Less than 10 days until Christmas, and we're all trying to get our shopping done.  Right now, I still have to get something for one of my granddaughters.  She's 16, and absolutely LOVES science.  Especially Chemistry and Physics.  I'd like to find her something neat for Christmas.  

Did you buy any Science-related gifts this year, and does anyone have any ideas for me?

Kerbal Space Program maybe? If you're unfamiliar it's a computer "game" that's more like a NASA simulator with real physics and such. It's pretty sweeeeet, and manages to be a totally fun game while teaching the player far more about orbital mechanics and rocketry than would be learned in, say, high school.

16? Easy, internal combustion engine. 

Biochemistry, a years supply of BC. 

Chem and Physics that's fun for the whole family, pick up Abbie Hoffman's "Steal This Book".

Potassium ?

Rail gun ?

Okay Pretend I know nothing about science. (It shouldn't be hard, it's true!) what is a combustion engine, and what can you do with it?

(The Space Program is a great idea.. unfortunately someone else is already getting it for her. This is what I get for waiting for the last minute to do my Christmas shopping)

A good telescope (for a 16-year-old) could be a great gift.

Depending on your budget, there are a ton of day camps that have cool classes for geeky kids.

(December 16, 2016 at 3:26 pm)Shell B Wrote: A good telescope (for a 16-year-old) could be a great gift.

Oh yes, great idea. For generation Hubble, it's important to manage expectations when it comes to deep sky objects, so it would make sense to buy a slower telescope that is good for planets and the moon. It really depends with kids whether they are the type that finds it so fascinating to see things themselves live that that makes up for the relatively unspectacular views in observations by eye compared to what you find on the internet-if you know what I mean. Of course, if they are into science, one can go beyond just observing nice views and do some actual science to some degree, e.g. tracking the moons of jupiter, looking for comets etc.

What about a Blue Light Forensic Kit? It sounds like something that might be fun, and she's really into forensics. Not sure if they work well, and couldn't find any reviews.

I'd go with Telescope, but my daughter's getting her that too (and a microscope). Yeah, she's going to be spoiled. (It is their first Christmas together though).

(December 16, 2016 at 3:20 pm)Divinity Wrote: Okay Pretend I know nothing about science.  (It shouldn't be hard, it's true!) what is a combustion engine, and what can you do with it?  

(The Space Program is a great idea.. unfortunately someone else is already getting it for her.  This is what I get for waiting for the last minute to do my Christmas shopping)

An internal combustion engine is a motor, ya know, that thing in the front of most cars. 16=car.

Ah, the joke is never really that funny once explained, is it.

(December 16, 2016 at 4:12 pm)mh.brewer Wrote:

(December 16, 2016 at 3:20 pm)Divinity Wrote: Okay Pretend I know nothing about science.  (It shouldn't be hard, it's true!) what is a combustion engine, and what can you do with it?  

(The Space Program is a great idea.. unfortunately someone else is already getting it for her.  This is what I get for waiting for the last minute to do my Christmas shopping)

An internal combustion engine is a motor, ya know, that thing in the front of most cars. 16=car.

Ah, the joke is never really that funny once explained, is it.

I dunno, I thought that was pretty funny