Science Experiment Kits for Kids

Who doesn’t love science experiments? Honestly, my favorite part of science were doing experiments. However, in a school setting too often experiments rarely happen. If they do, they are relegated to sharing everything with a “lab partner” or two. My favorite part of homeschooling has been science. This Generation Genius Science Kit Review will give you the information you need to determine if these kits are suitable for your homeschool science lab.

I received this kit for the purposes of review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This post does include affiliate links.

What are Generation Genius Science Kits?

Generation Genius Home Science Kits are monthly subscription-based hands-on science experiments. Each month, your child will receive 3 science experiments delivered to your home. All the necessary components are included in the kit including a code to log in to watch science videos performed by Dr. Jeff with step-by-step instructions to conduct your own experiments.

Who is Generation Genius and Dr. Jeff?

Genius, Inc. produces educational videos in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association (formerly known as the National Science Teachers Association).  These fun learning videos are entertaining and help children understand science in an engaging way.

The brains behind Generation Genius is Dr. Jeff Vinokur, founder of Generation Genius. In fact, the experiments are performed by Dr. Jeff in the videos. 

Dr. Jeff has a Ph.D. in biochemistry from UCLA. He was first known as The Dancing Scientist, and his K-8 programs are used in thousands of schools. In fact, it is estimated that his program is in 30% of all schools in the United States.

What is included in your monthly subscription?

When you open your box, there is a unique video URL with a password. Enter your password. Then you are taken to a page with 3 videos that correspond with your kit.

My first three videos were 11 minutes, 17 minutes, and 8 minutes. Dr. Jeff takes you step-by-step through the experiment. Each exclusive step-by-step video allows you to turn on an auto-pause feature.

The videos stops in places where your child is to perform an action. This allows your child to take their time and explore, touch, and ask questions.

Dr. Jeff is engaging and upbeat as he walks you through each experiment.

Each experiment inside the box is contained in a plastic bag that is labeled, “Experiment #.” Dr. Jeff even tells your child what’s in the bag and how to set up the kits‘ ingredients. I loved that there was a “drop cloth“ for the snow, and a large piece of unrippable paper to conduct the experiments on. 

Additionally, there were goggles and gloves because safety is paramount. Moreover, throughout the video, he explains the hands-on activities and the components, making sure to tell your child how to dispose of the products. 

What Type of Experiments Can I Expect?

Each month you will get 3 experiments that range from chemistry, biology, engineering, and more.

My box (Kit 2) had Instant Snow, Rainbow Electrolysis, and a Glowing Bottle.

The Instant Snow had three experiments which we conducted over a period of three days. In fact, each “snow” was made from the same chemical but in different sizes. To emphasize, it is truly amazing how one chemical can perform depending on the size of that chemical.

For most of the experiments, there are enough materials to conduct the same experiment more than once. 

How can I use this product in my Homeschool Classroom?

​First, you can do the experiments and have fun without doing anything else. Just simply watch the videos by Dr. Jeff Vinokur and do the experiments.

However, you can do so much more with these kits. They are a great resource to continuing learning about the current experiment.

For example, you can take the experiment and research more about the chemicals used.

Specifically, with the snow experiment, I looked up sodium polyacrylate. You can encourage your child to ask questions. Consider asking your child questions such as Can we make fake snow out of other ingredients or How did they use to make fake snow for movie sets? Conduct different experiments related to fake snow such as seeing if it absorbs hot or cold water differently. Research real snowflakes and how they look under a microscope.

Find out what sodium polyacrylate is used for.

How Can I Subscribe?

You have options for subscribing to these boxes.

Option one allows you to subscribe to a monthly plan, and pay for each box month. You will pay shipping charges with this option.

​Option 2 is a twelve-month subscription plan that is due and payable when you subscribe. This option is the best deal and comes with free shipping.

Option 3: For a Limited Time, you can get a box free with a 3, 6, or 12-month plan!

For a limited time try your first science kit FREE! Get the Generation Science Kit delivered to your home with 3 fun hands-on experiments every month. On sale for a limited time only with 3, 6, and 12-month plans!

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied (for any reason) within the first 30 days, contact them and they will issue you a refund.

What About Safety?

​This isn’t your childhood chemistry set. None of the components in these kids’ science kits are harmful when used in accordance with the directions.

These home activities are made with the regulations for chemistry sets by the US Consumer Safety Commission. However, the age recommendation is 9+.

Additionally, parents are expected to guide their children during the experiments. None of the kits’ ingredients include anything that will create sparks, fires, or explosions. 

What is the age recommendation?

These fun science hands-on activities are for children 9 and up.

Keep in mind, Parental Guidance is required. But let me tell you that it is fun and you will want to be there to watch as your child’s face lights up.

Can these kits be used by younger children?

Obviously, you know your child best. Please take into account the skill level and fine motor skills of your child. I have known some 10 years old that act and think like they are 6, and I have known 6-year-olds that have the understanding of a 10-12-year-old.

Of course, science is a concrete skill so there are times when younger children grasp science concepts much easier than other subjects. Therefore, if your child is younger and shows a high level of interest, then these kits would be fine for them.

Are these Kits Suitable for Special Needs Children?

My autistic son, who is 18, absolutely loved these experiments. These hands-on experiments coupled with videos with easy-to-follow language will have your child learning and having fun.

Ultimately, the best part for my son was the clear instructions. Since he learns best with a video lesson, these kits are great for him. Additionally, any child on the spectrum who can follow instructions and likes concrete lessons will benefit from these subscription kits. 

Are there any dangerous chemicals or components in these kits?

For the most part, the kits contain household materials. Notably, one experiment had hydrogen peroxide. 

These Kits are designed for home use and do not have any explosives or harmful products if used as intended.

Are the videos engaging?

It should be noted that I have read people compare Dr. Jeff Vinokur to Bill Nye, the science guy, and others have said there is a Bill Nye-esque blend of education. While I consider these videos to be fun and engaging, but I did not consider other videos out there to be the same caliber.

Personally, I was never a fan of Bill Nye. The fact that I am going to personally subscribe to Generation Genius speaks volumes.

Does Generation Genius have any other programs?

Yes! Be aware that there are two other programs with online videos. One is a science program, and one is a math program. Unlike the subscription boxes, these were designed for classroom settings.

Can I subscribe to the school-based science or math program?

Absolutely. While the school-based science and math programs are designed for school students, homeschool families are welcome to subscribe. In fact, you can create a free account and select five videos to watch before subscribing. Content is labeled by grade level K-2, Grades 3-5, or Grades 6-8.

What’s more, the subscription comes with lesson plans, vocabulary, paper & online quiz games, reading material, DIY activities, discussion questions, teacher guides, and more.

Finally, I absolutely love the home science kit and am going to subscribe myself.

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