Galt Horrible Science Explosive Experiments Kit – 8 Experiments Including a Rocket, Volcano, Lava Lamp and Slime, Ages 8+

Our Verdict

Science kits are one of the easiest swaps for an afternoon of experiment videos on a tablet, because the child does the experiment instead of watching someone else do it. This Galt kit takes its tone from the Horrible Science books, so it leans into the gross and the loud: a rocket to launch, a volcano to erupt, a lava lamp to make and "seriously slimy snot" to mix, eight experiments in all, guided by a 32-page lab notebook. Everything needed for the core experiments is in the box, including goggles, but read the notebook before Christmas Day in case any experiment calls for household extras. It is labelled 8+ and meant for use with an adult on hand, so plan it for Stephen’s Day rather than the chaos of Christmas morning, and do the rocket outside. The trade-off with any chemistry kit is that the consumables run out: once the slime powder and bicarbonate are used, the fun is over unless you top them up, so think of it as a few memorable afternoons rather than a toy that lasts all year.

Key Features & Irish Specs

• Eight experiments, including launching a rocket, erupting a volcano, making a lava lamp and mixing slime
• Includes a plastic rocket with fins and nose cone, a plastic volcano, goggles, slime powder, bicarbonate of soda, food colouring and mixing pots
• 32-page Top Secret Lab Notebook with step-by-step instructions
• Based on the Horrible Science books by Nick Arnold, illustrated by Tony De Saulles
• Labelled for ages 8 and up, for use under adult supervision; no batteries needed