Microscope or Chem set for 5yo

[mom_of_gia]

Hi,
My daughter has decided that she wants to be a "mad scientist" when she grows up. She is asking for a chemistry set for Christmas and also has interest in a microscope. Do you have any recommmendations? I'm a little concerned about the microscope because she's still not that great about taking good care of her stuff and my 3yo is always touching everything too. Any ideas?

Thank you so much.

[egoldber]

I think 5 is too young for a chemistry set. Maybe a book on home science experiments that you can do together?

Also, consider a magnifying glass vs a microscope. Lots of great fun to be had looking at stuff and relatively cheap.

[hbridge]

DC (age 6) also wants a microscope. After much debate we finally decided to get this as a starter scope http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page.aspx?c=2&p=64257&cat=4,104,55972&ap=5 and save the "big" microscope until DC is a little older. It's for Christmas so I'm not sure how well it works yet, but if DC LOVES we can always upgrade...

I am waiting on a Chemistry set until DC are older. At this point too much supervision is necessary. Instead we will do "experiments" together.

[hillview]

Snap Circuits?
/hillary

[hellokitty]

TRU sells a series of science experiement sets that are really awesome! We have, "My First Science Kit" and my two older boys LOVED it. It's not something they can do by themselves, but they are science concepts appropriate for their age (4 and 5). So, I went to TRU when they had their science kits 50% off and got 3 other kits from the same brand. It's such a great kit with it being fun AND educational as well.

[ellies mom]

Our local science museum recommends a blister microscope (http://www.blistermicroscope.com/) for the younger set. They are pretty rugged and inexpensive.

Instead of a chemistry set, maybe you could get different "sciencey" type things together such as a prism, magnets, magnifiying glass, litmus paper, etc. And don't forget a little notebook. There is a book called Science Arts (http://www.amazon.com/Science-Arts-Discovering-Experiences-Learning/dp/0935607048/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258995013&sr=8-5) that has some really fun ideas.

[mom_of_gia]

Thank you so much for all of your great suggestions. She will be delighted. :-)

[Melbel]

We were considering this microscope for my 9 year old. It has great reviews on amazon. It was about $50, but bumped up recently.

My First Lab Duo-Scope
http://www.amazon.com/C-A-Scientific-MFL-06-Duo-Scope/dp/B000NOU54O/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I19ZZ5Z7KI0D9I&colid=113E151HJY12D

With a younger DC, you could keep it on a higher shelf and use it as a supervised activity.

DS has loved Snap Circuits for years.

You may also want to consider some of the Eye Clops toys: http://www.amazon.com/Eyeclops-61081-EyeClops-BioniCam/dp/B00153C5KY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1259063029&sr=1-4