If you have a young scientist on your hands, the age of 8 is a great time to introduce them to the world of science through hands-on experimentation (1). Fortunately, there are a plethora of science kits available that can feed their curiosity and keep them engaged in learning. With kits that span different fields like chemistry, biology, physics, and astronomy, children can explore a diverse range of scientific concepts.
These kits are perfect for both classroom and home use and provide a fun way for children to conduct experiments and learn at the same time. It’s never too early to start laying the foundation for your child’s future success, and incorporating science kits into their playtime is a great way to do so (2).
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, and science kits for kids are becoming more popular. The best science kits for 8-year-olds offer engaging and educational activities that will help your child develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. So, get ready to ignite your child’s curiosity with our selection of the best science kits for 8-year-olds!
Our Top Picks
- Best Chemistry Set: Thames and Kosmos Kids First Chemistry Set Science Kit
- Best Dinosaur Set: Ivy Step Dinosaur Fossil Dig Kit
- Most Unique Experiments: Scientific Explorer My First Mind
- Best Circuit Electronic Set: Snap Circuits Electronics Exploration Kit
- Best Hands-On Experiments: Playz Kaboom! Explosive Science Kit
- Best For Reluctant Scientists: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Lab
- Best For Ant Lovers: Uncle Milton Ant Farm Antopia Rainforest Ant Habitat
- Best Virtual Reality Science Kit: Abacus Brands Bill Nye’s VR Science Kit
- Best Slime Science Kit: ESSENSON Slime Kit
- Best For Mystery Lovers: Scientific Explorer Scientific Explorer Crime Catchers Science Kit
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Science Kits For 8-Year-Olds Picks
1. Thames and Kosmos Kids First Chemistry Set Science Kit – Best Chemistry Set
- Has good instructions
- Provided some chemistry-like utensils and tools
- The appropriate difficulty of 8-year-old
- Number of apparatuses adequate
- Adult supervision is required
This first chemistry kit designed just for young children will set off a chain reaction of entertaining experiments that will keep your little ones captivated. With this kit, your 8-year-old can safely explore basic chemistry using both the equipment in the kit and everyday kitchen and bathroom supplies. Your child will learn to use common chemical tools like filters, test tubes, pipettes, measuring spoons, and beakers.
The chromatography activities will enable your child to analyze the makeup of inks and dyes as they watch colors mysteriously separate on a filter paper disk. They’ll also have a chance to examine the characteristics of oils, soaps, and water.
This kit also includes a 48-page full-color guidebook that explains how to properly carry out each of the 27 experiments for curious young scientists.
2. Ivy Step Dinosaur Fossil Dig Kit – Best Dinosaur Set
- Storage plus play mat and cave to hold many dinosaurs
- Open-ended play
- Made very sturdy
- The items are a nice size
- The binoculars don’t work as well as an adult pair would
This kit is designed to simulate the work of professional paleontologists and will keep your 8-year-old engaged for hours on end. The kit includes 12 realistic dinosaur eggs, chisel tools, Dino activity cards, a coloring book, a flashlight, and a magnifying glass.
By using the accompanying Educational learning cards, children can dig for and uncover the buried dino fossil eggs, putting their problem-solving skills to the test. Not only is this a fun activity, but it also helps develop spatial connections, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills.
3. Scientific Explorer My First Mind – Most Unique Experiments
- The experiments are laid out for you in an instruction booklet
- Colorful box & presentation
- There isn’t anything in the heat that will burn down the house
- Good price
- Many experiments take a day or so to prep
With this amazing kit, your 8-year-old can become a true scientist and conduct experiments that are both fascinating and educational. Watch as they create vibrant, jiggly crystals or ignite a color-changing volcano right before your eyes!
This science kit has been expertly designed to teach young scientists about the fundamental concepts of science in a fun and engaging way. Your child will learn about the differences between acids and bases, and how to use pipettes and test tubes like a true scientist.
4. Snap Circuits Electronics Exploration Kit – Best Circuit Electronic Set
- Great for beginners
- The perfect introduction to electricity
- Great instructions provided
- Ideal for kids who like to build things
- The red/yellow LED is a bit flimsy
Your child can easily snap together the kid-friendly parts to create real working circuits. Use the supplied instruction book to create fun projects and toys, with circuits that feature additional childproofing features for your peace of mind.
With over 21 different projects included, your 8-year-old will spend hours conducting fascinating experiments and learning more than just the basics of how switches and circuits work. They will also develop important problem-solving, troubleshooting, and planning skills.
This kit also includes a color-changing LED fan and a brightly colored handbook with age-appropriate language and diagrams, making it easy for your child to understand and follow along.
5. Playz Kaboom! Explosive Science Kit – Best Hands-On Experiments
- Fun bonding for parent and child
- Age-appropriate for 8-year-old
- This is good for learning to follow directions
- Great learning experience
- Needs a lot of materials that are not included
With over 25 different experiments, 8-year-olds can create their own balloon rockets, make color explosions, and even blow up bags. And don’t worry if they’re not a science whiz themselves- the kit comes with a full-color lab guide filled with fun facts, illustrations, and easy-to-follow instructions. These exciting experiments will teach kids about the wonders of chemistry in a safe and entertaining way, inspiring them to explore the world of scientific discovery.
6. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Lab – Best For Reluctant Scientists
- Really fun kit full of great experiments
- Challenging and instructional, while being fun at the same time
- Fun to do with parents and kid
- The booklet has very clear instructions and short facts to learn about the application in real life
- Beware of the mess some of these items can make
With 15 spine-tingling experiments included in the set, plus an additional 30 experiments that can be done with everyday items, kids will learn about polymers, non-Newtonian fluids, fluorescence, chemical reactions, and the weird and wonderful things our bodies can do.
With this set, kids can dissect a squishy brain, boil boogers, create atomic pee and farting slime, make sticky glowing worms and fungi, observe goo-defying gravity, build a bubble goop swamp, and so much more!
This STEM set allows kids to experience the scientific method firsthand, just like a real scientist would. The experiment guide includes easy-to-follow instructions and information on the science behind each experiment, so your 8-year-old can learn and have fun at the same time!
7. Uncle Milton Ant Farm Antopia Rainforest Ant Habitat – Best For Ant Lovers
- Ants can not get out unless someone leaves the door open
- A very cool educational activity that is loads of fun
- Easy to setup
- Fun for all ages
- Comes with everything you need except the ants, you have to order them separately
This amazing habitat lets your 8-year-old witness ants in action as they build bridges, dig tunnels, and move mountains right before your eyes!
The design features a stunning 3D lenticular view of the ‘Ant’opia Rainforest, bringing the ants’ world to life like never before. And with a self-locking mechanism, you can rest assured that the ants won’t escape while still allowing your child easy access to feed and hydrate them.
The Ant Farm comes with everything your child needs to get started, including four connected antports and tubes for expanding your ant population, two bags of tunneling sand, and a tunnel beginning tool. Plus, the Ant Watcher’s Guide provides valuable information on how to care for your ants and even includes a code for purchasing free ants online.
8. Abacus Brands Bill Nye’s VR Science Kit – Best Virtual Reality Science Kit
- The VR glasses are great and well made
- Experiments are pretty simple and safe
- The headset has adjustable eyepieces
- Fun to play with
- There are some experiments that require buying some items
This one-of-a-kind educational toy is designed to teach 8-year-olds about essential scientific principles, from physics to chemistry, and encourage a solid understanding of fundamental scientific concepts. With amazing augmented reality technology, images on the page come to life as videos, providing an immersive learning experience like no other.
With the included hands-free goggles, young scientists can explore and conduct experiments in a fully immersive and engaging way. The goggles have been tested to fit all types of smartphones, including “max” and plus-sized phones, so everyone can join in on the fun. The 50-piece kit comes complete with everything needed to conduct experiments, including paintbrushes, measuring cups, baking soda, and beakers.
9. ESSENSON Slime Kit – Best Slime Science Kit
- Has an astounding quantity of glitter variants
- Slime itself is nonsticky and easy clean up
- Nice kit for the price
- Lots of cute little add-ins
- Small package but packed with contents
This kit includes everything you need to make personalized slime with your child, regardless of their age. Watch as they get creative and develop their motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
The kit comes complete with all the components and containers needed to complete the project, including coloring pages, glitter, sequins, buttons, beads, and the materials to make as much oozy slime as you want. And don’t worry about getting lost in the process because it also comes with a helpful instruction manual.
10. Scientific Explorer Scientific Explorer Crime Catchers Science Kit – Best For Mystery Lovers
- A fun activity for kids to solve a mystery using forensic
- The kit covers chromatography, observation, DNA extraction, and some basic chemistry
- Hours of fun
- Instructions are very clear
- The only thing this kit was lacking was enough citric acid. You need a total of 4 tsp. according to the directions and only 2 tsp. were included in the little packet
This Scientific Explorer Crime Catchers Spy Science Kit provides your child with all the tools you need to become a crime scene investigator. With this kit, your child can compare fingerprints, analyze powders and liquids, and decipher hidden messages.
The instruction manual includes 8 different exercises to complete, allowing you to learn amazing science about how real crime laboratories operate. Your 8-year-old will be able to use several senses to compare facts, ask questions, and make observations, all while solving two intriguing mysteries.
How To Choose A Science Kit For 8-Year-Olds?
- Interest: Science kits can cover a wide range of topics, from astronomy to chemistry to biology. If your child is interested in a particular topic, try to find a kit that focuses on that subject.
- Level: Make sure to choose a kit that is appropriate for your child’s age and understanding. Some science kits are designed for younger children and are relatively simple, while others are more complex and geared toward older kids. An 8-year-old might not be ready for a kit that is too advanced.
- Learning Style: Some children learn best by doing experiments, while others learn best by reading about the experiments. Choose a kit that will fit your child’s learning style.
- Budget: Science kits can vary widely in price. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good quality kit, but don’t go too cheap either.
- DIY: You could also visit PBS’ DIY Science Time for some great ideas for your kid.
What Should Be In A Science Kit For 8-Year-Olds?
There are many different types of science kits for 8-year-olds. Some kits may focus on a specific area of science, while others may be more general. The following is a list of some of the things that may be included in a science kit for 8-year-olds:
- Experiments: Science kits for 8-year-olds should include a variety of experiments. These experiments should be safe for children to do and should be designed to teach them about a specific scientific concept.
- Instructions: The experiments in the science kit should come with detailed instructions. The instructions should be easy to follow and should explain the scientific concepts behind the experiment.
- Materials: Science kits for 8-year-olds should come with all of the materials needed to complete the experiments. These materials should be safe for children to use and should be of good quality.
- Safety Gear: Some science kits for 8-year-olds may include safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses. This safety gear is necessary to protect children from the potential hazards of the experiments.
