Magic Materials! (or is it Science?)
Amazing "Smart materials" that change like magic before your eyes!
Great for experiments, amazement and fun!
A letterbox size pack containing five smart materials with a QR code linking to our educational video for ideas, inspiration and information about the science behind how they work.
Includes FREE delivery
Introductory price, only £12.95
A perfect package for home experiments, parties, stocking fillers, birthdays, Christmas, or just for fun:
- Thermochromic pigment * changes colour with heat (colours may vary)
- Memory wire "remembers" it's straight when dropped in very hot water (90C)
- UV Beads: Ten photochromic beads that change colour in ultra violet / sun light, and ten phosphorescent beads that glow in the dark after exposure to light.
- Phosphorescent film glows brightly in the dark after exposure to light
- Thermochromic film changes colour according to temperatureÂ
Specification
- Thermochromic pigment *: (min. 1.5g) in a screw top, metal tin (colours may vary)
- Memory wire: 10cm length of nickel titanium alloy wire
- UV Beads: ten plastic beads that change colour in ultra violet light / sunlight and ten that glow in the dark when activated with ultra violet light / sunlight. Beads measure approx. 8mm in diameter, 6mm in height. The hole is approx. 3mm. Contained in a paper envelope.
- Phosphorescent film: Self adhesive backed, measuring approx. 5cm x 10cm
- Thermochromic film: Self adhesive backed, measuring approx. 5cm x 5cm
- All in a cardboard large letter sized box, with plastic-free packaging and QR code linking to our You tube video where you can find ideas and inspiration for activities and experiments as well as information about how they work.
* Please read the storage and safety information in your pack before use.
Postage is free
Free Royal Mail 2nd class large letter postage is included in the price.
Or collect in person for free from Outdoor STEM or Practical Science sessions in Sheffield, UK (only available during term time. (Select this option at checkout).
We only use recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
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Cosmic GLOW Coasters
Swirling, colourful coasters that GLOW in the dark!
Watch it GLOW!
Beautiful by day, glowing by night!
Let your cosmic GLOW coaster absorb light energy from the sun, a lamp, or an ultra violet bulb. The higher the light intensity, the more energy the phosphorescent pigment can absorb and the brighter it will glow when it releases the light energy in the dark! Each one comes with a helpful card (see photos).
Handmade
Each one is individually made by hand so has a completely unique pattern.
Colours
Available in four colours (see photos):
- Gold and red
- Gold and green
- Silver and purple
- Copper and blue
Make your selection from the drop down menu below.
Specification
Diameter: 85mm
Depth: approx. 8mm
Weight: 57 grams
Materials: Resin and pigments, silicone feet
Environmental considerations
Your coaster is sent to you in a recyclable cardboard box made of 59.9% recycled material. We use paper tape, not plastic.
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Silver necklace and snake-shed pendant, with educational video to meet our snake!
Only a few left!
Real, naturally-shed snake skin, handcrafted into a silver-plated pendant and chain, with video link to meet the snake and learn about ecdysis (skin-shedding).
- Cruelty free (Snakes naturally shed their skin every few months and our snake's shed 'skin' is recycled into these pendants (and matching bracelets, key rings, cord pendants and wrap bracelets)
- Handmade - captured in resin on hand-painted metallic background.
- Silver-plated pendant and chain (real silver, not silver-painted/coloured)
- Vegan suede pouch included - each comes in a soft, black, vegan suede pouch
- Educational (each comes educational video link card)
- Lead and Nickel-free.
Decoration with education!
Meet the snake whose skin is in your pendant, and learn about "Ecdysis", the process of skin-shedding!
Simply scan the QR code on the card that comes with your pendant and watch the video to learn about our beautiful pet corn snake and how, why and when she sheds her skin.
Each pendant is handmade and contains a unique section of real, naturally-shed skin from our pet corn snake (her name is Nagini). Corn snakes, like all snakes, naturally shed their skin several times a year (the process is called "Ecdysis") so that they can get rid of the old skin to reveal a beautiful new one underneath. It doesn't cause them any distress and the shed "skin" is simply discarded. Availability of our snake-shed range is limited by the rate our snake sheds her skin, so please be patient if stocks are low and let us know if you'd like us to let you know when your choice of colour is in stock, or if you'd like a colour that you don't currently see here.
