Science Toys that Spark Curiosity

- August 21, 2017

I've spoken on here often about how my kids love Science! They ask a lot of questions, make observations, connect information, and always want to learn something new.

Fortunately, we live in an amazing time, where kids have access to so many cool Science Toys that spark their curiosity and ignite their imaginations.

Check out this list of 15 wonder-inspiring toys and don't forget to enter my first ever Giveaway at the end of the post!

Geosafari Jr My First Microscope

I'm wrote a review of this microscope recently with free printables for preschoolers/kindergartners. This is a great toy for budding scientists and would pair very nicely with a lab coat and tool set for pretend play. How cute would it be to have a mini lab in your house?

4D Vision Frog Model

It's no secret that we love frogs at our house. We've even build a whole Science Center around them. My kids would love to own this frog model, and I think it would look great on our shelf.

Magnetic Thinking Putty

Thinking Putty is like play dough for older kids and adults. It comes in all sorts of neat configurations like magnetic (shown above), glow-in-the-dark, metallic, and color-changing. Each tin has different properties from slimy to stiff. I think this would make a "just because" gift or stocking stuffer.

Doodle Robot

Robots are so cool and this little drawing robot is very cool. He shakes and rotates to create different patterns. Adjust the angle of the pins and the picture changes. Sort of like a high-tech spirograph.

Human Body Models

My kids loved our skeleton model to pieces. Literally. We'll buy it again and again because they loved it so much (the problem is lost puzzle pieces not an issue with the product itself). I'm sure they would enjoy the entire collection, but we'll save those pieces for when they're old enough to assemble them themselves.

Perpetual Motion Toy

Whether it's the galaxy, the drinking bird, or Newton's cradle, people love perpetual motion toys. They allow us to play with force, motion, and kinetic energy in a safe, visible way. People usually associate them with work desks, but they would be great on a Science Shelf. How long could you keep it going?

Sprout and Grow Window

My kids aren't as interested in plant science as they are in animal science, but I'm sure they would get very interested in growing things if they had this clear growing container. They could watch the leaves go up and the roots go down. I think it would be great for traditional kindergarten experiments like beans or carrots. Older kids might also enjoy this clear composter that allows them to explore the roles of worms and microorganisms in recycling.

Life Cycle of a Green Sea Turtle

We love the Safari Ltd Life Cycle sets! I think we own them all. They give kids a tangible way to explore and compare stages of animal life cycles. I have 3-part cards for the chicken and bee sets, and the rest can be found for free on the internet. This turtle set would be great for sensory bins, water play, or small world play. I found an inspiring crochet blanket that would make a great play mat. I'm thinking about making it for Christmas. Maybe one side will be sea turtle beach and the other side will be the frog pond.

Metamorphic Rock Collection

Some kids are very interested in geology and would love this tray of rocks. I think this would be a great start to a collection. It's a very hands-on way to study geology.

Bugs in Resin

I'm think these bugs are so neat and much more durable than pinned insects. Look at them under the microscope, label them, or find live matches. These bugs would be great for preschoolers who love "icky buggies."

Moon in My Room

This moon is the ultimate nightlight! It hangs on the wall of a bedroom or wherever and softly glow. It can be programmed to go through the moon phases in sync with the real moon or can glow as a full moon. Every kid needs one of these cool toys.

Ant Farm

The ant farm is such a classic science toy. There are lots of different types of small animal kits available for sale including worms, butterflies, ladybugs, frogs, and trilops (as well as lots of crystals, plants, and bacteria). Kids love things that change in front of their eyes- I know mine do. Their begging me for chicks right now. I'm going to try to talk them down to some triops or bugs.

Snap Circuits

Snap Circuits are becoming a classic toy, even though they're fairly new to the science toy scene. They're electronic and programing toys that snap together to make circuits. We got a set for free from another homeschool family, but my kids have been a bit young to play with them (the oldest will be ready soon). Snap Circuits are like legos that run motors and light up bulbs. So cool!

Telescope

My kids have been interested in the stars since the movie Moana came out. In this modern age, telescopes are much more affordable than ever before and less bulky. They're also great for encouraging kids to be outside and in nature.

Space Toob

We love Safari Ltd toys, and I've been writing about them long before I became in official #howisafari campaign blogger (exactly a year ago from today). Safari is the sponsor of this blog post today, and has allowed me to do my first ever Giveaway!

Pin for Later!

Giveaway!

Safari Ltd has graciously accepted my request to do my first ever Sweepstakes with their products! Use the Rafflecoper link below to enter to win a Space Toob by Safari Ltd! Prize is only open to residents of the continental US (sorry Alaska and Hawaii). Safari Ltd will mail the prize directly to the winner after the contest closes on Aug 29th. Prize has no cash equivalent. Good luck, Everyone!

The Contest is over! Thank you for all your entries, Everyone!

The Winner was Lori M-C from Chicago! Congrats, Lori!

Be sure to grab my free 3-Part Cards that match the toob!

Space Cards

8 Ways to Use the Space Toob for Learning

If you've been following this blog for any time, you know that we love Safari Toobs. One of my most popular posts is about how to use toobs for learning. I also have almost 30 free printables for the toobs. Since I'm giving away a Safari Space Toob, I put together this infographic to show you a few of the many ways you can use the toobs for learning.