If you have a kid in the 5-6 year old age group, it’s the perfect time to get a chemistry set. Younger kids have a natural tendency toward curiosity and want to understand how things work. Kids this age also still have a bit of wonder – making all those cool chemistry experiments very exciting.
Our top choice for the best chemistry set is the Learn & Climb Science Kit for Kids – 21 Experiments. This starter set contains 21 experiments to help your kids develop foundational chemistry knowledge. The experiments are engaging and teach important concepts. We’ve curated a list of some other great chemistry sets. Read on to find out more.
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- Best Chemistry Sets for 5 Year Olds in 2020
- 1. Best Overall – Learn & Climb Science Kit for Kids – 21 Experiments
- 2. Best Microscope Kit – AmScope 40x-1000x Beginners Microscope Kit
- 3. Best Budget Option – Galt Toys Science Lab Kit for Kids
- 4. Best for Kids Who Love Slime – National Geographic Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab
- 5. Best Chemistry Subscription Box – Spangler Science Club
- 6. Best for Hands-On Experiments – The Young Scientists Club Magic School Bus
- 7. Best for Learning About the Periodic Table – Merka Learning Kit Periodic Table
- 8. Best for Makers – Project Mc2 Ultimate Spa Studio STEM Cosmetic Kit
- 9. Best for Young Foodies – Playz Brain Freeze Ice Cream Making Science Kit
- 10. Best for Kids Who Want to Get Messy – Thames and Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station Science Experiment Kit
- 11. Best for Kids Who Want to Glow – Galt Toys Glow Lab
- What to Consider When Buying a Chemistry Set for 5 Year Old Kids
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Chemistry Sets for 5 Year Olds in 2020
1. Best Overall – Learn & Climb Science Kit for Kids – 21 Experiments
Our favorite chemistry set for 5-6 years olds is the Learn & Climb Science Kit for Kids – 21 Experiments. This set includes 24 pieces and has almost everything you’ll need to complete 21 experiments. All of the chemicals and equipment you’ll need is in the box. The only other materials you’ll need are common household items. There’s also a detailed instruction book and online video demonstrations, so you and your kids will know exactly what to do.
We chose this as the best chemistry set for a 5-year old because it’s a great first chemistry set and a good introduction to the principles of chemistry. It’s also high interest – kids get to do fun experiments like creating a lava lamp, growing crystals, and the ever-popular volcano. We love this set because it’s so easy for both kids and parents to use. It’s a great stepping stone on the way to more advanced sets.
2. Best Microscope Kit – AmScope 40x-1000x Beginners Microscope Kit
Every young chemist needs a microscope, and we recommend the AmScope 40x-1000x Beginners Microscope Kit. This optical glass monocular microscope has LED lights on both the top and bottom. Since it has both prime-powered and low-powered light, kids can view larger objects all the way down to the cellular level. It also comes with prepared and blank slides, more than enough to get your kid started. It also comes with red and blue specimen stains and all sorts of other tools. The microscope includes the book The World of the Microscope, a perfect introduction for beginners.
We like this set because it’s great for elementary kids but is also still useful when your kids are in high school. It has enough power and versatility to let kids look at almost anything they want to see in greater detail. We also like that it comes with so many tools and a book. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to using a microscope.
3. Best Budget Option – Galt Toys Science Lab Kit for Kids
One of the best chemistry sets for those on a budget is the Galt Toys Science Lab Kit for Kids. The set has instructions and materials for 20 awesome chemistry experiments. It includes everything you’ll need to do the experiments, minus a few items you should have around your house. Kids get to do fun experiments like a floating ghost, test tube kaleidoscopes, a bouncy ball, lava, and so much more. The chemistry set also comes with useful equipment like a test tube rack, magnifying glass, and googles.
This set is great for children who are just getting into chemistry and have a lot of curiosity about the world. Kids will enjoy completing the experiments and making some cool creations. We also like the detailed activity booklet that helps users complete the experiments and understand the science behind them.
