National Geographic Earth Science Activity Kit

Ratings based minimum recommended age.

• Price: $24.99
• Fun: 5/10
• Inspiration: 3/10
• Difficulty: 3/10
• Repeatablility: 2/10
• Educational Value: 3/10

Overall Verdict: A nicely packaged, low cost “starter” set that will give an 8 year old a brief taste of earth science curiosities (mainly crystals and rocks) but quickly feels thin, repetitive, and uninspiring. I’d recommend it only if you’re looking for a cheap, one off activity rather than a long term learning tool.

What’s Inside?
Item Description Rock Collection Kit: A small assortment of common rocks (granite, limestone, basalt, etc.)
Crystal Growing Set: Powder, seed crystals, and a silocon jar for growing a single crystal over 1 - 7 days.
“Excavation” Block Plaster‑like block embedded with faux rocks; the idea is to “dig” them out with tools. Baking‑Soda & Vinegar Volcano Pre-measured chemicals, a plastic volcano mold, and some paint for making the volcano look as terrifying as an 8 year old can imagine.
Tornado Tube: A tube that connects two 2 liter bottles together. Makes the water spin.
Leaning guide: 16 page booklet with a brief lesson based on each of the activities.

Hands‑On Experience (What Was Tested)

Crystal Growing: The crystal began forming within the first few hours; by 24 h it was a decent size, then simply continued to coat the inside of the jar. The crystal ended up better than I expected. I think a kid would be happy with it.

Tornado Tube: We spun the tube and watched a weak vortex form. The effect was underwhelming; after a few seconds the water died down, making it feel more like a novelty than a science demonstration.

We skipped the rock “collection” (just a bag of pre sorted stones), did not attempt the excavation block, and passed on the volcano because we felt the baking soda/vinegar reaction would be better saved for a child who has never seen it before.

Rating Breakdown
Metric: Why It Scored That Way

Fun – 5/10 The crystal growth is mildly satisfying, but the other four activities feel more like “props” than true experiments. Kids may enjoy the tactile aspect of handling rocks, yet the tornado tube and excavation block quickly become boring.

Inspiration – 3/10 There’s no narrative thread that ties the kit to real‑world earth science careers. The pamphlet offers a few facts, but nothing that sparks curiosity about geology, volcanology, or meteorology beyond the immediate gimmick.

Difficulty – 3/10 All tasks are within an 8‑year‑old’s motor skill range, though the crystal solution and volcano need adult supervision (mixing chemicals, handling a stove top heat source).

Repeatability – 2/10 Only the tornado tube can be “reused,” and even that loses its wow factor after one or two spins. Crystals can be regrown only if you start from scratch with new powder, which defeats the purpose of a repeatable experiment.

Educational Value – 3/10 The pamphlet supplies basic definitions (e.g., “gemstone”, “agate”) but there is no depth, data collection, or critical thinking component. It’s more a novelty set than a curriculum supplement.

Who Might Actually Like This?

Child Profile Likelihood of Enjoyment
Curious 8 year old who loves “making things” Moderate – the crystal and rock bag will hold attention for a day or two.
Kids who love messy, kinetic experiments (volcanoes, slime, etc.) Low – the volcano is omitted from our review, but even if included it’s a one off reaction.
Parents/teachers seeking a low cost “starter” kit, at $24.99 it’s cheap enough to try without feeling wasteful
Students looking for a serious STEM enrichment tool Very Low – the content is surface‑level and not intended for deeper learning.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Affordability: At $25 it’s an inexpensive way to dip a child’s toe into earth science. Safety First Packaging: All chemicals are pre‑measured, non‑toxic, and the instructions flag adult supervision clearly. Compact Storage: Everything fits in a small box that can be tucked away after use.

Cons

Thin Content: Only five activities, three of which we didn’t even try because they felt like filler. Low Replay Value: Once you’ve grown one crystal and spun the tornado tube, there’s nothing new to discover. Minimal Educational Depth: The pamphlet reads more like a marketing brochure than a learning guide.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a budget friendly, quick win to keep an 8 year old occupied for an afternoon, the National Geographic Earth Science Kit will do the job—especially if the child loves collecting rocks or watching a single crystal form. However, don’t expect a lasting educational experience; the kit feels more like a collection of party tricks than a gateway into geology, volcanology, or atmospheric science.
Recommendation: Buy only if you’re comfortable treating it as a novelty set. For any child who shows genuine interest in earth sciences, consider supplementing (or replacing) this kit with real rock hunting field trips, a basic crystal-growing lab kit that allows multiple growth cycles.

Quick Verdict Summary
Rating Interpretation
Fun – 5/10 Passable for a short burst of excitement.
Inspiration – 3/10 Not enough to spark long‑term STEM interest.
Difficulty – 3/10 Very easy; adult supervision needed for two activities.
Repeatability – 2/10 One‑off experiences dominate.
Educational Value – 3/10 Light background info, no depth.
Overall Score: 3.4 / 10 (average of the five categories).