Fun chemistry set for a 12 y.o.?

[Marylou]

Where should I look?

[Marylou]

Or anyone have any favorite sites for buying mad scientist stuff?

[gardenmom5]

I've bought some chem stuff for my 7yo (magic school bus - might be too young for a 12 yo), but came across these books that might interest your son. they are all in the $10 - $14 range.

 

Theo Gray's Mad Science: Experiments You Can do At Home - But Probably Shouldn't (Theodore Gray) -on further reading reviews - it's an informative and entertaining book, but you really can't do most of the experiments at home. (for lack of equipment.)

 

Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes: Unforgettable Experiments That Make Science Fun (Steve Spangler Science) this one also has a 'sequel' with more experiments that appeal to a mad scientist you can do at home. Fire Bubbles and Exploding Toothpaste: More Unforgettable Experiments that Make Science Fun

 

they're books on amazon, but the stuff used is supposed to be readily available. the bizarre thing is my chem major dd doesn't care to do mad scientist experiments. go figure. guess that's why she isn't doing a doctorate in chemistry.

 

I also got this (also by theo gray) - The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe . it's companion is Elements Vault: Treasures of the Periodic Table with Removable Archival Documents and Real Element Samples from reading reviews, they organize the periodic table either horizontaly by weight, or verticially by family.

[gardenmom5]

you might find this one more practical for actually doing and learning things.

Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science)

 

 

eta: doing all the experiments this is the equivalent of two years of high school chemistry and they can take the ap chem exam.

[Marylou]

you might find this one more practical for actually doing and learning things.

Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments: All Lab, No Lecture (DIY Science)

 

 

eta: doing all the experiments this is the equivalent of two years of high school chemistry and they can take the ap chem exam.

 

 

Thanks!

[katilac]

Yes, I would go with either kits for fun, easy stuff or buy the chemicals as needed. Chemistry sets stink beyond belief, ime. I bought a $100 set a couple of years ago and was dismally disappointed. The vast majority of cool experiments could have been accomplished via 'toy' kits or kitchen chemistry.