(Part 3) Best early development science toys according to redditors

Amazon has them. She got this one from Toys R Us.

I didn't know such a thing existed.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Haynes-4-Cylinder-Combustion-Engine/dp/B000YX7OXO

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/50t/Haynes-HM10R-V8-Model-Combustion-Engine/B00EQ4JOBC

Math Counters listed high priority: $12.16

Microscope for the kiddo!: $25.55

Harry Potter box set: $50.85

Wacom Tablet: 89.00

Frozen!: 19.96

Total: 197.52

Sorry for hijacking your comment but I just wanted to link the Amazon page directly:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FPF9H2/

Smile Link (Preferred, small percentage goes to a charity of your choice): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002FPF9H2/

The website linked in the top level comment basically just links to it and adds an affiliate tag which gives them a small percentage of every purchase made after clicking it (it only stops if you clear your cookies or click another affiliate link).

The links in my comment here are cleaned of any affiliate tags.

Something like this would be cool. They could put it on their desk and zone out when clients are being annoying.
http://www.amazon.com/1-X-Asteroid-Perpetual-Motion/dp/B00AJSWLO6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449264105&sr=8-4&keywords=magnetic+desk+toys

You can buy a dead pig on Amazon

if this is what you're referring to : https://www.amazon.ca/Uncle-Milton-042499000154-Ant-Farm/dp/B0000632R8

then that's extremely basic dumbed down short lived low quality and cruel antkeeping.

antkeeping is catching a queen and setting her up in a test tube, having her lay her first eggs, moving them into an actual nest and growing the colony by feeding and tending to them.

What games are you having trouble with?

Unlike most modern consoles, the N64 doesn't have an internal battery or internal save data. There are three different saving systems for N64 games:

1. Some games have a small battery in them that powers a chip that stores your save games. If the battery dies you lose your saved games.
   
   
2. Some games have an internal chip that saves your games without the need for a battery. These work like tiny flash drives and you only lose your saved games if data becomes corrupted or the chip fails.
   
   
3. Some games don't have internal save chips and instead require you to insert a controller pak into your controller. This is basically a memory card and it works exactly like the memory cards for the Playstation.
   
   If your battery has died in one of your games, you can replace it with a new one fairly easily using a soldering iron. If you don't have any experience soldering, I recommend you practice soldering and desoldering on simpler things like hobbyist kits before working on your game. You might also have a friend who knows how to use a soldering iron and is willing to help you out.
   
   If an internal chip has failed in your game, these can also be replaced but it's somewhat harder and you'd probably be better off buying a new copy of your game.
   
   If you just need a controller pak they're pretty inexpensive and buying one will solve your problem.

Magic Rocks

So you still see your friend? Christmas is coming: Nasco Fetal Pig - Size: 10"-13"; Injection: Single Lab Specimen - LS03788 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MYH3HS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_h3s0BbWXHS6FY

You're right. I missed it over there. It's twice as expensive at Tree Town Toys though.

• Amazon = $52.19 with free shipping
  
  
• Tree Town Toys = $94.99 + $9.46 Shipping = $104.46
  
  The top of the line SC-750 which has more stuff than this one costs $86 at Amazon.

I think I found them!!!
http://www.amazon.com/University-Games-19862-Solar-System/dp/B000066HSN

Here is another one.

Uno project smart robot car Code: ILOVEUFV
DIY Spider Robot Code: US2XVSLG

>Best thing by mom (PhD in Aero Engineering) ever did for me was buy me a cheap microscope.

What's a good age for that? 8-12?

To add to this idea, one thing I've planned on buying for my niece/nephew in the future (they're 3 & 4 atm) is this Circuitry kit

Anything similarly inspiring for younger ages?

I would work to rectify that at your new place of residence. You can always buy a wireless webcam, hide it well, and hook it up to your computer so you can see who is out there. http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Micro-Spy-Camera-Complete-Package/dp/B000JCN6SW

There might be better ones than that, was just the first google result.

Might be a little advanced for her age but I always was fascinated by stirling engines. You can get some pretty cheap ones online and they're a lot of fun.

Here's a link to a low temperature differential (LTD) model on amazon:

Sunnytech® Low Temperature Stirling Engine Motor Steam Heat Education Model Toy Kits Lt001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008JOKO1O/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_XD72tb14B1E07CYM

These ones will run on something hot like a cup of coffee.

