We’ve already covered some of the best science toys for preschoolers. Today, let’s have a look at the best science kits for 8-year-olds to 10-year-olds.
There are many different ideas included on this page. The experiment kits are divided according to interest from chemistry sets to robot kits.
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1. Snap Circuits Arcade Electronics Discovery Kit
Contents
The little builder in the house will have heaps of fun learning about circuits via an interactive game setting, just like an arcade.
There are many things to make which help with expanding your child’s imagination and understanding of science.
The kit has 30 Snap Modules to complete more than 200 projects that support a STEM or STEAM curriculum. Pieces with snaps are used to assemble various types of electronic circuits just like printed circuit boards found in most electronic boards.
There’s no need for programming or software to do any of the projects. Once you’re done with the projects, the fun still goes on because your child can do mash-ups with other sets.
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2. Robotics Smart Machines
The Robotics: Smart Machines kit enables kids aged 8 and up to construct eight different motorized robots, utilizing an ultrasound sensor for interactive play.
The kit contains 230 pieces and a detailed 64-page manual that guides the assembly process.
Using a visual programming app on a compatible iOS or Android device, children can code the robots’ behavior. The models, including a walking humanoid, a beetle, and a crocodile, perform actions like avoiding obstacles and responding to hand gestures.
3. Snap Circuits Alternative Energy Green
This Snap Circuit kit contains over 125 projects that investigate alternative energy strategies. It has easy instructions for kids as young as 8 years old.
It’s easy to put together. After charging the batteries in the sun for several hours, your child can start building projects. He will experience and learn how to use alternative energy sources instead of a battery unit.
This is an educational and entertaining way to introduce circuits and what it takes to make them work. However, if your kid hasn’t used Snap Circuits yet, it is a good idea to start with Snap Circuits Jr. or Snap Circuits Light.
4. Makey Makey – An Invention Science Kit
Finalist For Toys of The Year!
It’s not easy to explain exactly what this invention kit does. Basically, you’re using every day objects like bananas! to make something like a banana piano.
The Makey Makey invention kit (affiliate link) really does offer thousands of possibilities.
The good thing is there is no need to install a software, and it works with Mac and Windows. Your child doesn’t need to have programming knowledge to set this up. It’s just plug, clip, and play! Any material that can conduct even a tiny bit of electricity can work with Makey Makey. Check out the video below if you want to know more.
5. Snap Circuits Lights Electronics Discovery Kit
The Snap Circuits Lights Electronics Discovery Kit (affiliate link) is an exciting way to introduce electronics to your kid.
It comes with 55 color-coded, real circuit components that your child can use to create electronic circuits and device that work.
There are over 175 do-it-yourself electronic projects. All of these circuit components snap together to make different projects that show how light works.
It is even possible to combine two circuit kits together for more advanced learners.
6. 4M Solar System Planetarium
Ignite your kid’s passion for the cosmos with the Solar System Planetarium model kit.
Perfect for kids 8 and up, this set offers a galaxy of educational fun — no batteries needed.
Assemble a mini-planetarium that glows in the dark, paint it to bring the planets to life, and then watch them orbit the sun!
The kit includes everything from detailed planet models to rods and a fact-packed wall chart. Plus, with 10 sets of quiz questions, young space enthusiasts can test their knowledge.
7. Elenco AmeriKit Learn to Solder Kit
This soldering kit is a recommended science kit for beginners.
This is what your child needs to learn about soldering.
The instructions are detailed and easy to follow. There are also quizzes to assess what your child has learned.
Each step teaches a number of soldering skills, including cleaning and de-soldering. Make sure your child wears glasses or safety goggles to protect her eyes from flying pieces of wire.
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Chemistry Sets
8. Thames & Kosmos CHEM C1000 (V 2.0)
Chemistry experiments will never be the same again with CHEM C1000.
Your child gets to set up her very own lab while learning how to safely handle lab equipment and chemicals. This science kit for 10 years old comes with professional quality equipment and enables your child to investigate chemistry in the kitchen.
Since your child will be dealing with chemicals (most need careful handling but are not really dangerous), adult supervision is very important, preferably from one with some technical ability.
9. Scientific Explorer Spa’mazing Kit
Your kids will certainly love creating a safe and luxurious spa experience with the Scientific Explorer Spa’mazing Kit (affiliate link).
It comes with colorful and fragrant bath gels, spa lotion, bath fizzers, face masks, bath balm, shampoo, and exclusive spa fragrances.
The kit allows kids to blend natural and organic ingredients to make spa products, without having to worry about your kids being exposed to unknown chemicals.
The kit will certainly appeal to kids who love mixing things and creating new blends of ingredients without the strong smells associated with many spa products.
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Robots and Programming Toys
10. Makeblock Starter Robot kit
This Starter Robot Kit is for kids to learn robotics, electronics, and programming.
The instructions are beginner-friendly and kids can easily have hands-on experience on building a programmable robot tank or a three-wheel robot car.
This is a great way to encourage self-learning and exploration. There are three versions from which you can choose from – Bluetooth version, IR versions, and No Electronic version.
