Buying guide for best National Geographic kits for kids
As far as children’s games and interactive activities go, there is a never-ending smorgasbord in every category you can imagine: sports, board games, video games, and more. The list goes on and on. While many of these are entertaining, not all are the most useful as far as learning and development go. National Geographic kits, however, are a great way for kids to have fun while fostering a passion and excitement for learning.
Your choice of National Geographic kit is easy to figure out once you pinpoint your child’s curiosities, abilities, and skills. A good buying guide that outlines the types of National Geographic kits, what they contain, and how children can benefit from them will help get your shopping started.
How to buy the best National Geographic kits for kids
Why buy a National Geographic kit?
National Geographic kits, often referred to as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) kits, are excellent learning instruments for developing minds. They incorporate activities and experiments that stimulate creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking to improve cognitive function.
These kits are affordable, easy-to-use tools for kinesthetic learning, which is ideal for cultivating focus and concentration. National Geographic kits are meant to inspire a greater desire for knowledge in young children and adolescents, plus they’re lots of fun!
Fit the kit to the child
Interests: When choosing a National Geographic kit, you should consider your child’s interests, skills, and preferences. The kits have different themes and focus on different subjects, so choosing one that your child is already curious about would be ideal. Choose a kit on a topic that you think your child will use, enjoy, and benefit from.
Age: National Geographic kits specify an age range for users, which is intended as a guideline for the cognitive abilities required to complete the kit activity. Many of the kits are aimed at children aged 8 and older, but this isn’t a rigid rule. Consider your child’s knowledge, age, and problem-solving abilities as you examine your kit options. Your child might be younger than the age recommendation but still have the skills needed to use the kit. On the other hand, you don’t want to buy a kit for a toddler that is designed for a child in elementary school.
Workspace
You’ll benefit from preparing a specific workspace with enough room and the necessary protective materials for your child as they conduct their kit experiments.
Choose an area with ample space, preferably a table and chair on hard flooring that’s easy to clean in case of spills. Protect the table surface with a tablecloth or sheet of butcher paper and keep a small towel or cloth nearby to clean up any spills.
You want to make sure the area is well-lit and close to a faucet or sink because many National Geographic kits require the use of water. If you want one with a lower risk of mess and that requires less preparation, look for simple kits that exclude the use of liquids.
There are a number of tutorials online to assist kids with their National Geographic kits. If your child is confused or would simply like more guidance, you can find a video to help.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features of National Geographic kits for kids
It’s important to note that there are comprehensive National Geographic kits that include experiments or activities from more than one of these categories. There are also kits that specialize in each of the following areas.
Geology and fossil kits
National Geographic has Mega fossil and gemstone kits and other geology-related kits that contain a collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils. These kits are often geared toward excavation and come with tools for carving and digging. They include a learning guide that informs the user about the various materials as they are uncovered. This kit category also includes rock guides and rock tumbling kits whose main function is polishing rocks and minerals.
Geode kits
Geode kits are very hands-on because they feature tools that children use to crack open each geode to reveal the interior. These are very easy to use and learn from, and the sparkly and colorful elements are fascinating to most children. Kids can also read about the different geodes and learn about their history. They can then place the open geodes on display in their bedroom or playroom.
Growing kits
Some of the most popular National Geographic kits for kids are the Crystal Growing Labs. Children can use a “crystal-growing” solution and watch crystals form over the course of a few days. Many of these kits come with a lighted stand that illuminates the finished crystals. There are also National Geographic kits for growing herbs that teach kids how to start their own herb gardens.
Science and chemistry kits
The National Geographic Science series mainly features experiments, such as the Vanishing Test Tube, and chemistry sets. These integrate elements of chemistry, combining multiple solutions to experiment for different results. This category includes the Microscope Explorer kit, which teaches kids how to operate a microscope and examine slides.
Volcano kits
These National Geographic kits are highly entertaining favorites and very simple to use. These include all the necessary ingredients to mimic real volcanic eruptions, and they come with enough supplies to carry out the experiment more than once.
Slime, putty, and craft kits
Another popular category includes kits that involve slime and various types of putty. Children can make slimes and putties and then play with them to form different creatures, shapes, and sculptures. There are also kits that feature arts and crafts, such as rock painting and papermaking.
Activity missions and magic kits
Some National Geographic kits are designed as spy missions, power rocket missions, and build kits that construct machines like catapults.
There are also National Geographic magic kits, plus those that combine magic with science. These include a number of tricks and effects that children can easily learn and perform.
DID YOU KNOW?
If your child enjoys working on National Geographic kits, there are plenty of other real-world science activities they can try. Check online for some DIY science experiments that only require common items found around the home.
STAFF
BestReviews
How much do National Geographic kits for kids cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable National Geographic kits for kids cost between $16 and $25. These are limited to simpler activities like volcano eruptions and growing crystals, and they don’t last as long because they enable fewer uses.
Mid-range
These kits cost $25 to $55 and are usually sets that combine multiple activities and experiments, such as the Earth Science kit or Science Magic kit. You can also buy a basic rock tumbling kit at the upper end of this price range.
Expensive
The most expensive kits cost $55 to $100. These include larger kits like the Mega Science Labs that include more than 75 different activities. You’ll also find higher-quality rock tumbling kits and microscope kits in this price bracket.
To keep your child’s hands clean, they can wear gloves while doing the experiments. Child-size gardening gloves or some disposable gloves will work. Just make sure they’re thin enough that your child can properly handle the kit materials.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
- Clean the National Geographic kit after each use. Use cleaning wipes or cloths with a cleaning solution to lightly wipe down the tools and other objects that were handled. This prevents the spread of germs and clears away any chemical solutions that may have been spilled.
- Make sure your child wears the goggles. Many National Geographic kits come with goggles, particularly the chemistry sets, so make sure your child wears them. Kids often touch their mouths, eyes, and face, and it’s possible they might do so while using their kit.
- Store the pieces and tools carefully. To prevent losing or damaging any pieces and tools, store them in resealable bags or storage containers or the original packaging.
- Have your child wear an apron, protective bib, or old T-shirt while using the kit. Some of the kit activities can get messy, and it’s a good idea to protect clothing.
FAQ
Q. Where are National Geographic kits made?
A. National Geographic manufactures its products in China, and the pieces, tools, and materials used for its kits for kids are made in China.
Q. Can I buy replacement pieces if any are missing or lost?
A. You can contact the National Geographic support team at help@natgeotoys.com regarding any lost or missing kit pieces. National Geographic support can help replace missing items and will often send replacements for broken pieces as well.
Q. Can kids use the kits without supervision?
A. Help and supervision are always recommended while using National Geographic kits. While many of these kits are safe for children without supervision, it is up to you to decide based on your child’s age and the specific kit activity.
