Science

[WordsAreNoUseAtAll]

Ok, she goes to school, (long story, but can't be avoided) but I know you lot are the best to ask, so apoligies in advance.

My nearly 5yo DD loves our local science museum, but of course we can't go as often as we would like, because of school getting in the way, plus I think that doing experiments at home would give her more chance to follow her own lines of enquiry and so on.

We have been working through a ks1 science workbook, but she wants more - eg she is currently interested in magnets but we have exhausted everything we can do with fridge magnets, with or without the workbook.

With it being her birthday soon, I would love to get her some equipment to use. She is only little now, but ideally it would last a while. We also have a 2yo DD who will be able to join in when she gets past the 'random acts of violence' stage

So, where can I get hold of relatively cheap yet versitile science kit?

Ooh my 4yo DD is also in school but I'm sure I have seen some great recommendations on here.

I have a John Adams electricity circuit kit that I got in a charity shop but what I'd really like to do when she's a bit older is get some proper stuff like wires, bulbs, resistors etc, as opposed to the kits which just click together.

Chromatography is quite easy, as is vinegar/bicarb reaction. Iron filings round a magnet? Making a periscope?

Hopefully somebody more experienced will come along soon! I'm sure I compiled a list once but can I find it, nooooo.

Oh hang on I know you I think - AD, right? If so, I'm DTB on Facebook

If you aren't then please ignore that. :o

(sorry can ask for previous post to be deleted if you want)

Usborne do a science experiments craft book where all the things in it are household objects. You could put a pack together of stuff to complete the experiments pretty cheaply.

The horrible science kits are pretty good though mostly short lived, not repeatable experiments.

A child interested in science at 5 is unlikely to grow out of i quickly so i would recommend buying above her age range for now. My 7 year old out grew ks1 science really quickly and wanted more challenging options.
Hth

You do know me :)

Have a look at The Happy Scientist

Hi, my DD is 5 and i have just brought usborn 50 science things to make and do.
DD loves making volcanoes, vinegar and bicarb.
making potions that change colour, red cabbage and hose hold acids and alkalies.
we have an allotment.
DD had a worm world.
dont forget baking.
make some butter.
if she likes magnets show her what they do to a compass and why.
there is lodes more, let us know when you need em.
have fun

bbc big bang theiry do a teachers pack, which also comes with a DVD - which is full of experiments that you can do in your kitchen.

You can get some free primary resources from the Association of Science Education website (follow the link to primaryupd8), and more if you pay to join.

(primary teachers are not science specialists)

Some of us are.