4. Best for Kids Who Love Slime – National Geographic Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab
If you have kids who loves slime, why not turn it into a science lesson with the National Geographic Mega Slime Kit & Putty Lab? It comes with eight different types of slime and putty. Some are premade and ready for experimentation, while other varieties have to be mixed up. The kit comes with everything you need, including storage tins for each of the slimes or putties. There’s even a 16-page full-color activity guide to explain the science behind these fun substances.
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We like this set because it takes something kids are naturally engaged with – slime and putty, and makes it educational. There’s a lot of science behind these cool concoctions, and if you have a kid who’s reluctant to get into science, this set just may be the gateway.
5. Best Chemistry Subscription Box – Spangler Science Club
If you want new chemistry experiments delivered to your home each month, we recommend the Spangler Science Club. The company offers two monthly subscriptions, the STEMlab and the STEMdeluxe. The STEMlab delivers up to five experiments per month while the STEMdeluxe kit delivers up to ten experiments each month.
This subscription box is a great buy for kids who can’t get enough science. Kids will enjoy getting the box each month and seeing what new experiments they’ll get to do. While the lab box is supposed to require less adult help than the deluxe box, if your child is around 5 or 6, he or she will likely need some assistance.
6. Best for Hands-On Experiments – The Young Scientists Club Magic School Bus
Whether your kids watch the retro version or the reboot of the show, The Young Scientists Club Magic School Bus is sure to be a hit. This set is nicely contained in a school bus-shaped box and comes with everything you’ll need (other than a few household items) to do quite a few hands-on experiments. There’s also a stack of activity cards with instructions for over 50 experiments and a notebook to record all data.
We like that this set was developed by Harvard graduates, scientists, and educators, meaning that the science is sound and there’s input by those who understand how kids learn. Kids will learn about important chemistry concepts like acids and bases, states of matter, chromatography, and so much more. This set is a great way to take the popular tv show and put it in action.
7. Best for Learning About the Periodic Table – Merka Learning Kit Periodic Table
Learning about the periodic table is an important step in learning the fundamentals of chemistry and the Merka Learning Kit Periodic Table is a great introduction for younger kids. The set comes with 118 flashcards, four posters, and a learning guide, all designed to help your child learn the basics of the periodic table.
We like this set because the flashcards are full-color with beautiful illustrations that can help your kids visualize the elements. The learning guide contains over 200 exercises, so it’s sure to keep your kids busy for quite some time. There’s also suggested activities so that you can make the elements come alive for your kids.
8. Best for Makers – Project Mc2 Ultimate Spa Studio STEM Cosmetic Kit
If you have a kid who loves to make stuff, we suggest the Project Mc2 Ultimate Spa Studio STEM Science Cosmetic Kit. The set includes a variety of spa-themed experiments, including crystal soaps, flavored lip balms, and scented body lotions. The kit comes with everything your young chemist will need to make some Instagram-worthy chemical creations.
We like this set because it takes an engaging activity and teaches kids all about the science behind it. Many kids probably don’t stop to think about the chemistry that’s involved in their everyday lives. Kits like these help kids to understand how relevant science really is.
9. Best for Young Foodies – Playz Brain Freeze Ice Cream Making Science Kit
For all the young foodies out there, the Playz Brain Freeze Ice Cream Making Science Kit is ideal for showing kids that science truly is all around us, even in the food we eat. This set contains 18 fun experiments, all designed to show kids how chemistry plays a role in our food. Kids get to make ice cream, slushies, sorbets, sugar crystals, and more. All of the experiments are edible.
If you want your kids to get excited about science, get candy involved. Kids love candy and sweet stuff and will be eager to learn more about the science behind its creation. The set also comes with a detailed guide to help you and your child complete all of the experiments.
