Thames & Kosmos Nanotechnology Science Experiment Kit

great

This is a wonderful kit demonstrating the science behind small (nano) particles, and how the chemical properties of the nanoparticles can translate into (larger) real world effects or applications. The Nanotechnology Experiment Manual is the real star of this set, and it contains 72 pages full of well-defined projects (42 actual experiments) and information helping your child (the box says age 15+, but my kids are 10 and 12, and are enjoying this) understand the significance of the reactions observed in the "What's Happening?" sections per experiment. This kit does need occasional adult supervision, because it contains some chemicals and processes that require protective gear (you provide yourself- like gloves or safety goggles) or assistance (working w flames). This kit has numerous experiments that are fairly short by themselves- 10 to 30 min, but which cumulatively can take many days to a week(s) to properly complete and understand, depending on how motivated your child is. The book and exercises could be a jr. high- high school chemistry-lite class...with a fun teacher. My kids went through the introductory section of this kit so far, reading about the first-aid and ground rules for safety information, completing the check-list to determine if their kit was complete (yes), and setting up their laser pointer w provided batteries. They then completed three experiments this evening, so far, and were running back to the set to continue after dinner. I asked my kids to rate their experience at this point, and they both think it's a 4.5, because, "it's cool," "it has a lot of interesting things," (poking at me with the included gecko footpad-inspired sticky pad), "you actually learn stuff from it- the experiments are fun." The deduction of 1/2 a star from my daughter, was due to not having an ink cartridge for one of the experiments, from which you're supposed to remove five drops of ink (i didn't want them to take apart our printer cartridge and make a mess- i guess that's more my fault than the kit). My son also deducted 1/2 a star, because he didn't like that one of the experiments could kill Club Moss spores, which would have been alive, he felt, upon rehydration (experiment #16- putting a thin layer of spores on water to form a waterproof layer), but which could then be harmed if you added oil or dish soap (the limits of nano-coating for waterproofing applications- experiment 20). They did experiment #16, and dumped the water-moss spore mix in our yard, because they wanted the moss to have a chance at life. All in all, i can see that my kids love this- they are busily reading the book and trying the experiments even now as i type. i'm pleased, because they are occupied, having fun, and learning new concepts. I am sitting right next to them, however, and asking questions about their experiment and progress. I told them to let me know which project they are doing before they start. I would not leave my kids alone with this kit at this point, but supervised, it is fine.

My son likes this, but for the price we expected more. The information provided in the book was great, but the experiments are simple. My son is 11, and it was fine for him. Not sure why the age rating is 15+.

Has a lot of experiments but needs adult supervision.

I bought this for my son who is 15. It arrived after Christmas so he didn't get a chance to open the package until today. He was extremely disappointed. All of the experiments where quite basic and where experiments he has already done a few years ago. Age of 11-13 would be a better recommendation.

Do your kids enjoy science? Mine certainly do and they love anything that is interactive and involves more than simply reading a book. This is why they love science kits the way they do and one kit they really enjoy is the Thames and Kosmos Nanotechnology Kit. I have purchased countless science kits over the years for my youngsters and my kids have played with each, often with varying degrees of interest. The problem with many science kits is that the package doesn’t really contain enough to conduct the experiments- you are required to supply almost all of the materials, measuring devices, etc. yourself. Another problem is that many of science kits contain experiments that are too simple and don’t really challenge any child beyond the age of six. But with Thames and Kosmos Nanotechnology Kit, my children and I quickly discovered that a store purchased science kit can be fun, challenging, and complete. You know the moment you open the box that this science kit is different and the uniqueness only serves to encourage children to open the manual and start conducting experiments. Just looking at the contents reminded me of the science from high school. The science experiments in this kit revolve around the world of nanotechnology and they serve to educate children on this tiny, micro world. The experiments deliver on their promises and kids really do learn a great deal. Some of the experiments are actually more complex than expected so if your kids are younger, you may need to step in and offer your assistance. I didn’t mind at all, in part because, as I completed the experiments with my kids, I found that I enjoyed the experience just about as much as they did. Another added touch I like with this kit is the included game board. This is a great idea, because the board helps to further educate children by showing how different experiments relate to each other. Everything is diagrammed and once kids see the visual representation, they will better understand how each experiment works and how things tie together. Educational toys are great and make for an important diversion from the mindless drabble so common to most forms of child amusement. Thames and Kosmos Nanotechnology is one of the best science kits I have ever encountered and while the price is a little higher than that of other kits, it is certainly money well invested and it will help develop a child’s understanding and interest in science to levels you never would have thought possible.

This is a very unique kit. You'll find a million chemistry and physics kits but this is really different in that it deals with nanotechnology . This is a great kit for someone who is very interested in science. It is so much easier for the kids to learn about these subjects when they can do hands-on activities as compared to just reading about it in a book, especially a subject as complicated as nanotechnology. My daughter really liked these experiments. We did them with her because nanotechnology is a complicated subject. It is very important in science, though, and this is a great introduction into it. There are over 40 experiments in this. It comes with a large manual to explain it all. We have had other kits from this company and have always been very pleased. It also comes with something to keep track of the progress which the kids like. She really enjoyed doing the experiments. This is also good to get a child interested in science. I would recommend this kit.

This isn't a very hands on kit - mostly reading from the brochure (which seemed good). The experiments don't seem to demonstrate very much though.

I bought it for just around 30 CAD, for that price, it is ok... Most equipments are cheap plastic and doesn’t worth anything. However, the design is creative and amazing . The age guidelines of 15+ is definitely inaccurate, this will be far more suitable for elementary students. For me personally, will not purchase again, kosmos are overpriced