Enjoy!

Make: Electronics is a very good book. You can buy a series of kits to complete the projects in the book. There is also a sequel (Make: More Electronics) and a series of encycliopedias from Make about electronic components.

There are plenty of tutorials out there. Use CR2032 for longer run times. Honestly though these are aimed at young kids, all you can really do is make the LED turn on, it's not very exciting after the first few minutes.

Have a look at Velleman kits. The MK150 Shaking Dice or MK112 Brain Game MiniKit would give him something to do and you can both use them once finished.

If he's interested in learning basic electronics you could go for a kit like this or this They normally start out with a basic LED and battery and end up with tone generators and flashy lights. If you buy a extra breadboard you can both make projects at the same time.

You could also get an Arduino starter kit. They are really cool, the projects also start at flashing led but end up with much more interesting and complicated projects like ultrasonic distance measurement, moving parts and robots. Just be aware it's not as social and you'll lose him into the computer and programming for hours at a time.

I have a few on my list that I plan to purchase sooner or later. I studied the info and reviews. They are good for ages 4-7.

Science Kit

Crystal Mining Kit

Super Magnet Kit

Primary Science Mix & Measure

The "book" Electronics Learning Lab is great. It's two books that go through most fundamental aspects of electronic circuit design, combined with a prototype board and pile of components you use to build and test the circuits described. It's discontinued, but you can likely find one at your local radio shack. Or pay a premium on Amazon or someplace similar.

https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Learning-Lab/dp/B00A7AT41E

If you're interested you may like to build your own working model engine. This really helped me appreciate how engines work, and it's fun.

+1
http://www.amazon.com/Sunnytech-Temperature-Stirling-Engine-Education/dp/B008JOKO1O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1449696720&sr=8-3&keywords=stirling+engine

No, this is

Edit: bad link

What about this?

Hey dude, I had never soldered before I soldered together my infinity 60% from massdrop. I just bought this soldering iron and bought this learn to solder thing and all I did was just solder in all the pieces, unsolder a few of them to get the hang of that in case I messed up on my board, and that was it. I built my keyboard and it's amazing.

Did you use these by chance to do the Patina?

More Info：DIY Spider Robot Building Kits

Who wouldn't one one of these as a pet?

this and this addon 'IF I FITS I SITS' cat box

Well, you can test it on your dead piglet, if you want to!

These? https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Mathlink-Cubes-Set/dp/B000URL296

I would recommend some kind of rock/mineral mining kit. They are a lot of fun for kids because they excavate and "discover" the rocks/minerals themselves.

Here are some examples I found on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/4M-3564-Crystal-Mining-Kit/dp/B000HGJJGI

http://www.amazon.com/GeoCentral-Rock-Crystal-Excavation-Dig/dp/B00BGYR0LG

http://www.amazon.com/Smithsonian-Rock-and-Gem-Dig/dp/B00200JX3I

Model Stirling or Steam engines that come as a kit!
I've been eyeing this one for awhile:
http://www.amazon.com/Sunnytech%C2%AE-Temperature-Stirling-Engine-Education/dp/B008JOKO1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418062255&sr=8-1&keywords=stirling+engine

I got this one for my daughter for her birthday. It has some really cool projects. She LOVED it. It's not half bad for a Chemistry kit. It is beginner level, and obviously geared to children. Doesn't mean you won't have fun, though! And, bonus, you get to make your own magic wand!

