Over the last few months we have been working with Bandai to review their range of National Geographic STEM kits for kids. With two inquisitive kids, we have been fortunate to try out some amazing educational kits which have been fun and a great learning experience too. You can read our previous reviews here.

Discovering with National Geographic STEM kits for kids

We received 3 National Geographic STEM kits – Ultimate Play Sand, Real Bug Dit Kit and Dino Fossil Dig Kit. The kids were really excited to see the kits as they knew they would have fun opening them up.

National Geographic Ultimate Play Sand

My youngest opted to open this kit first as she just loves play sand. Play sand is fun because it’s coloured and never dries out. This kit contained 2lb of play sand along with a plastic tray so you could pour it out and start playing straight away. There were also 6 small sand molds so you could make a city-scape with the sand. This kit is designed for ages 3 and over. It’s small enough that you can store it when it’s not being played with but large enough to provide hours of fun.

I had never really thought of play sand as a STEM toy before but it’s great for encouraging kids who love to build and shape. The sand only sticks to itself and doesn’t dry out if left out. There was no information in his kit so we didn’t really see why it was included in the range, however a quick google suggested it fits well within the STEM subjects, especially science and engineering.

 National Geographic Real Bug Dit Kit

This kit was enjoyed by my oldest. He loved the sound of discovering genuine specimens which included a fortune beetle, spiny spider and scorpion. The three specimens were inside a scorpion shaped rock which needed to be ‘excavated’ with the brush and plastic tool.

The three specimens were all encased in little plastic beads so you could examine them with the magnifying glass which was included. There was also a Real Bug Learning Guide so you could learn more about bugs and insects.

National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig Kit

My youngest also enjoyed the Dino Fossil Dig Kit as she just loves anything to do with dinosaurs. The kit included 3 dinosaur specimens – a Mosasaur tooth, Dino poop and a Dino bone. All three were hidden in the dinosaur head dig brick. She used a water spray to soften her brick and quickly found her three specimens. We were able to discover more about them thanks to the info booklet, and she soon washed them and added them to her little collection of fossils and stones.

I think the kits are great value and a fun way to learn more about the natural world. I love to give an educational gift and love that these combine the STEM subjects with hands on learning. Kits are suitable for ages 8 and over. National Geographic Kits (RRP: £9.99) and National Geographic Mini Kits (RRP: £4.99) are available at all good toy shops  Visit www.bandai.co.uk for further information.

Win a National Geographic Gemstone Dig Kit

One lucky person can win a National Geographic Gemstone Dig Kit. To enter my giveaway you must answer the question via the Rafflecopter widget below, there are some bonus entries too. The giveaway is open to those with a UK postal address only and ends on 15th September. The winners name will appear on this post. Good luck!

Don’t forget to check out my other giveaways on my competition page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway