Global warming — the steady increase in Earth’s air and ocean temperatures since the mid-20th century — is one of the most discussed and studied topics in the scientific community today. This kit introduces you to Earth’s climate and the issue of global warming with 23 hands-on experiments. This kit gives you the basic knowledge you need to understand the climate, why it changes, and how our actions affect it.
— “Science and robotics are extremely popular,” said Dean Nelson, owner of Wizard Kids Toys in Toledo, Ohio, who told TDmonthly in June 2009 that Thames & Kosmos is one of his top-selling lines for boys.
— Two of 47 storeowners said Thames & Kosmos account for their top sales in boys' items during a summer 2009 survey.

Hydropower has been used for hundreds of years in watermills and is now commonly used to generate electricity in applications such as hydroelectric dams and tidal power plants. Explore the power of water by building models and conducting experiments with them. Learn about how different devices are used to extract useful energy from moving water — from a waterwheel in a small stream to a giant turbine in a tidal power station. Build a waterwheel, a sawmill, and a hammer mill to harness the energy of moving water to do different types of physical work.

Head into the lab for an in-depth investigation of genetics, the branch of biology focused on heredity and variation in organisms, and DNA, the acid that holds the blueprints for life. See genetic material with your own eyes as you isolate the DNA from a tomato in a test tube. Investigate inheritance and learn how traits are passed down from parents to children. Learn about dominant and recessive genes and play inheritance games to determine how traits will be expressed.

Astonish yourself with optical illusions and amazing visual phenomena as you explore the science of human perception in this fascinating kit. Experiment with light and the color spectrum by building a color wheel, a fiber optic peacock, and diffraction glasses. Learn how the eye and a camera are similar and how they are different. Build a camera obscura and pinhole glasses. Investigate lenses and light refraction. Experiment with spatial vision and depth perception with 3D glasses and an Ames room model. Find your blind spot and watch things disappear. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010

Find out how Earth’s rotation creates day and night, how Earth’s axis and revolution around the sun causes the seasons, and how the moon’s rotation around Earth gives us the phases of the moon. See for yourself how meteorites formed the craters on the moon. Make a moon flipbook and a moon calendar. Build a sundial and a solar collector to experiment with the sun. Grasp a comet’s tail and learn about how meteoroids become falling stars.  A full-color, 32-page experiment book guides your space exploration.

Core Science MS-1 is a supplemental science curriculum for students entering grades 5 through 8. By performing the experiments in this kit and completing exercises in the accompanying workbook, students will lay the groundwork for success in natural science courses in school. Students will gain familiarity with commonly used science terms, methods, and tools, preparing them for future studies. The full-color, 96-page experiment manual provides illustrated instructions and explanations, and the black-and-white, 48-page workbook guides students through each experiment and allows them to record their findings.

Play the role of archaeologist as you explore this pyramid model and the treasures buried within. After using hieroglyphics to decipher the secret to unlocking the pyramid, use tools and techniques similar to those of a real archaeologist to carefully excavate a sarcophagus, death mask, and four canopic urns from inside. Open the sarcophagus, and you will discover a model mummy preserved within.

Intro to Engineering is part of the Little Labs line, which is intended to be the portal through which children ages five to seven first begin to explore and appreciate science. Intro the Engineering introduces young children to the field of engineering with 25 experiments in five sections. Children learn engineering basics with experiments on levers, forces, and pulleys. They explore engineering on land by building vehicles with wheels; engineering in the air with a helicopter, a parachute, and a glider; and engineering in the water with a diving bell, a sailboat, and a paddleboat. They even find engineering at home, with experiments modeling the telephone and television (without breaking them, of course). This kit has a 48-page, full-color experiment manual, and a retail price of $34.95. Available summer 2009.

The Dangerous Book for Boys: Electronics presents information on electronics every child should know through fun, engaging, and impressive experiments and activities. Children ages eight and up learn how to construct simple electronic toys, such as a joy buzzer and insect. It comes with a 32-page, full-color experiment manual and retails for $35.95. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: Fall 2009.

Targeted for ages ten and up, this edition enables a younger audience to experience one of the most significant technologies of the early 21st Century — especially appropriate in the midst of our auto industry crisis and global energy situation. By constructing and operating a unique reversible hydrogen fuel cell, powered by water and sunlight, children build a model car that actually runs on water! And in so doing, they join auto manufacturers in experimenting with a technology that will power not only automobiles, but electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones. This new edition has a beautifully redesigned car body with a display stand and a rewritten 64-page, full-color experiment manual, and retails for $169.95. Available fall 2009.

As a follow-up to the bestselling Power House kit comes Power House Green Essentials Edition, targeted towards a younger audience of ages 10 and up. This kit teaches children about the timely issues of alternative energy and sustainable living, by conducting 30 experiments and building ten energy-related models: the power house itself, a greenhouse, a solar cell array, a passive solar collector, a solar oven, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a hydrometer, a lemon battery, and a wind power generator. They can even sow seeds in the greenhouse! The kit comes with a 64-page, full-color experiment manual and retails for $89.95. Available now.
— “Most anything from Thames & Kosmos, like the Power House, Wind Power [and] Creative Cosmetics,” sells well for education, according to Patti Tepper Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books in Oklahoma City, Okla.
— Three of 40 retailers mentioned science kits by Thames & Kosmos when discussing best-selling educational items in fall 2009.

Kids will discover the digital world with this unique introduction to electronics. They follow the story of Robert M-3, a young robot in the year 2069, who is beginning his education in electronics with an apprenticeship to Sirius Armstrong, the chief electrical engineer on an enormous space station orbiting Earth. As they read about Robert’s lessons in electronics, they will conduct experiments alongside him using the Electronics Workshop console.  They start by assembling simple circuits with blinking LEDs and resistors, as Robert travels from Earth to the space station. Once there, he goes from department to department, fixing electrical systems and devices, while the child works alongside him. Electronics Workshop 1 is a captivating combination of reading and science, with fanciful stories that enliven the experiments, making for a fun learning experience. Full-color, 68-page experiment manual takes kids through 148 experiments in electronics. Launch date: August 2008.

Kids can use this kit to build a working wind turbine to harness power out of thin air. Wind is one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable energy available today. During the experiments, kids will learn the physics of force and motion as it applies to wind power technology. The kit includes a full-color, 32-page experiment manual that offers illustrated instructions for 20 experiments and scientific information. Kids will build a working wind turbine, harnes mechanical energy to lift weights and more.
— “I’m featuring science kits that teach kids about the environment or renewable energy, such as the Thames and Kosmos Wind Power and the Fuel Cell X7,” said Michelle Smith of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., of this good seller in her store.

Kids can learn how plants germinate from seeds, how they grow, what they need to grow, what they produce, how their roots, stems and leaves function and more. The set comes with an easy-to-follow, 16-page color manual. “All Little Labs guidebooks are written in both English and Spanish…[and] include simple pictorial instructions with just enough text to reinforce vocabulary and aid in language learning,” Christa Raimondo Cronin, customer service representative at Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2007.

With this kit, kids can safely investigate weather by conducting experiments on wind, rain, storms, clouds, rainbows evaporation, pressure and more. A 16-page, full-color  English and Spanish bilingual guidebook is included. “Designed to introduce the concept of experimentation to children ages 5-7, all Little Labs kits include simple pictorial instructions with just enough text to reinforce vocabulary and aid in language learning, as well as to advise parents and adult supervisors,” Christa Raimondo Cronin, customer service representative at Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2007.

The kit is based on the CHEM C101 kit, but is now even easier and safer to use. This new and improved version takes children on an introductory tour through seven central areas in chemistry with more than 30 classic experiments. The kit comes with a 32-page, full-color manual that is replete with pictures and diagrams. “CHEM C500 is ideal for children who are interested in chemistry but who are not yet ready for a more advanced chemistry set,” Christa Raimondo Cronin, customer service representative at Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly. “Experiments are fun and engaging and emphasize the ‘magic’ behind chemical reactions.”  This product is a Fall 2007 Parent's Choice Award winner. Launch date: July 2007.

With this advanced physics kit, kids can study more advanced topics in physics, including fluid dynamics, energy, oscillation, hydraulics and pneumatics. They will build spectacular models and devices, such as a wind tunnel, pneumatic shocks and a hydraulic lift. They will learn how ships float and airplanes fly, why a streamlined shape lets a car drive faster and how power plants convert a current of water into electrical current. A 96-page full-color manual is included.  “All learning is done through hands-on construction,” Thames & Kosmos Customer Relations Manager Christa Raimondo told TDmonthly. This product is a Fall 2007 Parent's Choice Award winner. Launch date: July 2007.

