***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
As a homeschooling family, we put a lot of emphasis on incorporating learning into every day activities. The kids can help learn math by helping in the kitchen, we learn about nature by visiting our local parks, and of course, we also incorporate learning into playtime. It's my belief that kids learn best when they're having fun, after all.
This summer, we're adding some science to the mix with Mindware. Mindware is a great company that offers brainy toys for kids of all ages. They have building sets, tools for classrooms and educators, active toys, and even toys for kiddos with special needs. (Seriously, there are SO many different categories at Mindware!) No matter what you're looking for, Mindware's products all have an emphasis on making learning fun and enjoyable.
We recently received a couple of Mindware's awesome Science Academy kits to check out for ourselves. We received the Science Academy Slime Lab and the Science Academy Lip Balm Lab, but there are several other choices for budding scientists in this fun line-up. You can check out all of the Science Academy Lab Kits on their website.
First, we decided to create some slimy, gooey worms using the Slime Lab. This kit is really neat, and comes with everything you need to make some great, slimy concoctions.
Get ready for ooey, gooey, slime-splatting polymer science with the Science Academy's Slime Lab! Slimy stuff is EVERYWHERE! Our bodies make slime, animals make slime, even plants are great at creating gooey ooze. This entertaining kit makes it fun, easy and safe to make a variety of slimes and learn about the chemistry that occurs behind the scenes. You will grow gruesome rat gizzards, generate creepy floating eyeballs, extrude tadpoles and leeches and even explore special effects like in the movies!
This hands-on kit includes: lab station, alginate, calcium chloride, face mask, goggles, beakers, stirring sticks, specimen tubes—plus much more! The full-color experiment booklet includes easy-to-follow step-by step instructions. The science of goo is waiting for you!
• Strengthens fine-motor skills and promotes an interest in chemistry
• Investigate polymerization and properties of semi solids ranging from slimes to gels
• 23 pieces total
• Adult supervision is suggestedAge Recommendation: Ages 8 and up
Since Sophie and Xander are a little under the age of 8, we supervised their activities very, very closely. We even made them use the gloves and safety goggles while making their slimy creations. We appreciate Mindware's inclusion of safety gear in this kit, since being safe is always our top priority as parents.
The kids had a blast making slimy eyeballs, worms, and tadpoles. They thought it was amazing to mix a few things together and all of the sudden, slime appeared! All of the beakers, coloring, and mixing tools were also included in the kit, so we didn't have to run inside to grab anything, Simply open the kit, read the easy instructions, and start experimenting!
Check out Xander, marveling over the slimy worm he created all by himself! The funniest part? He wanted to find a birdie to feed it to, or to try and use it to catch fish. We had to explain that it's not a real worm, so it wouldn't be very effective. He still loved playing with it and trying to scare his big sister. Isn't that what little brothers are for, after all?
After Sophie got sick and tired of being chased with slimy worms, it was time to do something a little more girly. We broke out the Science Academy Lip Balm Lab to make our very own custom lip balms!
Discover the sweet and shimmery science behind lip balm! Lip Balm keeps your lips smooth, shiny and protected but did you ever wonder how it's made and what makes it work?
With the Science Academy's Lip Balm Lab you will blend your own signature balms, experiment with fruity flavorings, learn about common ingredients and even test SPF solar lip balm! Contents include: lab station, baby oil, berry wax beads, fine shimmer, fruity flavors, sun block, compact, spoons, beakers and much more! The detailed guide booklet includes step-by-step instructions, storage advice, product testing and ingredient info.
Once you've created your delightful formulations, use the evaluation data sheet to form focus groups with friends and family and rank the popularity of each! Think like a real scientist while creating a luxurious custom item you can use over and over.
• Promotes an interest in chemistry and helps develop critical thinking skills
• Hands-on science kit that is fun, safe and non-toxic
• Custom lip balm recipes include: basic, SPF solar, luxury and shimmer
• 20 pieces in allAge Recommendation: Ages 8 and up
Once again, everything you need to create your own lip balm is included in this handy kit. There are lots of great options, and exact recipes are included in the easy to follow instructions.
Of course since this is a kids' product, everything is non-toxic and safe to use. We still opted to closely supervise the kids, but it's nice to know that Mindware is committed to only creating products that are safe for kids to handle.
We had a blast trying different lip balm recipes. They are highly customizable, and you can play around with the various ingredients until you've created the perfect lip balm. There are different colors, flavors, shimmer, and even SPF protection that can be added. When you're done creating each kind, they fit neatly into this handy little tray. There's even a brush included for application!
Check out Sophie below with her very own, personalized lip balms that she created herself! Doesn't she look thrilled?
Overall, we're loving our Mindware experience. The kids are adding science to their summer, and they're having an absolute blast doing it! We fully intend to check out some of the other Science Academy kits that Mindware has to offer. Maybe the Perfume Lab and Eco Forensics Lab should be next!
Which Science Academy Lab would YOUR kids love this summer?
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I'm Brandy, a happily married, proud mama of two munchkins and a teen. You can read more about me HERE. If you're interested in building a working relationship, please feel free to e-mail me at: NewlyCrunchyMamaOf3@gmail.com
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