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.

Based on drawings from Da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus, this Pathfinders catapult kit uses a pair of bent wooden arms as springs to launch clay balls (included) over (4) meters at enemy fortifications (not included, go make your own enemies). The assembled model will be approx 9" tall on a 10" x 7-1/4" base. Made from pre-cut, untreated wood from sustainable forests, and built with pegs for added strength and verisimilitude. A 2013 Creative Child Magazine Top Toy of the Year Winner and a great resource for STEM activities. For ages 12 and up.

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.

Can you say orrery kit? That’s what this is to an astronomer. (Named for Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of Orrery in County Cork.) Your orrery has the sun and planets out to Neptune on a gear-driven 6” x 4” base. You’ll get all the parts, plus (8) paint pots and a brush. The finished model will be approx 12” wide x 4-1/4” tall. For ages 8+.

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.

Sometimes if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself, and that often applies to kaleidoscopes. Build your own 10” version and fill it with trinkets and baubles to create a personalized dazzling vision. Comes with a paper cone, eyepiece, holographic foil, glow stars, beads, crystals and detailed instructions. Yes, you can add your own baubles.

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.

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.

And teach a kid (8 and up) the basics of solar power. This excellent educational kit from Elenco comes with (9) 0.5VDC solar cells pre-wired in sets of (3) and mounted in a 5" x 4" x 7/16" black-plastic frame with screw terminals on the bottom. The kit includes a 1.5VDC motor with leads and a mount, a fan blade and (4) plastic discs from 5/8" dia to 2" dia for mounting on the motor shaft, a 1.5V incandescent bulb with leads, a sound module with leads, and graphic cards to mount on the discs. Comes with a 14-page instruction/experiment booklet, including info on increasing voltage and amperage, powering battery charges, radios, games, etc. Lots of science project potential. "Heuristic as all get-out," Jarvis said when he saw it. Ages 8+.

Learn how they did it in Hawaii Five-0 (look it up or ask your parents) every time Danno booked ’em. No crime required for this Fingerprint Verification Set. Comes with a 2" dia magnifier, ink pad, fingerprint powder, dusting brush, blower, goggles, tape, (5) 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" fingerprint cards, fake credentials, (5) 3” x 5”evidence cards and a (7)-page booklet. Ages 10+.