Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Sustainable Earth Lab

by Thames & Kosmos

Product Features

• National Geographic's Net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs
• Preserve our planet
• Sustainable Earth Lab Environmental Science Kit
• Experiment to save our planet
• For ages 8 years and above

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 11.5 x 3.1 inches ; 1.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0033UWMMI
• Item model number: 638016
• Our recommended age: 8 - 12 years
• Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,577 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

National Geographic Preserve Our Planet, Sustainable Earth Lab: Environmental Science Kit. News of environmental problems threatening life on Earth seems to be everywhere. All of this information can be frightening and confusing, especially to a child. This science kit gives you the tools and information to learn firsthand about the environmental problems burdening our planet and how we as civilization can overcome these problems through sustainable practices and the sensible use of technology. The kit is organized into five main sections: renewable energies, natural resource usage, climate change prevention, waste and water management, and energy conservation. Exploring these topics by doing hands-on experiments and seeing real results helps young scientists attain a solid grounding in these often abstract and intangible concepts. Construct a miniature water treatment plant and learn how substances in unnatural concentrations can pollute habitats and harm life. Manufacture recycled paper and plastic. Get an understanding of the rapid growth in world population. Explore the causes and consequences of the greenhouse effect with carbon dioxide tests. Experiment with heat transfer and insulation. Build devices to explore wind power, water power, and passive and active solar power technology. Become an "energy detective" and track down wasteful uses of energy at school and in your home. The full-color, 48-page manual guides your experiments and energy conservation activates.

Product Description

Track down wasteful energy practices at school and home with this experiential kit. Environmental science comes to life with five distinct sections, covering topics from renewable energies and climate change prevention to energy preservation. Kids will construct a miniature water treatment plant, manufacture recycled paper and plastic and even explore the greenhouse effect with carbon dioxide tests. Includes a full-color, 48-page manual filled with experiments and conservation activities.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars There are a wide variety of experiments in this kit, enough to suit any young "energy detective.", May 27, 2011

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Sustainable Earth Lab (Toy)

This sustainable earth lab environmental science kit is set up for children 8+ years of age. Many of these experiments do require adult supervision so I'd recommend checking out which experiment your child will be working with at any given time. Essentially, what you are paying for in this kid is the marvelous array of 40 different experiments that explore environmental concepts. The five different categories are "renewable energies, natural resource usage, climate change prevention, waste and water management, and energy conservation." What I especially like is that it sparks the young creative mind and helps the young scientist to take a closer look at their environment.

The ecological footprint of this kit is light as all the materials fit in a box 14 1/2" x 11 1/2" x 3." You will need other materials, most of which you will find around your home. For example some of these items include things like glasses, all-purpose glue, vinegar, a watch, laundry detergent, and water. In addition to the 48 page experiment manual there are 28 items in this kit: Parts from a die-cut sheet, parts from a paper sheet, a thermometer, a small motor, a solar cell, a compass, a magnifying glass, an impeller wheel, a drive axle, a wooden stick, an aluminum cup, a clothespin, a water filter column (3 cups, 3 filter papers), garden cress seeds, a petri dish, thick copper wire, an ice cube tray, a measuring cup (125 ml), a balloon, fabric netting, a funnel, black paper, white paper, a battery clip, a spool of wire, sand paper, a drinking straw, and a polystyrene foam disk.

There are a wide variety of experiments in this kit, enough to suit any young "energy detective." When I first opened the box, due to the nature of this kit, I was rather shocked to pull out a Styrofoam tray containing the contents of the kit. On the back of the experiment manual I soon learned it was recyclable expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). I was pleased because Thames & Kosmos are practicing what they preach and are environmentally conscious in their packaging. The experiments are challenging, encourage children to think, are fun, and any of them could lead to a school report or encourage further scientific thought or experimentation. Each experiment offers a problem or example to explore, gives a list of things you will need, has a step-by-step procedure to work with, and offers up an explanation to go with the results. There are photographs, illustrations, and numerous informative sidebars scattered throughout the manual. This would be a perfect kit to use in the homeschool or classroom setting.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every kid should learn this stuff!, February 22, 2011

By 

Science Whizz - See all my reviews

= Durability:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Sustainable Earth Lab (Toy)

This science kit has a well rounded assortment of projects relating to the environment. Every kid should do these experiments and learn about the crucial issues presented in this kit. The manual has a lot of info (a lot of text) in it, so it can be a bit dense at times, and so a parent definitely needs to go through it with their kids. I imagine a teacher could also adapt the projects for more kids to do in a classroom setting. The best experiments are the ones with renewable energy, like solar cells and windmills. Some of the experiments can be repeated, but most of them can only be done once or twice. We all learned A LOT!

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed for Hours, November 14, 2011

By 

Penn Smith (PA, United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Sustainable Earth Lab (Toy)

Purchased last Christmas for a third grader who was demonstrating an emerging interest in science. She has consistently returned to this Christmas "toy" throughout the year, both for use independently and with her adult learning partners (mom, dad, aunts, uncles, grandparents...she has everyone involved!) Some of the labs should require adult assistance. In those labs, we have enjoyed watching her explore the materials, ask her questions, and help her set them up. "What science experiment are we going to do next?" is a regular question from not only our little scientist, but from her younger brothers as well. It has adequately entertained an 8, 7, and 4 year old. Mostly, we are pleased by the excitement for science it has reinforced in our family. We are very thankful for the affordable price at which Amazon offered the set last year. And again this year as the Christmas shopping season approaches, we will be watching Amazon for excellent pricing on the National Geographic kits. Overall: Very Pleased; Would Buy Again.