Thames & Kosmos Chemistry Chem C500 Science Kit with 28 Guided Experiments 48 Page Science Guide Parents’ Choice Silver Award Winner, 13.1" L x 2.6" W x 8.9" H

I didn't really expect anything more than what I got. Some of the items were loose inside the box, but everything was there, intact. Very benign food grade "chemicals"; completely safe. One thing you should note; buy extra of everything you get, because you only get maybe enough for the experiments, and kids love doing more of these. I don't know, because I haven't done any of them. For instance, for the sodium bicarbonate is just baking soda, and the tartaric acid can be found here on Amazon. Also, you'll need to buy items that are not included, like a 9-volt batter, distilled water, and yellow paper to name a few (listed after the parts checklist in the instruction manual. Overall, a great set for absolute beginners just dipping their toes.

Wow! Great stimulating kit for kids interested in experimenting but do NOT let them take it to their rooms. In the Christmas frenzy my 10 y/o son made off with it & began conducting independent experiments in his private lab (aka bathroom he's supposed to share with his sister). Come to find out there are actual chemicals & glass beakers (see my DustBuster review). Once I had a chance to review the contents the rule became no solo experiments and I am now his mandatory lab partner. Very cool real lab type protocols to follow - great prep for science classes with lab & also teaches the importance of following directions (or your experiment will fail).

over all it was a very good set, the only issue I have with it is the materials are cheap. I had to purchase additional glass items, beakers, tubes and what not so they could truly enjoy the set. It definitely is not made to survive like they used to.

My 8-year old son and 11-year old daughter loved this set, which was a gift. My only disappointment is that I had to go out and find denatured alcohol (not the same as isopropyl) that is needed for the litmus solution to do many of the cooler experiments. An adult is definitely needed for this set I’d say for anyone under 14, but it was a great opportunity to connect and learn and work together.

My 8 year old says this is "the best present ever!" She is having an absolute blast learning about acids and bases, and loves doing the expriments. This set has given her the basic knowledge and curiosity to start asking a million "what happens if..." questions and start researching answers and further experiments. What a great learning tool. Her little brother and sister are asking for science kits for their birthdays now. I couldn't be more thrilled. We will definitely be buying more sets from this company.

This is a low cost chemistry set. It's not bad, and my 8 year old son had fun with it. A lot of the supplies needed are "supply your own", so you may have to scrounge around your house to find them. The amount of each chemical given is also very small. Finally, it shows "yes, chemical reactions occur", but there is no "what is actually going on here?" in the manuals to provide more of a teaching opportunity. I suppose if you supplement the excitement of the experiment with a YouTube video or your own instruction, you may have a better chance of teaching chemistry. So it is a bit of a toy where kinds can pretend to be doing science, but it will require a bit of instructions to actually do science, and not just make fizzy bubbles from a recipe.

My grandson is entering 6th grade and is turning into something of a science nerd. He loves natural science and chemical science so I thought he would like this set as a place to begin. So far, all of his experiments have been successful and he hasn't blown up the house. It made a good birthday present for him.

The package arrived on time. When we opened it, the manual was so damaged, that we cannot use it at all. Luckily there is an online version. However, we store all our manuals and really appreciate them. We never threw away any.If possible, I would love to have a hard copy sent to my address and then I can update the review.Best regards.