5 Awesome Thames & Kosmos Solar Power Kit Projects

1. Solar Race Car STEM Kit: Build & Learn Sustainable Energy

Fun, easy assembly, solar-powered, STEM learning—a great gift!

About 12.60 USD

Unleash your inner engineer with the Thames & Kosmos Solar Race Car STEM Experiment Kit! This exciting kit lets you build a sleek, battery-free race car powered entirely by the sun's energy. Featuring durable, snap-together plastic pieces and a cleverly engineered gear system for impressive speed, assembly is easy and fun. Learn about photovoltaic technology and sustainability as you construct your solar-powered vehicle; the included solar panel converts sunlight into electrical energy, bringing the science to life. Complete with clear, illustrated instructions, this educational kit is a perfect gift for ages 8 and up, even making Purdue University's 2023 INSPIRE Engineering Gift Guide. Experience the thrill of sustainable speed!

The Thames & Kosmos Solar Race Car STEM Experiment Kit provides a fun and educational experience for children. This engaging kit is surprisingly easy to assemble, typically taking around 20-30 minutes, with clear, illustrated instructions that make the process enjoyable for both parents and children. The pieces fit together smoothly, resulting in a charming solar-powered car that runs solely on sunlight, offering a unique learning opportunity about solar energy. While some users noted minor assembly challenges (like aligning gears) and the car's fragility, these were easily overcome. The solar car's small size is a positive for younger children, and the ability to control the car's movement by shading the solar panel adds to the fun. Overall, this kit is highly recommended as a great gift for sparking interest in STEM, providing countless hours of playtime and valuable teachable moments.

2. Solar Rovers STEM Kit: Build 5 Sun-Powered Vehicles (Ages 8+)

A fun STEM kit, but assembly and motor issues abound.

About 19.95 USD

Unleash your inner engineer with the Thames & Kosmos Solar-Powered Rovers STEM Experiment Kit! This award-winning kit (Parents' Choice Gold Award winner) lets you build five amazing solar-powered vehicles and devices – from speedy solar cars to a fascinating solar robot and a whirring solar fan – all using lightweight bamboo rods, durable plastic gears, and a powerful solar panel. Explore the principles of solar energy through engaging experiments detailed in the 16-page, full-color manual. Perfect for ages 8+, this kit combines fun model building with hands-on learning about renewable energy, making it an ideal gift for budding scientists and inventors. Discover the amazing capabilities of solar power with this exciting STEM activity!

My grandson absolutely loved this STEM building kit! He was thrilled to receive it as a gift. While some reviewers mentioned assembly challenges (a few noted that some bamboo pieces were slightly thinner than expected, requiring a bit more patience), the final product is a fun and engaging project. The solar-powered motor, while requiring bright light for optimal performance (best results in summer sunlight or with a strong artificial light source), adds a fascinating element to the creative process. The design encourages imaginative play and problem-solving skills, proving to be a worthwhile experience overall. The kit is perfect for developing fine motor skills and sparking an interest in engineering principles; a truly enjoyable experience for the right child.

3. SunBots 8-in-1 Solar Robots STEM Kit: Build 8 cool solar robots.

About 21.06 USD

Unleash your inner engineer with Thames & Kosmos SunBots! This 8-in-1 STEM kit lets you build eight amazing solar-powered robots, from a drumming bot to a speedy racer, all without batteries. Harness the power of the sun with the included solar panel and explore the fascinating world of solar energy. The 48-page, full-color manual guides you through assembly, offering fun facts and showcasing real-world applications of solar technology. Experiment with different robot designs, learn about renewable energy, and discover the limitless potential of SunBots – a perfect blend of fun and education.

4. Physics Solar Workshop Science Kit

Fun, educational solar-powered building kit; kids love it!

About 27.08 USD

Unleash your inner engineer with the Thames & Kosmos Physics Solar Workshop (V 2.0)! This engaging science kit (for ages 8+) features 142 pieces to build five awesome solar-powered models, including a Solar Bug and Solar Rover. Learn how photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity, powering your creations directly or via rechargeable batteries (included). Through ten experiments detailed in the 48-page, full-color manual, explore concepts like gear ratios (affecting the Solar Bug's movement) and weight optimization (crucial for the Solar Rover). Compatible with other Thames & Kosmos kits, this educational powerhouse fosters STEM learning by combining hands-on building with a deeper understanding of solar energy technology.

This fantastic solar-powered building kit is a hit with kids and adults alike! Reviewers consistently praised the pristine condition of the product upon arrival and the sheer fun of building the various models (five different models and ten experiments are possible!). The included instructions and accompanying materials are highly engaging, making it a truly informative and enjoyable experience. Parents loved watching their children build and experiment, noting the ease of assembly, even for smaller hands. The kit's compatibility with the solar panel, which actually charges the rechargeable batteries, is a significant plus, delivering both educational value and hands-on fun. While some found the price a bit high, the positive feedback on the high-quality construction, the effective solar cell (though one commenter experienced an issue), and the overall engaging experience far outweigh any concerns. Consider this a fantastic gift – it's a memorable, fun, and educational experience that provides hours of entertainment! Think of it as a superior alternative to similar kits like K'Nex Solar Education sets, offering a fully functional solar component and a more enjoyable building experience.

5. SolarBots 8-in-1 Solar Robot STEM Kit: Build 8 robots, learn solar energy.

Fun, educational solar robots—build, learn, and play!

About 26.95 USD

Highly rated
• Buildability
• Fun for kids
• Solar power

Some controversy about
• Ease of assembly
• Functionality
• Size
• Build quality
• Pieces size

Unleash your inner engineer with the Thames & Kosmos SolarBots 8-in-1 Solar Robot STEM Kit! This 194-piece kit lets you build eight amazing solar-powered robots – from a drumming Major to a tumbling Armie – using only the power of the sun (no batteries needed!). Learn about solar energy and its applications while constructing these quirky, fun robots like the Zoomer race car and Bronto the dinosaur. The included 48-page, full-color manual guides assembly and explores scientific principles. Suitable for ages 6+ (with adult help) and 9+ (independent building), SolarBots offers a hands-on, engaging introduction to STEM concepts, making learning fun and educational. A 2021 finalist for The Toy Association’s Construction Toy Of The Year Award.

The Thames & Kosmos SolarBots 8-in-1 Solar Robot STEM Experiment Kit is a fantastic way to introduce children (and adults!) to the wonders of solar power and robotics. This engaging kit allows for the construction of eight different robots, each with unique mechanical movements, like the popular rolling Armadillo. The easy-to-follow instructions make building a breeze, and the satisfaction of watching your creation come to life in sunlight (or under a bright bulb) is undeniable. Kids will learn about solar energy in a fun, hands-on way, fostering a love for STEM principles. While some users mentioned the need for adult assistance with the smaller parts and the time-consuming process of removing pieces from the mold frames, the overall consensus points to a highly enjoyable and educational experience. The multiple build options ensure lasting playtime value, making this a worthwhile investment for $15-20, particularly given the long-term engagement it provides, as evidenced by one user's report of their child still using it a year later. The SolarBots kit is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and creative play.