Moxie Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I tried to search but, dang, the search engine is screwed up!! I'm looking for a really hands-on science for my crazy 2nd grade boy. I was wondering about TOPS Lentils? I've never used TOPS before so I'd love a review! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrousel Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 Listening in, considering it here too for boys that love their sand box. Hoping someone with firsthand experience will post and clue us both in! I know I have heard over and over that it is worth getting the kit instead of trying to DIY, as it seems to be time consuming to set up initially from most reports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I bought it when my kids were young and I was really enthused about it, but I was overwhelmed collecting the materials, even with a dh who was a vet and got the medicine vials special ordered for me! I never did use it. I have the book somewhere, PM me and I will find it and offer it for cheap! Lol. The materials are the tricky part. If you can buy their kit, I would advise that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted July 26, 2013 Author Share Posted July 26, 2013 Yes, you can buy the whole thing for $42, I think. Any idea how long it lasts (is this a month of science or what)?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I would not recommend it unless you have an only child or maybe if it is your youngest. We tried it for a while and it was a big mess! LOL The activities were nothing special. I have enjoyed other TOPS units, but not that one, and then I was irritated that I had spent the extra money on the kit and the time on the supplies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 Geezle did this at a coop several years ago and that was a big success. I wouldn't want to try to do this in a home with smaller kids (or my older asd son) because I hate finding lentils everywhere. I'd take a look at the Young Scientist Club kits on Amazon, that might work better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 We did this. I have mixed feelings about it. Even buying the kit, it was a ton of work to set it up. A Ton. I plugged through it, and DS enjoyed it immensely. We did it in K and part of 1st. It was definitely enjoyed, DS managed to keep the lentils contained, and it was good. Still, I'm not sure it was worth all the work that went into prepping it. I gave it away a few years ago, and breathed a deep breath as it left the house. I won't be doing it again with DD. We'll do other kits, but not that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymonster Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 We haven't used it yet, but I just bought it and am in the process of setting it up. A few things: 1. Get the kit with the supplies. Really. It takes a while to gather everything *not* included in the kit, so save yourself the headache. 2. I took the book to Office Depot, had them cut off the spine and then photocopy the book. This wasn't to infringe someone's copyright, but because you can't use the job cards if you don't. Grr. It was an extra $14 for the photocopying. 3. To organize the job cards and all the paper bits, I used one folder for each "section" (A-G?). I stapled the introduction and the "Extra Supplies" list on the left, and used packing tape and a 4x6 card on the right to create a pocket. Then I folded all the job cards and started cutting out the booklets and fiddly bits. Working steadily, I labelled all of the jars and things from the kit in one evening (after the kids went to bed), then another night for the organizing the projects. It took me a bit to find all of the extra jars/bottles and whatnot. I'm currently trying to figure out where to put the entire monstrosity so it doesn't look, well, tacky for the entire year. We are doing this for 2nd grade, and are doing it in addition to earth science and astronomy. I really, really hope the kids like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted July 26, 2013 Author Share Posted July 26, 2013 Ok, I think I'll pass. Sounds like I need something simpler. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Mommymonster, if you have an ikea nearby, the monstrosity fits in a big trofast bin. You still have to store the tray though. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymonster Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Spryte -- Thanks so much for the recommendation. :001_smile: We love IKEA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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