This computer systems engineering kit introduces kids to microcontrollers, sensors and programming. The educational kit includes 100 experiments involving light, heat and sound sensors, data collection and more. Kids will learn about the inner workings of computers and programs and how to assemble circuits, design circuits and write programs. This product received a Spring 2007 Parents' Choice Silver Award.
— “This kit breaks down how computers actually work and thus is extremely relevant to the technology-dependent world in which children live and learn,” Christa Raimondo, customer relations manager for Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly.
— “Thames & Kosmos science kits do really well during the holidays,” Little Blue Choo Choo Manager Brandy Lindstrom in Scottsdale, Ariz., told TDmonthly.
— Five out of 58 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly named science kits as a popular gift item for older kids.

This set includes a 96-page manual that tells about the 100 most significant experiments and discoveries of all time, 94 parts for experimentation, and information on the accomplishments of more than 140 scientists and civilizations. Chapters are as follows: Light, Colors, and Sound; Heat, Steam, and Engines; Magnetism and Electricity; Communication and Microelectronics; Forces; Life; Atoms and Molecules; Stars and Planets; and The Periodic Table. “Milestones in Science is unique in that it combines experimentation with history,” Christa Raimondo of Thames & Kosmos told TDmonthly. “Each experiment is centered on a specific scientist, his or her discovery, and its importance in the world of science.” Launch date: July 2007.

With this bilingual experiment kit, children can learn science fundamentals through 25 experiments that cover five key areas: biology, physics, chemistry, air and water. It includes a 48-page color guidebook with simple pictorial instructions and text in English and Spanish. “Because the steps are clear and easy to follow, a child as young as 5 can successfully complete the experiments,” Christa Raimondo of Thames & Kosmos told TDmonthly. The Little Labs series also includes single-topic kits on plants, physics, light and colors, animals, weather, and cars and motors. This product is a Fall 2007 Parent's Choice Award winner. Launch date: June 2007.

Through building 36 models and conducting subsequent experiments, kids will learn the fundamental laws of mechanical physics. This hands-on approach is both fun and effective because the principles of physics are demonstrated right in front of children. Projects include building a windmill, making a hammer machine, and experimenting with pulleys and gears. It comes with a 64-page manual.

Using this puzzle kit, kids will build a realistic model of a Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex or Triceratops skeleton.  They’ll also learn about the dinosaur with a full-color, foldout information sheet and three dinosaur fact cards. (SKUS: Brachiosaurus – 630218, Stegosaurus – 630225, Tyrannosaurus rex - 630249 Triceratops – 630232). Launch Date: Fall 2006.

Kids can unearth a model Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex or Triceratops skeleton using tools and techniques similar to those of a real paleontologist.  They’ll learn about the dinosaur they excavated with a quiz-card fan, and collect dinosaur fast facts.  (SKUs: Triceratops – 630126, Brachiosaurus – 630140, Stegosaurus – 6301333, Tyrannosaurus rex - 630119) Launch Date: Fall 2006.

Enroll in Chem C1000 and prepare a child for a lifetime of fascination through 75 diverse experiments. Build a mini fire extinguisher and make water flow uphill in experiments with air pressure. Float a soap-powered boat to learn about the surface tension of water. Entertain friends and family with chemistry "magic" tricks, and then enlighten them with the scientific explanations behind the magic. Identify the elements in different chemical substances with dazzling colors in flame tests. The 40-page, full-color Experiment Manual guides aspiring young chemists, chemical engineers, lab technicians and researchers.

Willy Wonka. Milton Hershey. Forrest Mars. John Cadbury. Factual or fictional, the great names in the history of candy making all share one thing: they were experimenters and innovators. Now you can experiment with the art of making candy, and learn the science behind how it forms and why it tastes so good. Inside this giant chocolate bar-shaped box is a scientific candy wonderland including the special tools and recipes you need to make candy. Use the plastic and metal molds, shape cutters, candy thermometer, spatula, dipping fork and various other tools to form and coat your candies. Finish them with foils, paper cups, sticks and wrappers. The 48-page illustrated book provides instructions, recipes and scientific explanations. This kit does not contain any food items. Ingredients must be purchased separately, giving you control over the ingredients you use.