BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Allen is addicted to the rush of that a-ha moment while testing products. He’s obsessed with ensuring no one around him wastes money.
Intended for ages 10 and up, this kit is compatible with Arduino Uno R3 boards and offers dozens of components at an excellent price. May be a better choice for those with coding background than for actual beginners.
Compatible with Arduino Uno R3 boards. Upgraded starter kit with power supply module and 9V battery with DC. Includes 22-lesson PDF tutorial CD. LCD1602 module with pin header, so there's no soldering for you to do. Includes a variety of electronics components.
Tutorials may be too advanced if you don't have coding experience. Some components may have sporadic problems.
Throwback introductory chemistry set that walks students through the basics.
Kit features 28 simple chemistry experiments. Includes topics like acids and bases and states of matter. Clearly written instruction manual. Comes with beakers, goggles, and more.
Requires some chemicals that are not included.
Guides teens through the process of building a doorbell, electronic dice, motion sensor alarm, and more.
Comes with microprocessor, light sensor, speaker, jumper wires, and much more to build 50 circuitry projects. Detailed instruction guide. Includes real wiring, unlike some competitors. May be most attractive to younger end of teen spectrum.
Wire components are inconsistent. Some are too tight to easily install without damaging; others are too loose and don't make a secure connection.
Program this pint-sized robotic ball for your own version of fun once you're done with its built-in games and moves.
Ping-pong ball-size version of larger, pricier robot ball. Equipped for simple coding commands, or you can program it using JavaScript once you download the educational app. Pre-programmed for driving through obstacle course and playing basic games.
Verify device compatibility before purchase. Occasional problems connecting and charging.
Abstract physics concepts come to life with this hands-on structural building kit.
Build bridges, skyscrapers, and more. A practical way to learn physics concepts like load, tension, force, and compression. More than 280 pieces. Instructions for 20 projects.
Anchor pins are challenging to remove from assembled projects when it's time to build another.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Whether you'd like your teenage son or daughter to excel in school or they are just searching for a challenging new hobby, a learning kit is a great solution. These affordable products are fun, engaging, and educational, and they can help prepare young adults for success in life beyond high school.
The best learning kits focus on an aspect of science or technology that already interests your teen, whether it's chemistry, biology, coding, or robotics. The kit should be age-appropriate and versatile enough to keep your teen engaged by offering multiple projects.
Discover how a learning kit for your teen can help them have a better chance for a brighter future. You will also find out what features to look for in a quality kit.
When looking for a learning kit for a teen, you have to be careful not to accidentally purchase something that is too young for the intended user. If a teen gets a kit that has "For ages 5 to 12" emblazoned across the box in primary colors, there's a good chance it will never be opened. Even something that is designated "For ages 8 to 13" may be pushing it. You want to purchase something that is clearly manufactured for an individual who is no longer a child and definitely does not want to be considered one.
Learning kits focus on the sciences, from geology to coding. There’s something out there for your teen regardless of which science they’d like to explore. Just make sure to consult with them first and know their interests before buying. If you purchase a climatology learning kit for your son or daughter and they are into robotics, you will most likely be making a return in the near future.
Alternatively, a suitable learning kit might focus on a topic that is giving your child trouble in school. For example, if your student is struggling at school with earth sciences, maybe getting that climatology kit wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
If you purchase a learning kit for a teen with only one project, it had better be a doozy. If not, the kit may only last a day or two, and your teen probably won't learn much from completing it. In most cases, you want a versatile learning kit that provides the option to build a number of items or perform a number of experiments. The exception is a learning kit with fewer projects that are lengthy in nature. Any kit where something is grown, whether it's crystals or plants, would be an example of this.
Some learning kits are starter kits that have components or more advanced modules that can be added at a later date. The benefit of a kit like this is that it can literally grow with your teen.
If your teen can build a video game, a drone, or a doorbell camera from scratch, that will definitely make an impact on their learning. The ability to create something with everyday applications day will help them see how science is used in everyday life. What’s more, it will help them develop confidence. If you get the right kit, you won't ever hear, "Yeah, but when am I going to use this in real life?"
While it is essential to learn how to follow an extended series of detailed instructions to accomplish a specific task, it’s just as important to have a little flexibility. The best learning kits offer specific experiments and projects that can later be modified by the individual after they understand the basic concepts that are involved.
You can find learning kits for teens for less than $10 or more than $200.
It is entirely possible to purchase a learning kit for under $10. However, these kits usually include only one project. The parts may not be durable, and there’s a chance the kit would be too simplistic for your teen.
This is the sweet spot. From $25 to $50, you can find learning kits for teens that offer a larger number of projects or experiments. These are not one-and-done kits. The individual components are often more durable, and depending on the type of kit you purchase, it may be expandable.
You can find some pretty nifty learning kits in the $100 to $200 price range. These are recommended for serious teens who have already found success with projects in the mid-range area. Typically, these learning kits focus on coding, electronics, or robotics.
A. There has been a great deal of research done on learning, and hands-on activities are shown to be one of the most effective modes of learning. For example, a person who listens to a lecture about electronics might only retain 5% of what they heard. A person who reads a book about the same topic might retain twice that, about 10%. But a person who builds a motion-sensing alarm could retain 75% of what they learned when building the device. Learning by doing is simply a more effective strategy for retaining information.
A. No. A huge misconception about "growing up" is that we require less play time as we mature. It is essential to have hobbies and activities that we enjoy, no matter what age we are. As long as the learning kit engages the teen in a positive or challenging way, it’s beneficial.
A. While there are learning kits that contain potentially hazardous elements such as chemicals, electricity, or sharp objects, as long as the directions are read and followed and the materials are handled properly, they should not be dangerous. However, if a teen misuses kit materials or a younger child wants to be challenged with a kit that is recommended for older users, a responsible adult should supervise.
A. Although science is the primary focus of a learning kit, the best kits encourage creativity and innovative thinking. While there will be no knowing for sure until they try it, the right learning kit could be the key that opens a whole new world of wonder for your teen.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.