Science is everywhere. From the backyard to the kitchen table, the lower atmospheres to outer space, and everywhere in between. It’s great fun to discover something new. Here are a few gift ideas to spark discovery.

# 1. GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope

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Keen observers will enjoy Educational Insights’ microscope for preschoolers. This easy-to-use tool is a wonderful way to introduce your child to an unseen world of microorganisms (ages 3+).

# 2. Nancy B's Science Club AquaScope and Underwater Wonders Activity Journal

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Older kids can explore underwater with the AquaScope, which comes with a thermometer and a ruler, as well as an Underwater Wonders Activity Journal to guide users through a set of experiments as they learn about marine life (ages 8+).

# 3. Thames and Kosmos Science Kits

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Thames and Kosmos have produced more than 120 science kits that deliver experiments and activities for hands-on learning. The comprehensive instruction manuals are a treat to read. Some of the kits we highly recommend are:

• Glowing Chemistry Kit for experiments about luminescence (ages 10+).

• Solar Mechanics Kit for experiments about solar energy (ages 8+).

• Electronics Advanced Circuits Kit for experiments about electricity (ages 10+).

• Gyrobot Experimental Kit for experiments about gyroscopes (ages 8+).

# 4. The Secrets of Space

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This Magic School Bus kit is a fun and inexpensive way to pique the interest of your future astronomer. The set includes constellation cards, a night-vision flashlight, and materials to construct a telescope (ages 5+).

Books for Future Scientists

Those not yet old enough for the PG-13 movie “The Theory of Everything" will delight in “George’s Secret Key to the Universe," written by Stephen Hawking and his daughter, Lucy (ages 9–12). Readers will also enjoy a subscription to the magazine Ask, which takes scientific ideas and concepts and makes them relevant through stories (ages 6–9).

Apps for Future Scientists

Good scientists need to know how to add and divide; Math Doodles and Slice Fractions are two wonderfully creative and inexpensive apps for those who love numbers (ages 5–10). Vito Technology also offers a universe of apps that teach users about astronomy in the original Star Walk line (ages 5–18).

At the risk of being labeled the Oracle of the Obvious, museum visits and membership are a must-do and must-have for future scientists and the people who love them. The bonus will be learning something new — together.

Check out more educational gifts for kids handpicked by Noodle and Parents' Choice!

• Future Architect
• Future Artist
• Future Chef
• Future Novelist