The kit stands out because of its durability and ease of programming that beginners can easily tackle. The hardware is made of high quality material and the standard jacks for the peripherals make Arduino easier.
11. ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit V4
The ELEGOO Smart Robot Car V4.0 is a comprehensive educational kit that introduces kids 12 and up to the world of programming, electronics, and robotics.
This STEM kit comes with everything needed to build a robot car, including modules for obstacle avoidance, line tracking, and remote control via smartphone apps.
It’s designed for easy assembly with XH2.54 ports for error-free connections and includes a detailed tutorial to guide beginners through each step. The kit also features a camera for FPV control, adding an immersive experience to the learning process. With graphical programming and a variety of interactive functions, this robot car kit is perfect for inspiring creativity and imagination in young tech enthusiasts.
12. OWI Robotic Arm
Robotic arm technology has never been more affordable than the OWI Robotic Arm Edge (affiliate link). It is full of capabilities!
It comes with added features which include a search light design on the gripper and a safety gear audible indicator which are included on all five gear boxes.
With 4 D-size batteries (not included), night time play is possible. Your budding engineer will certainly have his hands full using the “5s” (five-switch wired controller, 5 motors, 5 gear boxes, and 5 joints) for total command and visual manipulation.
The robot may not look big but it’s actually heavier than it looks. It’s very easy to control and is very sturdy. It’s a great bonding activity for the young and the young once.
13. 14 in 1 Solar Robot
Here’s a robot that needs no batteries (affiliate link). It can transform into 14 different robot modes powered only by the sun! Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced robot builder, there will be two levels to match his skills and experience.
The kit comes with unique accessories and parts that make the robot move on land and water.
Level one includes Turtle-bot, Beetle-bot, Quadru-bot, Boat-bot, Walker-bot, Dog-bot and Wheel-bot. Level 2 challenges your kid’s manipulative skills with the Roly Poly-bot, Auto-bot, Slither-bot, Surf-bot, Zombie-bot, Crab-bot and Row-bot.
Microscope Sets
14, National Geographic Dual LED Kids Microscope
Bestselling beginners microscope for kids!
If you’re looking for a real biological microscope for your child, buy this one from National Geographic.
This dual-function microscope serves as a powerful educational tool, offering both 20x and 50x magnification with its optical glass lenses. It’s designed for young scientists to explore both slides and 3D objects with its switchable LED lights.
The kit comes packed with over 50 accessories, including 10 prepared slides, blank slides, tweezers, an eye-dropper, a Petri dish, a mini geode, and more for comprehensive STEM exploration.
15. Beginners Microscope Kit
The Amscope Beginners Microscope Kit (affiliate link) is a beginner compound microscope with a monocular viewing head with LED, mirror illumination, built-in color filter wheel, a durable metal frame, and a rotating turret with 300x, 600x, and 1200x magnification.
This science kit for 8-year-olds comes with several slides, but you can also make slides that you and your child can examine under the microscope.
It’s a real value for money investment for your kid’s education. It comes with some great extras that will provide hours of discovery and enlightenment for your child.
16. GeoSafari Telescope and Microscope Set
This set combines a high-quality telescope and microscope into one package. The telescope features a 360 mm length with 18x–80x magnification, all-glass optics, a 50 mm achromatic objective lens, and comes with two eyepieces. Its refractor design and tabletop tripod make it easy to use for mobile stargazing.
The microscope is built with durable die-cast metal, offering magnification from 100x to 600x, and includes both 10x and 20x glass eyepieces. It comes with professionally prepared slides and tools for creating your own slides, perfect for examining everything from tiny microbes to the moon’s craters.
Biology Science Kits
Biology science kits for 8-10 year olds offer a captivating glimpse into the natural world. These kits encourage hands-on learning, allowing young scientists to explore the building blocks of life while nurturing their curiosity and love for science.
17. Learning Resources Skeleton Model
The skeleton model is an excellent introduction to the human body. Step-by-step instructions help kids learn the names and locations of major bones and how they support the body. It comes with an easy-to-read, photo-illustrated manual with directions to assemble the skeleton model.
The kit comes with a 41-piece plastic model, display stand, and guide. When assembled, the 9-inch model gives your child a working knowledge of the skull, rib cage, humerus, spinal column, radius, ulna, hand, pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, foot, and partial circulatory system.
18. Scientific Explorer Disgusting Biology Kids Science Kit
With the Scientific Explorer Disgusting Biology Kit, your 8 to 10-year-old will get into the yuckier side of science through six hands-on experiments.
They’ll learn about the human body in a fun, engaging way by creating models of a stinky intestine and slimy snot, concocting fake blood, and growing harmless molds and bacteria.
The kit comes with petri dishes, a magnifier, cotton swabs, and other tools to facilitate these educational experiments. It’s designed to answer those questions kids have about bodily functions and to teach them about the microscopic world living on and in us, all under adult supervision.
19. Educational Insights Sprout & Grow Window Plant Growing Kit
This plant growing kit is perfect for kids interested in botany and observing the life cycle of plants.
This transparent, self-standing window planter allows clear observation of seeds sprouting, roots forming, and plants growing. It’s an excellent educational tool for classrooms or home use, encouraging kids to learn the basics of botany, nurture their observation skills, and engage in hands-on learning.
The kit includes bean and pea seed packets, nutrient-rich soil, easy-to-follow instructions, and a growth journal for detailed tracking. Ideal for young learners, it’s a practical addition to any preschool or elementary science curriculum.
20. Thames & Kosmos Genetics & DNA Lab
This is a great way to introduce your child to the basic principles of genetics.
With The Thames & Kosmos Genetics & DNA Lab, your 8 to 10-year-old will learn about the fundamentals of genetics and DNA. They’ll get hands-on experience with isolating DNA from a tomato, understanding inheritance, and how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
They’ll explore the concepts of dominant and recessive genes, and how these influence traits. The kit also introduces them to cell biology, the structure of DNA, and the basics of genetic coding.
Engineering Toys For Kids
21. KNEX Roller Coaster Building Set
With over 500 parts and a battery-powered motor, this building set is a unique opportunity to explore STEM concepts while building a roller coaster that actually works!
There are a few experiments that your child can do with this. The first experiment involves adding different amounts of weight to the car to test how weight affects the car’s ability to run the loops. The second and third experiments give instructions on rebuilding the coaster into a long gravity ramp, and then into a half pipe. This is an excellent lesson about learning how a car behaves on a straight or U-shaped track.
22. Thames and Kosmos Motors and Generators
All the experiments that kids can do with the Thames and Kosmos Motors and Generators are excellent opportunities to learn about how an electric motor converts electricity into motion.
They learn about the flow of electricity by building simple circuits using a motor or generator, wires, and a light bulb. There are 25 experiments to learn all about electric motors and generators.
This is the perfect toy for kids who love to tinker with electronics and like to build stuff.
23. ScienceWiz Invention Kit
This award-winning Science Invention kit comes with 3D directions to build a motor, a light-flashing generator, a real radio, and a telegraph using everyday materials.
The kit comes with a 48-page book and materials that you can use for your creations. Each project is a journey of learning and discovery. Some adult help required because some parts of each project require a lot of fine motor skills.
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24. Space Explorers Science Kit (Thames and Kosmos Remote Control Machines)
This 251-piece engineering kit contains everything needed to build robotic space machines.
This Space Explorers Science Kit includes an 80-page illustrated manual of instructions to build not only the robot rover but also nine additional space-themed models.
All the projects are fun, hands-on construction projects for kids who are captivated by robots and outer space. Kids can build 10 spaced-themed models – the Mars rover, a space shuttle, shuttle arm, lunar rover, rocket launch car, probe, space droid, walking bot, cross-wing starship, and spaceship controller.
25. Melissa & Doug Suspend Game
Whether you have a group around or it’s just you and your child, this game will give you hours of challenge and entertainment. The Melissa & Doug Suspend game (affiliate link) develops cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination, while promoting interpersonal skills.
The kit comes with 24 game rods, 4 frame rods, wooden base, wooden connector, and colored die. This is a balancing game that is easy to understand but difficult to master.
26. K’nex Intro to Simple Machines
Your hild will have a grand time building one of 8 fully functioning replicas of real-world machines.
The K’nex intro to simple machines set (affiliate link) is one of the best ways to introduce scientific concepts related to simple machines with the aid of levers and pulleys. The kit comes with 178 K’NEX parts and pieces and includes building instructions and a comprehensive guide.
If you’re looking for a setup that is aligned to the STEM standards of problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and critical thinking, this is a great STEM toy to have. Each set challenges kids as they build, investigate, problem solve, discuss, and evaluate scientific and design principles in action.
It comes with a CD learning guide and the photos give clear images that serve as a guide for each building option. It also includes all the pieces needed to build each machine.
27. 4M Weather Station Kit
This is a multi-function weather station kit that makes your home a mini weather station. The kit comes with all the basic tools to observe and record local weather conditions.
Your child can also study the greenhouse effect on plants using the kit and a recycled large soda bottle. Make sure you attach ballast to the bottle so it won’t blow over. Maximize the learning experience by going online and downloading weather worksheets for free. Certainly a great product at a modest price!
Electronic Kits For Kids To Build
IMAGE | NAME | WHAT IT IS |
---|---|---|
Piper Computer Kit | A hands-on interactive game kit that allows kids to build their own computer. | |
littleBits Electronics Premium Kit | An invention kit for kids with over 600 possible circuit combinations + instructions to 10 inventions. | |
Solarlab 1.0 Electricity Learning Kit | A fun way to learn about circuits and the science behind solar electricity. | |
Snap Circuits Arcade Electronics Discovery Kit | Over 200 arcade projects from Snap circuits | |
Snap Circuits Alternative Energy Green | Over 125 projects to learn about alternative forms of energy. | |
Makey Makey | An invention kit using ordinary objects. 2016 Toy of the year finalist. | |
Snap Circuits Lights Electronics Discovery Kit | A simple introduction to electronic projects. | |
Elenco Amerikit Learn To Solder Kit | Easy way for kids to learn about soldering. |