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Best Learning Kits for Kids Age 9 to 12

Updated September 2020
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
CIRO Product Model
CIRO
Product Model
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Two Lessons in One
Bottom Line

The learning is endless with this 12-in-1 robot kit. When kids are done building, they can take it outside for a lesson in solar energy.

Pros

This 190-piece kit has options to build 12 different robots. Options to create rolling, crawling, and walking robots. Includes step-by-step instructions. Once the robot is assembled, it runs on solar power.

Cons

Instructions could be better. Some arrive with faulty solar panels.

Best Bang for the Buck
Learning Resources Fraction Tower Activity Set
Learning Resources
Fraction Tower Activity Set
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Best Teaching Tool
Bottom Line

Make abstract fraction and decimal concepts more concrete with these colorful math manipulatives.

Pros

Colorful, stackable blocks with fraction and decimal markings. Stackable to re-create math problems. Labeled on three sides.

Cons

Printing may wear off over time.

Thames & Kosmos Magnetic Science
Thames & Kosmos
Magnetic Science
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Hours of Learning
Bottom Line

A hands-on kit that teaches kids about magnetism and magnetic fields. They can even build their own electromagnet.

Pros

Kit comes with 33 experiments. Instructions to make invisible magnetic field, electromagnet, compass, contained shavings, and more. Great for child-led experimentation.

Cons

The horseshoe magnet must be handled with care; it is not terribly sturdy.

Snap Circuits Snaptricity Electronics Exploration Kit
Snap Circuits
Snaptricity Electronics Exploration Kit
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Electrifying Experiments
Bottom Line

STEM learning comes to life in this 40-piece electronics project kit.

Pros

Includes pieces for 75+ projects. Comes with 40 pieces to build lamps, switches, electrodes, and similar projects. Patented safety devices to prevent injury. Diagrams included.

Cons

Check your box; components occasionally arrive damaged.

Elenco Edu-Toys Chemistry Lab
Elenco
Edu-Toys Chemistry Lab
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Old-School Experiments
Bottom Line

A starter chemistry kit that comes with real lab gear and a supply of 8 chemicals.

Pros

80-experiment chemistry set for tweens. Comes with beaker, test tube, Bunson burner, litmus paper, and other classic lab materials. Chemicals needed for the experiments come with the kit. Safety goggles included.

Cons

Occasional incomplete boxes. A few experiments require additional materials that may be challenging to locate.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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32
Models
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150
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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