Generation Genius Science Kit Review: Hands-On STEM Fun for Curious Kids
Discover the joy of hands-on science experiments with Generation Genius’ monthly science kit. Our review of a kit, complete with three unique experiments, shows how easy and fun it is to explore the world of science with your kids.
Suppose you gather a group of homeschool parents together and ask what subject areas are a constant struggle. The answer is typically one of three subject areas: math, science, and writing.
Even though I have two ‘hard-core’ science degrees, as does my husband, our family has been no exception. Our boys have even (GASP!) said they do not like science!
A busy homeschool parent knows that the more you can have ready to go with little preparation, the more likely you’ll actually do things.
We may have the knowledge and even many of the supplies to have loads of hands-on learning fun. But, I don’t always have the time or energy to pull it all together myself.
That’s where a good science kit can help!
My youngest son and I (grade 7) spent a weekend afternoon diving into a science kit from Generation Genius.
Continue reading to learn more about Generation Genius, their science kits, and our experience with one of the kits.
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What is Generation Genius?
Generation Genius is the brainchild of Dr. Jeff Vinokur. He has his PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular & Structural Biology from UCLA.
The company is devoted to teaching science topics while inspiring curiosity in kids grades K-8.
They have had a fun, educational streaming video service used by approximately 30% of schools in the United States.
With the addition of monthly science kits, they can bring the fun into homes.
“When I was a kid, I loved doing experiments with my hands and making things bubble, fizz, and change colors,” said Vinokur. “Now I want to share all those same kinds of fun, hands-on activities that have fueled my passion and love for science.”
Specifics on Generation Genius Science Kits
With three new topics every month, each kit provides mind-blowing experiments in chemistry, biology, engineering, and more.
The kit makes it easier to enjoy the magic of science.
With a wide range of experiments, you’ll never get bored. Plus, with new topics every month, you’ll have a chance to learn about things you may have never even heard of before.
The kits are intended for kids aged 9 and up to do with adult guidance.
At this time, the kits can only be shipped in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii!)
Get the Best Mind-Blowing Experiments
Their team of experts carefully selects the experiments included in each kit to ensure they’re both fun and educational.
Each experiment is carefully selected to blow your mind or at least set off a few sparks!
You’ll explore a range of scientific concepts thanks to the variety of experiments in each kit.
Repeat Experiments More Than Once!
One of the best things about the Generation Science Kit is that you can repeat the experiments as many times as you like.
They include enough materials in each kit to do the experiments multiple times.
This means you can have fun over and over again, and even invite friends and family to join in on the fun.
Everything You Need is Included in the Science Kit!
When your Generation Science Kit arrives, you can dig in and get learning as you won’t need anything else.
They include all the materials and equipment you’ll need to conduct each experiment.
All you need to bring is your curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Fun for Kids & Adults
The Generation Science Kit is perfect for both kids and adults.
It’s a great way to create lasting memories and learn together as a family.
The step-by-step instructions allow you to work together as you conduct each experiment.
Step-by-Step Videos with Dr. Jeff
The kits also include step-by-step videos with Dr. Jeff. He’ll walk you through each experiment, explaining each step along the way.
You can even rewind or fast forward any step if you need to. It’s so easy, it almost never fails!
With the Generation Science Kit, you can explore the fascinating world of science and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Start your journey of scientific discovery with your own Generation Genius kit!
Our Experience with the Science Kit
As I stated, I’ve got science degrees and a passion for the subjects.
I’ve even taught science classes and labs out of my house for K-12 homeschool students.
Yet, with my youngest son, we often do not get around to doing all the cool, hands-on science experiments.
My biggest impediment is time. (As of the time of this review, I am working full-time at a community college plus teaching one online course for them.)
The Generation Genius science kit eliminates the prep work, saving me significant time.
We were able to do all three experiments across a single afternoon session.
The kit we were sent is labeled Kit #5 and included the following experiments:
- Secret Message Writer
- Extract Iron From Cereal
- Sodium Acetate Towers
Love the Videos!
Having the videos to watch removes the need for me to talk as much. It is almost like bringing a science teacher into your house, guiding your student (and you!) through the experiment.
Dr. Jeff also weaves in more background information about the science you are witnessing.
Accessing the videos is easy. The inside of the kit lid has the URL and password needed for that particular kit.
The individual experiment page has the video on top, a list of all items you’ll need, and then a visual transcript of the experiment.
Finally, some of the scientific information presented during the course of the video is listed at the bottom.
Easy to Implement
It really was so easy to work through the science experiments in the kit.
All we had to do was load up the video for that experiment and pull out the labeled bag for it.
The instructions walk you through step by step.
If you are uncertain, then rewatch the video (the visual transcript below it will show you where in the video to go.)
Fun & Educational
The experiments were all fun to do and my son enjoyed the experience alongside me.
He even engaged my husband some as we showed just how much iron was in the tube of cereal or how fun it was to watch the sodium acetate ‘towers’ grow.
For some topics, it could be a launching point for a deeper dive.
Like WHY is there so much iron in a common cereal?
What value does it have for us nutritionally?
Would We Recommend These Science Kits?
My overall impression is that these kits are thorough, help you engage a child in learning science, and are so easy to implement that you can save a significant amount of time.
To me, that’s a big YES I’d recommend them. These are a great option for fun hands-on learning experiences in your home.
If you are looking for a super inexpensive option for bringing the magic of science into your home, then this may not be for you. Keep trying to piecemeal things together on a shoestring budget.
Just remember that your time has value, too.
If I was still teaching labs in my home, I’d be more inclined to purchase the kits than spend hours pulling everything together.
The BEST option for purchase is the annual plan as the kits are discounted and shipping is free. But, if you are uncertain, start with the monthly plan and then switch to the annual one.
Start your journey of scientific discovery with your own Generation Genius kit!
How do you approach teaching science at home?
Is science a topic that you struggle to include, especially experiments?