Science Gifts For Kids?

beernutmark writes "I have two science-loving kids ages 7 and 9. My youngest knew Neil deGrasse Tyson's name at age 4. With the holidays coming up, I am looking to get them some quality science-related tools. Two items on the list are a quality microscope and/or a real rock-hounding kit. I am looking for any other gift suggestions for this year or future years (or even for younger kids for other readers) and hints on good sources."

Anonymous Coward

[Anonymous Coward]

Think Geek

Telescope

[Monkeedude1212]

If they Dig astronomy that is

Growing up...

[Anonymous Coward]

I was always a fan of the sciences. I remember my first science experiment kit, complete with book showing how to set up various experiments and explaining why they were important.

But the one thing I always wanted was a telescope. What is more cool than observing the heavens? And kids don't necessarily need to look at stars when we have the moon right there for easy observations. Not to mention, its a tool that everyone can use together... think of it as another thing to use on a family night!

Re:Telescope

[middlemen]

And if you have a hot neighbor as well ;)

Uh, ask them?

[snarfies]

Why are you asking Slashdot? Have you tried, like, asking THEM? I know you're nerds and all, but geez.

Don't overthink this

[Wonko the Sane]

Swiss army knife
Magnifying glass.
Soldering iron.

Not plastic

[goober]

Don't fall for anything made of plastic that says "Educational!" on the package. Science toys don't teach kids anything. Parents do! Look for something that you can do and learn together. Steer towards gifts that have wider applications, e.g. don't get a telescope, get binoculars! Don't get a microscope, get a hand magnifying glass! Don't get a nature DVD, get a bird book!

Re:newtons laws are still good for practical purpo

[CodeHog]

And if things don't work out in the science field, they can use it to weigh their drugs.

Re:Telescope

[Geoffrey.landis]

Telescopes are a lot more fun if you know enough about the sky to find your way around (although these days, with so many high-tech telescopes that have "go to", that's not quite so important as it was.)

Nevertheless, if you're going to eventualy get a telescope, start out by getting a planisphere and maybe a book on learning the constellations, and then promise "I'll get you a telescope as soon as you can go outside at night and identify fifteen constellations, and name fifteen bright stars."

Oh, yes-- and if you live in a city, forget it completely. Buy a good pair of binoculars to look at the moon instead. (Which, actually, is also a lot of fun).

Re:Help them get started with electronics+programm

[cstec]

...Ages 7 and 9 may be a bit young... but we know that 11-year olds do well with getting introduced to electronics and programming

11?!? What the Hell are you talking about?

My 8 yr old has worked for years in BASIC and the Mindstorm's awful visual environment, has passed SnapCircuits (which rock) and starting raw wiring comps. Even my 5 year old is starting to work in Logo. Sure, they're quick, but statistically speaking I bet most of the kids of Slashdot readers are!

Don't ever assume something's too hard. Throw them in the deep end and see what happens, you'll be surprised, and you can always give 'em a hand if they're drowing. Expect a lot and you'll get a lot.

The best science gift is...

[venkateshkumar99]

Your Time. Don't just give them the kit (any kit) and leave it at that. Sit with them and YOU start making stuff with them looking and get them more involved as you go along. I remember my first geek activity. It was when I was 4-5 years old . My father took apart an antique clock apart and cleaned it and later asking me to do small things to do. That is what got me hooked to DIY. Later when I was about 7-8 years old my mom used to read short Sci-Fi stories to me and that's what got me hooked into reading. Spend time with your kids, they will be far more involved with whatever you do. As for the kits, anything from Chemistry kits to making models are equally simulating the important thing is getting started at an early age.

Re:Actually that's not his name

[Dachannien]

watching Nova Science Now religiously

Now that's irony!

Re:Telescope

[Nathrael]

This post being modded Insightful instead of Funny can teach us a *lot* about Slashdot users :P .

Re:Anonymous Coward

[cetialphav]

This is for a kid, not a professional scientist. Pen and paper was good enough for Newton, so I'm sure it will work out fine for the kinds of experiments a kid will likely do. Even for many professionals, a notebook is very valuable. Archaeologists are known to have problems using software to accurately represent stratigraphic data and they often just draw things out by hand.

Pen and paper are still used by many professionals so I see no reason to make a kid jump through hoops to learn a word processor or spreadsheet when he can just write the stuff down.

Re:Telescope

[Anonymous Coward]

And this post being modded Insightful instead of Funny shows us they are not ashamed.