Hit the lab with these great science gadgets.
CLEANSPACE TAG
This nifty smartphone-sized gadget will help science fans with an interest in environmental issues. Created by former Labour Science Minister, Lord Drayson, it monitors the pollution levels you come face-to-face with. Download the corresponding app and connect the tag to your phone via Bluetooth, then off you go. If you’re walking, running or riding your bike in areas that are orange (not good) or red (terrible air), you’ll be encouraged to try different routes to take in good air (green). In addition to the health benefits, there’s another incentive to take ‘green’ routes. For every clean mile that you notch up, you’ll be given reward points which can be exchanged for treats – for example a voucher to use at a gym. On top of all of this, it uses Freevolt which harvests energy around us emitted by broadcast waves, 3G, 4G and WiFi – so there are no batteries to change. £75 from store.clean.space
RAVENSBURGER SCIENCE MAXI FUELING FUTURE CARS
We’re constantly being warned that the world’s oil supplies are depleting and that when it comes to motors, electric cars are the future. So why not encourage the next generation of engineers? This science kit (suitable for ages eight and over) gives children the task of putting an electric motored car together (they may well need the help of an adult for parts). Along the way they get to conduct experiments. Currently priced £26.80 from www.amazon.co.uk
UNIVERSE2GO – THE PERSONAL PLANETARIUM
Whether you live in an area where light pollution restricts your viewing of the night sky, or you can’t bear to wait until darkness falls, this viewer makes learning about space as easy as Pi! Download the Universe2go app and pop your phone into the device. Then, look through the viewer and, as you move your head, you’ll see constellations and planets right in front of you. Hover above them and you’ll be told all about them. Galaxies may be far, far away, but with this gizmo, they are right in front of your eyes. £69 from www.universe2go.com
USB DIGITAL MICROSCOPE WITH 400X MAGNIFICATION
Who needs gigantic (and expensive) microscopes when this little gizmo will do the job easily?! First things first, you’ll need to pop the USB connecting the device into your PC and then instal the CD-Rom on to your computer. Once that’s up and running, it’s worth just having a little play around with the software so you can get to grips with it and choose your preferences. Then, it’s a case of pointing the microscope at the item you want to study, turning the focus wheel until it’s clear and then either taking a photo or video of it (using the software). £39.99 from www.maplin.co.uk
TRONEX AMAZING 144+ SCIENCE LAB ELECTRONIC KIT
Science kits have always been a popular educational toy for children, and this one, which focuses on electronics, will be just as well received as the traditional type. Suitable for those aged eight and over, it’s packed with capabilities – 144 to be specific! You can make a fan fly, create music and even make a doorbell sound – just pop in some AA batteries and use the accompanying wires to connect the various sections. The board itself is bright and flashy – perfect for catching children’s attention and, most importantly, they won’t even realise they are learning. £29.99 from www.maplin.co.uk