Science Gifts

• Glow in the Dark Space Puzzle
  
• Glow n’ Grow Terrarium
  
• Crystal Growing Lab
  
• Meteorite Dig Kit
  
• Grow a Hedgehog Kit
  
• Magnet Science Kit
  
• Volcano Making Kit
  
• Tin Can Robot
  
• Solar System Model Kit
  
• Glow in the Dark Slime Kit
  
• Crystal Mining Kit
  
• Magic Science Kit
  
  
  Shopkins
  
  
• Brush Buddies Toothbrush
  
• Fashion Spree Makeup Spot
  
• Season 3 2-pack Basket
  
• Season 3 Bundle
  
• Season 3 Basket Bundle
  
• Pop n’ Race Game
  
• Season 3 12-pack
  
• Poster Book
  
• Sticker Activity Book
  
  Dress Up
  
  
• Doctor’s Kit
  
• Disney Princess 300+ piece Jewelry Kit
  
• Doc McStuffin’s Dress Up Kit
  
• Disney’s Frozen, Anna’s Coronation Gown
  
• Disney’s Frozen, Elsa’s Snow Queen Gown
  
• 3 Pair Dress Up Shoes
  
• Tool Belt Pretend Play
  
• Kids Construction Vest
  
• Dress Up Tiaras
  
• Snow White Dress
  
• Cinderella Dress
  
• Sofia the First Dress
  
• King Costume
  
• 12 Animal Masks
  
• Sheriff Callie Dress Up Set

To make your life easier, here is the kit.

It did sound cool! It wasn't something that she had seen before, though, more like something she had read about and imagined. She has the Wizardology book and wanted to practice some potions. I did find this kit on amazon but honestly, it seems like it might be a little underwhelming.

I put together a few pieces to make her a potion set, but never really got around to finishing it. Using jars like this or this, you could fill them with different substances, give them mystical names, and then create a small book of potions and spells. Add in some science by utilizing real chemical reactions like baking soda and vingear, red cabbage mixed with an acid or base, invisible ink, making rubbery chicken bones. You can find a lot of fun ideas online.

I would take a look at Make: Electronics 2nd Ed by Charles Platt (/r/MakeElectronics/) has been one of the best books for beginners in electronics in recent years and they make a electronics component pack that has all of the parts ready to go for the experiments. It starts out with the very basics, and It seems like the first chapter would be mostly review for you, but it is a hands on learning style that teaches practical electronics for beginners and progresses on to coding microcontrollers using a Arduino Uno.


f e Amazon #1 best selling beginner electronics book, which I can vouch for if your looking to start out at the very beginning with the basics and work your way up to microcontrollers and automation using Arduinos

I'm trying to start gathering things for Christmas for my fiancé and son. Recently for my sons birthday we got him the Milton Moon in my room and he loves it. I think this 3-D solar system would be a big hit. It's prime, but also a little pricy at 16 bucks. But what the hell, go big or get the fuck out.

It's Magic Rocks
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000H6HBEK?pc_redir=1397905139&robot_redir=1

I used to put nails in boards when I was five and tie little trinkets in between them to make little circuits. I even tried plugging some into the wall.
when I was eight my grandpa bought me this www.radioshack.com/products/elenco-electronic-playground-130 I made a lot of the circuits too without really understanding much. when I was nine I tried making a dynamo for a science fair that didn't work because I didn't know the schematic symbol was just a symbol. my coil was literally a giant bent up piece of wire shaped like the schematic. I even got it to spin between a giant horse shoe magnet that my mom went through hell trying to find for me. it never worked.. My mom and dad had no idea how to help me so it was pretty frustrating. If I saw that contraption NOW I would say damn kid that's a nice model there! even though it was made of boards glue nails and wire , the concept was easy to see for the average person I think. It would have easily surpassed anything else the other kids made but I never took it to the science fair.
what I'm trying to say is he's just not old enough to really "get it" yet. thankfully he'll have some guidance from you. I used to rip apart nearly every piece of electronics we had and it really pissed off my parents. I shocked myself numerous times. even from an old TV once. that was fucking painful and my arm hurt for like a week.
when I was 15 I actually was able to take a electronics class and learn a few simple things from the teacher but the kids were distracting and I liked fucking around too so I would build me and my friends circuits real quick and then we would skip out or just melt solder.
I'm 34 now and starting to get back into it after I found some stuff in the attic. I've been looking around for breadboard and kits. your kid Might like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002AHQWS/

when I was a kid my grandpa also bought me an erector set and an advanced student level chemistry set. He was the only one who seemed see my potential and would get me those things. My parents would just get mad if I set anything on fire. My parents were idiots...

side thought: I need to make my own customized bread board and was thinking of using something like the spring pegs in that radio shack kit. any ideas on what those things are called?

omfg candroth - can we have pics of it if you get it? I love empty houses! I used to go around to new construction homes and roll I. The empty rooms, I got a lot of looks.