10. Best for Kids Who Want to Get Messy – Thames and Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station Science Experiment Kit
For kids who love to get messy, we recommend the Thames and Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station Science Experiment Kit. The set comes with 57 pieces and has a cool lab setup that will make your kid feel like a true mad scientist. Kids will get to work on fun experiments like oozing bubbles, growing slime, chromatography, fizzing reactions, and more. Kids can easily clip their experiment cards directly to the lab station for easy reference. There’s also a manual with more detailed instructions and information about the science behind the experiments.
While kids may be having fun with this kit, they’re also learning quite a lot. Many of the experiments teach foundational chemistry. The lab station also has authentic scientific tools, like beakers, test tubes, funnels, and pipettes. Use of this equipment will be valuable once your kids are in middle or high school.
11. Best for Kids Who Want to Glow – Galt Toys Glow Lab
We recommend the Galt Toys Glow Lab for kids who are always curious about why certain things glow. The kit contains 11 awesome experiments, all centered around the science of glowing. Kids will work with glow sticks, create a flashing glowing bouncy ball, and create a slimy glowing bug.
We like this set because it’s high interest for kids who may be reluctant to play with a more traditional chemistry set. This set allows your kids to make some cool stuff and then explore the science behind why these things are so cool.
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What to Consider When Buying a Chemistry Set for 5 Year Old Kids
When choosing a chemistry set, you’ll want to check to see what materials are included in the box and which materials and tools you’ll have to buy separately. Some sets just contain the tools and require you to buy all of the chemicals and other materials separately. Other sets may have most of what you need, but may still require a few household items.
One set isn’t better than another based on what it includes, but sets that require you to purchase additional materials can be an annoyance, especially if your kids are ready to do the experiment and you don’t have everything you need.
Also, if you’re buying a chemistry set as a gift, it’s best to get one that has everything kids need to get started right away. You don’t want to send their parents on a wild goose chase looking for supplies.
Safety
Safety is always a concern with it comes to chemistry or almost any type of science experiment. Most chemistry kits are designed to be safe, even if kids don’t follow the instructions correctly. However, you may want to check the chemicals included to make sure there’s nothing harmful.
You also want to be aware that if you buy a kit for much older children, there may be more dangerous chemicals with the potential for much more harm. While you should always supervise your kids with any chemistry kit, it’s especially important to supervise when the kit is intended for children who are older than your kid.
Difficulty
You can’t always look at the recommended age groups for chemistry kits. Some younger kids are ready for more advanced sets while some older kids are still in the beginner stage. Consider your kid’s abilities, knowledge, and experience levels before making a decision.
You should also consider how much you or another adult plans to help. Some kits are pretty hands off, meaning your child can do most of the work on his or her own. Other kits will require a lot more parental help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When can kids start learning chemistry?
Kids can start learning chemistry at any age. Kids become scientists the moment they begin observing the world around them. Adults can support kids in their curiosity by nurturing their desire to learn, answering questions, and providing them with many opportunities to explore and experiment with new concepts.
Kids learn a lot of chemistry on their own, such as why ice melts on a sunny day. They even ask intuitive questions. If we supply kids with the right materials and put them in the right environments, they can learn quite a bit. Toys like chemistry kits are a great way to support these goals.
How do you keep kids safe during a chemistry experiment?
The most important thing you can do to keep your kids safe during a science experiment is to supervise them. Make sure your kids follow safety procedures and wear proper safety equipment, such as goggles or gloves.
Many accidents occur when directions aren’t followed. Read through all instructions carefully before starting an experiment. Model this behavior for your kids so they will learn to read instructions as well.
What’s the best field of science for young kids?
There’s no such thing as a “best” field of science. All branches of science are important and worthy of study. You can make almost any field interesting to young children.
However, if you listen to young kids’ questions, you’ll notice a slant toward physics and chemistry. “Why is the sky blue?” and “Why does water turn to ice?” are two common questions you probably hear often.
It’s often a good idea to start with a branch of science that has highly engaging experiments. Chemistry is a good place to start, as many of the experiments have awe-inducing results that will enchant young learns.
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Last update on 2020-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API