Thames & Kosmos Propels Nationwide S.T.E.M. Effort Forward With 18 New Science Kits for 2012

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than a week after President Obama hosted the White House Science Fair and brought renewed attention to the need for students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, Thames & Kosmos announced 18 new additions to its award-winning line of science kits, all of which engage kids with fun hands-on science experiments and activities. The kits were unveiled at the American International Toy Fair, February 12th-15th in New York City.

The 18 new science kits are:

Eco-Battery Vehicles allows kids to build a new type of environmentally friendly "fuel cell" to learn about electrochemical cells and battery electric vehicles (BEV's). They can build and power 20 different models using a special metal-air battery. Ages: 10+; SRP: $59.99

Crystal Growing allows kids to create dozens of dazzling crystals and conduct 15 experiments. They can experiment with four chemically different crystals, mold fun plaster shapes and grow layers of crystals on them, and use dyes to form colored crystals. Ages: 12+; SRP: $29.95

Electricity & Magnetism takes snap-together circuits to the next level by incorporating experiments with magnetism. The unique building blocks make it safe and easy to explore electrical current, magnetic fields, and the relationship between them. Ages: 8+; SRP: $44.95

Candy Chemistry explores the science behind making mouth-watering sweets and treats. Kids can learn about crystallization, specific heat, the phases of matter, conversions, volumes and weights, and other science fundamentals. Ages: 10+; SRP: $34.95

Motors & Generators includes 25 experiments that demonstrate how electricity is converted into motion, and visa versa. The kit's electric motor is transparent, allowing kids to observe the inner components. Ages: 8+; SRP: $31.95

Magnetic Science explores the invisible and amazing power of magnets with 33 engaging experiments and games. Kids can learn about magnetic poles and fields, why compasses work, and how the Earth is like one giant magnet. Ages: 8+; SRP: $31.95

Solar Mechanics demonstrates how solar cells convert energy from sunlight into mechanical energy with more the 20 building projects and experiments. Ages: 8+; SRP: $32.95

Climate & Weather uses a model of Earth's atmosphere to investigate different types of weather phenomena, including wind, air currents, heat reservoirs, ocean currents, and the hydrological cycle. Ages: 10+; SRP: $31.95

Volcanoes & Earthquakes investigates the constantly changing inner working of the Earth by studying and recreating these awe-inspiring and devastating natural phenomena. Ages: 10+; SRP: $34.95

Chemistry C500 takes kids on an introductory tour of this essential science with 28 classic experiments. They can investigate electrochemical phenomena, fizzy and foamy reactions, and colorful acids and bases. Ages: 10+; SRP: $34.95

Bubble Science introduces physical science fundamentals in a fun way. Kids use soap bubbles of all shapes and sizes to investigate surface tension, geometric shapes, and many other scientific principles. Ages: 9+; SRP: $34.95

Physics Discovery teaches the principles of mechanic physics with 12 models and experiments. Each model demonstrates a fundamental concept, such as levers, pulleys, centripetal and centrifugal forces, and the transfer of energy. Ages: 8+; SRP: $31.95

Genetics & DNA takes kids into the lab for an in-depth investigation of genetics. Kids explore the blueprints of life as they isolate DNA from a tomato and learn about genes with fun inheritance games. Ages: 10+; SRP: $34.95

Optical Science explores the fascinating science of human perception with amazing optical illusions and visual phenomena. See how our eye and brain work together to perceive color, light, depth, perspective, size, shape, and motion with over 35 experiments. Ages: 8+; SRP: $34.95

Archaeology: Pyramid Dig unearths the secrets of the pyramids with archaeological science. Kids use real-life excavation techniques, including digging, troweling, screening, and brushing to explore the pyramid model and discover the treasures buried within. Ages: 8+; SRP: $24.95

Space Exploration blasts off on a mission to explore outer space and all its mysteries. The wide range of cosmic experiments includes launching rockets, mapping the stars and constellations, and modeling planets. Ages: 8+; SRP: $34.95

Science Experiments On The Go is a travel-ready science kit that offers fun experiments that can be easily performed anywhere. Kids can assemble binoculars, set up a mini cable car, and build a balance scale. Ages: 8+; SRP: $13.95

Physics: Force & Pressure teaches kids about air pressure with fun balloon experiments. Kids can make a simple water fountain, race a jet-propelled balloon rocket, and lift a pile of books with their breath. Ages 8+; SRP: $13.95

High-resolution product images can be downloaded from the Thames & Kosmos web site at this address: http://www.thamesandkosmos.com/news/imagedl.html

For more information about Thames & Kosmos, visit www.thamesandkosmos.com.

SOURCE Thames & Kosmos