The "Science" of Giving

By Amy Cowen on December 15, 2011 1:06 PM

(Editorial note: the following fun science giving suggestions and selections are from one Science Buddies science mom and do not represent official endorsements by Science Buddies, with the exception of the Science Buddies Kits. Many of these gift ideas are related to Project Idesas in the Science Buddies library, however, and we've provided links to those projects where possible.)

With a bit of creative thinking, you can inject your holiday gift giving with a bit of extra science energy. Great science kits or multi-purpose gadgets and tools can bolster your gift lists in ways you can feel good about—and in ways they might not even realize have a bit of a "good-for-you" spin. If you have a reputation for giving socks, this list is especially for you! Plus, many of these suggestions are small-scale, low-cost, great ideas for a bit of an "extra," now or any time! And, who knows... your student's next science project or science fair investigation might just stem from one of the following:

Potato Chip Science and Pop Bottle Science: Both of these kits both look like a super-fun add-on for the holidays and a great opportunity to stifle any 'stuck-inside' doldrums that threaten to set in over the break. (A pack of Mentos® and a bottle of soda can be fun as well: Coke® & Mentos®—Nucleation Goes Nuclear!)

Doyle and Fossey books, like the Case of the Crooked Carnival: This series of books about two fifth-grade science detectives is fun and full of great science talk and science themes. These students take themselves seriously as scientists! We'd like to see their labs and have some coffee, decaf, of course. (See our previous review.)

OWI Grasshopper Kit: The OWI grasshopper offers a fun foundation for solar and electronics exploration. (Related Project Idea: The Frightened Grasshopper: Explore Electronics & Solar Energy with a Solar-Powered Robot Bug.)

LEGO Mindstorms® NXT: For students who love to build, are interested in robotics, have an interest in computer programming, or are looking for a way to take their passion for LEGO to the next level, Mindstorms NXT is a one-way ticket to invention and innovation. (Related Project Idea: Go, Gadget, Go! Building Robots with LEGO® Mindstorms®. Related blog post: Blow: From Marshmallows to Microbes.)

LEGO® Mindstorms® idea books: Mindstorms NXT books are full of great projects that offer both building blueprints and guidance for setting up the programmable routines. The amazing bots that fill the pages of these books introduce builders to the various kinds of sensors and programming modules that give Mindstorms its range and flexibility.

Subscription to Gamestar Mechanic: Support an interest in video game design with a subscription to Gamestar Mechanic. The paid account allows young designers access to additional quests, more game design elements, and other premium content. (See recent blog post: Mom of Two Emerging Video Game Designers. To view other video game design applications and environments, see the Kid-Friendly Programming Languages guide.)

Picoboard: A Picoboard encourages them to make connections and incorporate external input (like sound, light, or even air movement) into video game and computer-based projects. (Related Project Idea: Customize Your Own Drum Set.)

Remote-control helicopter: RC toys are always hot gifts, and RC helicopters present many opportunities for science exploration and aerodynamics investigation. (Related Project Idea: Helicopter Liftoff: How Does the Speed of the Rotor Affect the Amount of Lift?)

Crystal Radio Kit: Jumpstart an interest in electronics with a do-it-yourself crystal radio kit from Science Buddies! This kit contains everything a student needs to do the Crystal Radio project. (For more great science-fair-ready kit ideas, check out the full line of Science Buddies Kits. Each kit comes with everything needed to perform the experiment—all in one box.)