Product Reviewed: 11 Experiments That Failed, by Jenny Offill & Nancy CarpenterAge Range: 5-8 year oldsStar Rating: 4 / 5 StarsThe Good: A humorous story that introduces kids to the scientific method in a fun and whimsical way.The Bad: Slightly US-centric. May encourage kids to try a few experiments you wished they wouldn’t!The Verdict: Would make a lovely gift for 5-7 year old girls.11 Experiments That FailedThis…
Category: Product Reviews
Book Review: Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record
Product Reviewed: Ivy and Bean Break The Fossil Record, by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall.Age Range: 5-10 year olds.Star Rating: 4 / 5 starsThe Good: Fun chapter book that introduces palaeontology, Mary Anning (pioneering female palaeontologist), and perseverance in science in a really positive light.The Bad: The backyard palaeontological efforts of Ivy and Bean towards…
Review: Magic Science for Wizards Only Science Kit
Product Reviewed: Magic Science for Wizards Only science / chemistry kit by Scientific ExplorerAge Range: labelled for 6+ year olds (however I think it could be suitable for keen 4+ year olds, with a lot of assistance).Star Rating: 3 / 5 starsThe Good: Fun and easy introduction to some impressive fizzy and colour changing chemistry…
Review: Dream Jobs {a Sticker Dolly Dressing, Usborne Activities book}
Product Reviewed: Sticker Dolly Dressing Dream Jobs, by Emily Bone and Steven Wood (Usborne Activities).Age Range: 5-8 year olds.Star Rating: 4 / 5 starsThe Good: A fun activity book with positive career role modelling for girls. There are some unusual job options in here – expect lots of questions!The Bad: Fine motor skills required to remove and…
Review: Geomag Panels
Product Reviewed: Geomag Panels 22 Piece SetAge Range: 5-10+ year oldsStar Rating: 4 / 5 starsThe Good: Open-ended magnetic construction toy with added panels that work well for creating imaginative play props.The Bad: Panels are tricky for little hands to insert, which can add to frustration. (Plus choking hazard for babies and toddlers.)The Verdict: Extra panels in this set add a…
Book Review of Halley Harper; Science Girl Extraordinare: Summer Set In Motion
Product Reviewed: Halley Harper; Science Girl Extraordinare: Summer Set In Motion, by Tracy Borgmeyer. Age Range: 7-10 year olds Star Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars The Good: Chapter book featuring an awesome 9 year old science-loving girl protagonist, whilst introducing scientific concepts in a fun age-appropriate way. The Bad: Predictable storyline. Lack of diversity among…
Review: Geomag Color & Geomag Glitter
Products Reviewed: Geomag Color 30 Piece Set and Geomag Glitter 30 Piece SetAge Range: 3-10 year olds (although better suited to 5+ year olds)Star Rating: 4.5 / 5 starsThe Good: Open-ended magnetic construction toy that will get your kids thinking and building creatively.The Bad: Round metal balls are a choking hazard (see age recommendation) and…