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.

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.

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.

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. 

Well, a pair, but that's a lot in the tank biz. This very cool kit has translucent green frames, pre-wired circuit boards and motor harnesses, and all of the steering and suspension parts you could shake a stick at. The result, despite the kit's "Titan Tank" name, is TWO 5" square x 3" tall wireless remote controlled tanks (with separate controllers) that fire invisible infrared shells at one another, and reverse direction when hit. Each controller has (4) channels, so if you buy (2) sets of (2), everyone can join in the action. Each Tank takes (8) AA batteries, that you supply, but remember they light up, shoot beams of IR, make noise, and move around, so you're getting a lot of bang for the battery. Includes a 15 page manual and circuit boards that are pre-assembled, so anyone from your 9 year old nephew to your tank commanding Grandpa should have an easy time assembling them.

Jarvis says: The regular retail on this was $64.95. Pat made a special buy, so don't delay, these won't last long.

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+.

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+.

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.