Everything you need to build a little DC motor is included in this kit (except sandpaper, screwdriver, scissors and, of course, an AA battery). The instructions are simple and explain the theory as well as assembly. Fun and educational for ages 12 and up.

This is your classic dual-threaded connector tube to link a pair of plastic bottles together, demonstrate tornado action and learn once and for all about the fluid dynamics concept of a vortex. In an homage to Dorothy in Kansas, this connector tube also comes with a tiny cow and a barn included. Also a lot of glitter, which we suppose is Oz-like. Includes instructions and a surplus-inducing QR code (to see a video) that's as dead as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Could be a new line of cologne, but in fact, it’s a clever kinetic action demo kit called Wave Wires® with magnets marked for polarity, and mounted on (4) 8-1/2” long wires attached to a 4-1/4” square steel base. Includes a dozen 1/2” dia steel disc weights, an acrylic ring and an 8-page activity booklet. The attraction/repulsion magnetic properties cause the magnets to swing on top of the wires like old-time circus acrobats. Ages 8-14. Really cool, if we don’t say so ourselves.

Real-life pets require too much dedication for a kid on the go. Here’s an alternative. These kits let kids to hatch and grow a creature in a small clear tank (included) in as little as two days using the provided eggs, food and water purifier. Also come with a magnifying glass. You pick: the Dragon kit, with rocks for decoration; or the Micro Aqua-Saurs kit, with sand. Kids won’t have to walk these hatchlings, but regular feedings are required. Ages 6+

Jarvis Says: Full disclosure, these are the very same entertaining brine shrimp as the well-know Ocean Apes. 

Any Star Wars™ fans out there? Our newest Metal Earth model is of Kylo Ren’s Upsilon-class command shuttle. Yes, this is the one many of you have been waiting for since about 30 years after the Battle of Endor. It’s an epic, highly detailed, museum-quality, 3D steel sheet model, and it’ll be about 4” when finished. Then, all you’ll need is a prominent place to display it.

Physics faculty alert: It's very small, but teaches a powerful lesson, this little diamagnetic-properties demo kit. You get (4) plated magnets, each 1/4" square x 3/32", and (2) 1/4" square pieces of graphite to float above them. The graphite may have slight chips along the edge but that won't affect the effect. Includes instructions/fact sheet.

Our robotic kingii dragon (Chlamydosaurus kingii, or frilled-neck lizard) is better than a puppy because you don't have clean up after it and it won't chew the furniture. This STEM education kit has (2) motors and digital control via IR sensors to activate LED eyes, motorized mouth and pop-out neck frill, plus "Escape" and "Chase" modes, which make it retreat and follow you using IR sensors, respectively. You'll need (4) "AAA" batteries and some patience, as this kit is delightfully challenging. Finished dragon will be 13-1/2" long x 8-1/4" x 5". For ages 10+.

And this is only paper Star Wars™ Han Solo™, but its what happens when origami meets a galaxy that’s really quite a ways away. When completely folded, it stands a whopping foot tall, in heavy card stock to stand up to meteor showers. Also posable and semi-articulated, and licensed by Lucasfilms and Disney.

From Fascinations®, these small model kits are made from intricately laser-cut polished steel. Punch the pieces out from the 4-1/4" square sheet and put them together with the tiny tabs. You pick the dragonfly, with a 4-1/2" wingspan or the Black Pearl pirate ship, approx 3-1/2" long. For ages 14+, because they take plenty of small motor skills.

You can’t start fooling people too early. This box of tricks is for budding magicians, and includes the props and instructions for (77) tricks. Includes a magic wand, without which you can’t be a magician, plus assorted cups, balls, cards and coin-trick frames. You add a few things like money, a handkerchief, gullible friends, etc. For ages 6+.