Speaking of houses, this would be really awesome for my desk!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AJSWLO6/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_O89htb04596V7

for kids：https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076JB623G
for adults：please search the same store for smart robot car

Radio shack used to have one called electronics learning lab
If you can find a radio shack you might be able to get one
Although, radio shack had also changed drastfically since I used to go there
Long story short , if you can find one of these :
https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Learning-Lab/dp/B00A7AT41E
It's a great kit.

Aw, I hope you feel better

Have your very own pet tornado or tin can robot

Turn that frown Upsidedown

you can order and raise your own here.
Ive done it before and it is really cool.

It is slightly over $5 but you could get her a pet tornado I hope she has a wonderful school year. Surprise me :) college bound

Here ya go.

I got mine at A.C. Moore, a craft store along the east coast.

I concur with the /u/sandy_catheter. shield the electronics in lead, or other dense material, have some kind of antenna passthrough to get to the outside of the case. my evidence, robots used for cleanup at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear powerplant

Only EM radiation should effect EM signals(radio), I hope you aren't planning on kilometers of range, due to the limits of line of sight, frequencies above 30mhz do not travel over the horizon easily. Gamma may effect the electronics and digital onboard storage, so I recommend analogue whenever possible(especially with when dealing with nuclear material, it should take longer to degrade), or to store the telemetry, videos, and data remotely, not onboard.

If you are not dealing with highly emissive nuclear radiation, here are my recommendations for the project:
* Ardunio temp/humidity/co2
* Ardunio 433mhz telemetry/data transmitter and reciever
*2.4 ghz wireless camera and reciever

with good antennas, you could cover a mile, possibly more with this hardware above. Raspberry Pi is not even needed, unless you want to control the "rover" via WiFi on a computer. this may limit your range, due to most wifi hardware only transmitting at weaker ~30-50mw. which is even further limited indoors. I would go with a remote well suited for range, like those of RC aircraft.

Looks like you can grab some chunks or shards (nothing as humongous as gif) that still create the effect.

Because it is animal cruelty. Again, put yourself in their situation or imagine any other animal in their situation. If you would like a tank filled to the brim with animals, I would like to recommend you this:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0000632R8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7shSBb341T4R8

Have you ever thought about trying to face your fears? Like maybe getting an ant farm that you basically have complete control over? Then you can control them. And they won’t control you.

https://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Milton-042499000154-Ant-Farm/dp/B0000632R8


Or have you ever tried eating them? Like the chocolate covered variety?

With RadioShack struggling, these things are getting harder and harder to come by. In my opinion, the best way to learn circuits is hands-on. The books are very well written, and get into circuit operation without dragging you down with the math that's behind it all. Totally worth $100.
https://www.amazon.com/Electronics-Learning-Lab/dp/B00A7AT41E

Reminds me of magic rocks from my childhood.

https://www.amazon.com/NSI-2928-Magic-Rocks-Shark/dp/B000H6HBEK

Herder than I expected but not too bad. The little bastards are just so small. I didn't have as much free time as I wanted, So I was only able to get the 3 light kit I bought (https://www.amazon.com/Learn-to-Solder-Kit-Blink/dp/B017S00DJ2) completely soldered (it worked!!!) And the track for a pro controller on one sweet 16 macropad. So far so good

> Link to buy a smaller piece,

https://www.amazon.com/Copernicus-CCTV-TV-Rock-Ulexite/dp/B002FPF9H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541287359&sr=8-1&keywords=ulexite

Here also and Prime.

We don't like shortened URLs, because they could lead to a different product or site. Please post the original URL the next time:

Link

Here is the fixed link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9CV1H9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=sugarmanparts-20&linkId=2c4a7b3123a4074c83c8782b2ba54adb&language=en_US

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9CV1H9

I have one of these, it was fun to build.
It has a motor to show all the parts working in conjunction with each other.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Haynes-4-Cylinder-Combustion-Engine/dp/B000YX7OXO/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1417720879&sr=8-11&keywords=hobby+engine

Another gift for my two little cousins would be awesome. Here is a link to an item they'd love: http://www.amazon.com/POOF-Slinky-Scientific-Explorer-Science-Activities/dp/B000NQMAFO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418961487&sr=8-2&keywords=science+kit

I was able to obtain a gift for them through the ebaygives, but a second gift for them would be awesome. They don't have any grandparents to spoil them as they have all passed away, so anything extra for them would be awesome. The oldest is 13 and the youngest is around 7, and unfortunately he doesn't even have any memories of his grandparents as the last of them passed away while he was just months old.