Handmade and unique
Please note that as each one is handmade individually, there may be subtle variations from the photos. Each background is hand painted with metallic paint and the shed is captured in resin, which is carefully applied to each one to bring out the shimmer of the background with a robust finish. Each one is unique, but made with equal care and attention to detail.
Colours
Available in six colours (see photos), Green, Gold, Blue, Purple, Red and Copper). Make your selection from the menu below. If you'd like a colour you don't see here, let us know, it's just possible we may be able to help.
Specification
- Pendant: silver plated (lead and nickel free)
- Pendant diameter: 20mm
- Chain material: Silver plated (lead and nickel free, brass base)
- Chain length: 16 inches / 41cm 'Snake chain', approx. 1.85mm diameter.
- Weight: 9.8 grams
- Each one comes with video link card, and a soft. black (measuring 5x7cm)
Postage is free
Free Royal Mail postage included.
Or collect in person for free from Outdoor STEM or Practical Science sessions in Sheffield, UK (only available during term time. (Select this option at checkout).
We only use recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Environmental considerations
The snake skin has been naturally shed by a healthy and much-loved pet snake. Your item is sent to you in a recyclable cardboard box made of 59.9% recycled material. We use paper tape, not plastic.
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Silver bracelet and snake-shed pendant, with educational video to meet our snake!
Only a few left!
Real, naturally-shed snake skin, handcrafted into a silver-plated pendant and bracelet, with video link to meet the snake and learn about ecdysis (skin-shedding).
- Cruelty free (Snakes naturally shed their skin every few months and our snake's shed 'skin' is recycled into these pendants (and matching necklaces, key rings, cord pendant necklaces and wrap bracelets)
- Handmade - captured in resin on hand-painted metallic background.
- Silver-plated pendant and bracelet chain (real silver, not silver-painted/coloured)
- Vegan suede tie pouch included - each comes in a soft, black, vegan suede tie pouch
- Educational (each comes educational video link card)
- Lead and Nickel-free.
Decoration with education!
Meet the snake whose skin is in your pendant, and learn about "Ecdysis", the process of skin-shedding!
Simply scan the QR code on the card that comes with your pendant and watch the video to learn about our beautiful pet corn snake and how, why and when she sheds her skin.
Each pendant is handmade and contains a unique section of real, naturally-shed skin from our pet corn snake (her name is Nagini). Corn snakes, like all snakes, naturally shed their skin several times a year (the process is called "Ecdysis") so that they can get rid of the old skin to reveal a beautiful new one underneath. It doesn't cause them any distress and the shed "skin" is simply discarded. Availability of our snake-shed range is limited by the rate our snake sheds her skin, so please be patient if stocks are low and let us know if you'd like us to let you know when your choice of colour is in stock, or if you'd like a colour that you don't currently see here.
Handmade and unique
Please note that as each one is handmade individually, there may be subtle variations from the photos. Each background is hand painted with metallic paint and the shed is captured in resin, which is carefully applied to each one to bring out the shimmer of the background with a robust finish. Each one is unique, but made with equal care and attention to detail.
Colours
Available in six colours (see photos), Green, Gold, Blue, Purple, Red and Copper). Make your selection from the menu below. If you'd like a colour you don't see here, let us know, it's just possible we may be able to help.
Specification
- Pendant: silver plated (lead and nickel free)
- Pendant diameter: 20mm
- Chain material: Silver plated (lead and nickel free, brass base)
- Chain length: 7.5 inches / 19cm 'Snake chain', approx. 3.2mm diameter.
- Weight: 11.8 grams
- Each one comes with video link card, and a soft, black, vegan suede tie pouch (measuring 5x7cm)
Postage is free
Free Royal Mail postage included.
Or collect in person for free from Outdoor STEM or Practical Science sessions in Sheffield, UK (only available during term time. (Select this option at checkout).
