examine the composition of inks and dyes with chromatography experiments, where colors magically separate from one another on a filter paper disk. Explore the properties of water, soaps, and oils.

Experiment with acids and bases using indicators (pH strips and cabbage juice) to identify them. Make fizzy reactions with acids and bases to dissolve shells and inflate balloons. Discover the invisible gas carbon dioxide and its very visible effects.

The full-color, 48-page manual guides inquisitive young chemists and their adult supervisors through safely conducting each of the 25 experiments.

Ages 8 and up; 48-page Manual; 25 Experiments

From Thames & Kosmos

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Kids First Coding & Robotics

Meet Sammy. This cute little peanut butter and jelly sandwich is actually a robot that teaches coding principles and skills to children in grades K-2.

You don’t need a tablet, smartphone, or computer to program this robot; programs are created by simply laying down a sequence of physical code cards. As the robot drives over the code cards, an OID optical scanner on the bottom of the robot reads the code cards one by one and loads the program.

Next, place the robot on a grid made of map cards, and the robot runs the program. You can program the robot to move in different directions, activate its output gear, light up its LED, play sounds, and respond to different function cards.

The integrated output gear makes it possible to build simple robotic creations with arms or other moving parts that respond according to the program’s instructions. This robot kit also teaches physical engineering and problem solving skills through a series of building and coding lessons. 30 Experiments. Includes 64-page manual.

Ages 4+

From Thames & Kosmos.

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