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+.

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.

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. 

Now your kids can practice wilderness survival in the safety of their own home. This KidzLabs™ Survival Science Kit includes (30) pieces that will teach and demonstrate the science of wilderness survival, but hopefully won’t be actually required to save someone’s life. It’s always good to practice, though. Contains components to make a telescope, sundial, torch, Morse code flashlight (Batt. included), water purifier, compass, reflective mirror, whistle and magnifier. Comes with a carrying case, too. We’re not going to tell you how to parent your kids, but if you want to drop them off in the woods for their own good, we saw nothing. “Hey, where’d everyone go? Well, at least I have this Survival Science Kit!” Ages 9+. ! WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD–Small Parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

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.

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.

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+.

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.

Here’s a great (59)-piece STEM kit for kids who know the world doesn’t revolve around them. From Thames & Kosmos®, it’s a mechanical Orbiting Solar System with planets that revolve at different speeds according to gear ratios and their place in the universe. With this complex, 14” wide model, builders will learn how gears and wind-up mechanisms work. Each planet has printed, realistic graphics, and there’s an expansion slot for the mysterious planet #9 when it gets discovered. Comes with an (8)-panel, full-color manual. No batteries required. Ages 6+ with help, or 8+ alone. ! WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD–Small Parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.