12/11/2015

6 perfect gifts for science geeks in 2015

8:10:00 AM  ,  No comments

Science Gifts 
 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.
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.
Telescope

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.
Microscope

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.
Science Kit

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.
Robot

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.
Weather Station

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

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.
 

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