Thank yall so much for doing what you do, and giving those less fortunate than others an opportunity to enjoy Christmas. The generosity of people in these Christmas subs is awesome!

You can get them this kit

Dedicated PC for a wired or wireless camera. You many not need to dedicate a computer to it, but it might not be a bad idea. IIRC, there are programs out there that you can use to build your own video security system that can do timelapse video. You can hook a wired camera to a video capture card or, in the case of something like this, you can hook the receiver for a wireless camera to the capture card. In that example, the wireless camera is transmitting analog video on 2.4GHz but not via wifi. The problem is that they usually have interference issues due to the proliferation of devices on that band.

Wifi/IP/whatever you want to call them cameras (like the Dropcam, for instance) would require a connection to an access point. I suggested the wired camera or non-wifi wireless camera as there seem to be more options out there as far as concealable cameras are concerned.

For breadboarding and a good intro I suggest Radio Shack's Electronics Learning Lab. Strangely, it's on Amazon now. If you work through the examples and the included books, you will have some good hands-on knowledge.

Math Link Cubes.

$13 for 100 pieces with 6 different sides and 10 different colors. I use them to model a war game I'm working on. Units are all the same color, with their shape representing hit points, or equipment or whatever I need. I got them at a teacher's supply store.

1. [ An actual pig fetus] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MYH3HS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B075MYH3HS&pd_rd_wg=lEbIj&pd_rd_r=M51TSDG8J4GWBZBR2NKQ&pd_rd_w=VWXw1)
   
   
2. [ An edible Tarantula] ( https://www.amazon.com/Newport-Jerky-Company-Dehydrated-Tarantula/dp/B01APQ58XC/ref=sr_1_11_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522251747&sr=8-11&keywords=weird)
   
   
3. [ This amazing wall mural!] (https://www.amazon.com/Senior-Asthma-Wallmonkeys-Graphic-WM335116/dp/B0150BAHNI/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1522251832&sr=8-25&keywords=weird)
   
   all super weird!
   
   [ I have this vinyl on my list! So excited for it to come out!] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMDLB9F/?coliid=IGXIYKRJ67EHF&colid=27Z1AU3E4B3XJ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-to-Solder-Kit-Blink/dp/B017S00DJ2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482440887&sr=8-2&keywords=learn+to+solder

Gets my vote

I got one of these from my dad's mom and one of these from my mom's mom for my 7th birthday... My parents took away the second one though.

https://smile.amazon.com/Sunnytech-Temperature-Stirling-Engine-Education/dp/B008JOKO1O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527285513&sr=8-3&keywords=mini+stirling+engine

AOE remember Magic Rocks?!

There is a pet store near here (Hoffer's in the Milwaukee area) that sells them in the spring. But we started off getting them from things like these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GYWXM8/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Sorry forget the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076JB623G

Anyone remember those cubes that connected together in Maths lessons (see below)? I've thought about buying some of them and gluing them in to platforms and different heights; they'd not be as pretty or elegant as the clear ones but would be much cheaper?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000URL296/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/262-0703794-2394327?ie=UTF8&qid=1491260686&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=maths+cubes&dpPl=1&dpID=41MsLHBWTdL&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GYWXM8/ref=mw_dp_sim_ps3?pi=SL500_SX125

Got that for my birthday a few years ago. So cool. You order the egg sac by mail and it spawns about 100 TINY mantises. Keep 1 or 2, let the rest go. Catch bugs to feed them, or go to a pet store and get something there. We fed ours houseflies. It's actually really neat to watch them hunt, until the eating part. Always the head first..

My roommate at the time still raises them, he just catches wild ones now. I believe you can order species-specific egg sacs online, there are some beauties!

I think this to clean the keyboard, or one of this funny things for the desk. Most of my nail list is under $5.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002FPF9H2/

You'd be better off with a low powered 2.4Ghz video transmitter - like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Micro-Spy-Camera-Complete-Package/dp/B000JCN6SW