Okay,
so what should you buy? To streamline the process, we picked out six
gifts that focus on very different scientific endeavors. From genetics
to astronomy, there’s something here to fit just about any age range or
budget.
Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker telescope
If
your loved one has a burgeoning interest in astronomy, this telescope
is a superb investment. It benefits from a tool-free assembly, a 3X Barlow lens, smooth movement controls, and an included tripod. And as a nice bonus, it also comes with a copy of The Sky
— planetarium software aimed at offering information on thousands of
celestial bodies visible in the night sky. Tip: We recommend ignoring
any inflated magnification claims and staying within a reasonable
range under 150x for the sharpest images.
AmScope M30-ABS-KT2-W beginner microscope kit
On
the other end of the spectrum, microscopes can help us learn more about
what’s happening here on earth. This starter kit from AmScope comes
with an LED-lit microscope (with three levels of magnification),
numerous slides, manipulation instruments (tweezers, slicers, et
cetera), and a brine shrimp hatchery. For less than 50 bucks, this kit
will effectively convey just how impressive the world is at the
microscopic level.
Scientific Explorer: My First Mind Blowing Science kit
Ready
to introduce your kids to the joys of science? This affordable little
kit from Scientific Explorer offers up 11 different science experiments
designed to demonstrate scientific principles in entertaining ways. If
you’re hoping to instill a life-long love of science, this is a great
place to start.
OWI 14-in-1 solar robot
If
your kids are more interested in the engineering side of things, take a
look at this awesome robotics kit from OWI. For under 25 bucks, you’ll
get enough parts to transform this miniature robot into any of fourteen
different configurations. Better yet, everything is solar powered, so
it’s a perfect opportunity to teach the fundamentals of energy.
AcuRite 02027 weather station
While
the weather isn’t quite as exciting as stargazing or building robots,
it’s a topic that’s well worth understanding. This weather station from
AcuRite delivers detailed information regarding the current temperature,
humidity, and barometric pressure of your exact location. Even better,
it offers up 12-to-24 hour forecasts using the data collected right
outside your home.
23andMe’s DNA analysis
This
final one is a little off the beaten path, but hear us out: Interested
in exploring the genetics of your friends and family? Grab a DNA kit
from 23andMe. Not only can you find distant cousins through the DNA
Relatives service, but you can also find out what parts of the world
your ancestors lived in. And since 23andMe is now FDA approved, it can even warn you if you’re a carrier of one or more known genetic diseases.
Earlier
this year, 23andMe helped me find a second cousin who I never knew
existed. He was adopted as an infant, and he never knew his biological
family. Thanks to 23andMe and a little detective work, we were able to
assemble his family tree in just a couple of weeks. While it’s certainly
on the pricey side, it’s an incredible service.
12/11/2015
6 perfect gifts for science geeks in 2015
The holiday shopping season
has begun, and now’s the time to decide exactly what kind of gifts
you’re going to buy for your loved ones. Smartphones and game consoles
are certainly crowd pleasers, but it’s worth remembering that this is a
great opportunity to foster a love of science — especially in children.
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