We only use recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Environmental considerations
The snake skin has been naturally shed by a healthy and much-loved pet snake. Your item is sent to you in a recyclable cardboard box made of 59.9% recycled material. We use paper tape, not plastic.
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New! Wrap Bracelets with REAL snake-shed and educational video
Only a few left!
Real, naturally-shed snake skin, on a hand-painted, silver-plated, vegan suede wrap bracelet. With video link to meet the snake and learn about ecdysis (skin-shedding).
A silver-plated extender chain gives adjustable length.
- Cruelty free: Snakes naturally shed their skin every few months. Our corn snake's shed is recycled to make our Snake-shed jewellery range: cord pendant necklaces, silver chain necklaces, silver chain bracelets and key rings)
- Handmade - captured in resin on hand-painted metallic background.
- Silver-plated (with real silver, not silver-painted/coloured)
- Velvet pouch included - each wrap bracelet comes in a velvet pouch (colour-coordinated, as shown in photos, subject to availability)
- Educational (each comes educational video link card where you can meet our snake and learn all about her!)
- Lead and Nickel-free.
Decoration with education!
Meet the snake whose skin is in your jewellery, and learn about "Ecdysis", the process of skin-shedding!
Simply scan the QR code on the card that comes with your pendant and watch the video to learn about our beautiful pet corn snake and how, why and when she sheds her skin.
Each wrap bracelet is handmade and contains a unique section of real, naturally-shed skin from our pet corn snake (her name is Nagini). Corn snakes, like all snakes, naturally shed their skin several times a year (the process is called "Ecdysis") so that they can get rid of the outer layer of old skin to reveal a beautiful new one underneath. It doesn't cause them any distress and the shed "skin" is simply discarded. Availability of our snake-shed jewellery is limited by the rate our snake sheds. So please be patient if stocks are low and let us know if you'd like us to let you know when your choice of colour is in stock, or if you'd like a colour that you don't currently see here.
Colours
Available in six colours (see photos), Green, Gold, Blue, Purple, Red and Copper and each comes in a velvet pouch (colour coordinated, subject to availability). Make your selection from the menu below. If you'd like a colour you don't see here, let us know, it's just possible we may be able to help.
Handmade and unique
Please note that as each one is handmade individually, there may be subtle variations from the photos. Each background is hand painted with metallic paint and the shed is captured in resin, which is carefully applied to each one to bring out the shimmer of the background with a robust finish. Each one is unique, but made with equal care and attention to detail.
Specification
- Charm: silver plated (lead and nickel free)
- Clasps and extender chain: silver plated (lead and nickel free)
- Charm diameter: 12mm
- Pendant loop internal diameter is 2mm (fits a 1.5mm diameter cord or chain)
- Cord: faux suede (cruelty-free, vegan friendly)
- Total length: 65-70cm (adjustable with silver-plated extender chain)
- Each one comes with video link card, and a velvet, colour-coordinated, drawstring pouch (measuring 5x7cm)
Postage is free
Free Royal Mail postage included.
Or collect in person for free from Outdoor STEM or Practical Science sessions in Sheffield, UK (only available during term time. (Select this option at checkout).
We only use recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Environmental considerations
The snake skin has been naturally shed by a healthy and much-loved pet snake. Your jewellery is sent to you in a recyclable cardboard box made of 59.9% recycled material. We use paper tape, not plastic.
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Snake shed pendants on cord, with educational video to meet our snake!
Only a few left!
Real, naturally-shed snake skin, handcrafted into a silver-plated pendant with video link to meet the snake and learn about ecdysis (skin-shedding).
With waxed-cotton cord and fittings with extender chain.
- Cruelty free (Snakes naturally shed their skin every few months and our snake's shed is recycled into these pendants (and key rings)
- Handmade - captured in resin on hand-painted metallic background.
- Silver-plated pendant (real silver, not silver-painted/coloured)
- Velvet pouch included - each comes in a velvet pouch (colour-coordinated, as shown in photos, subject to availability)
- Educational (each comes educational video link card)
- Lead and Nickel-free.
Decoration with education!
Meet the snake whose skin is in your pendant, and learn about "Ecdysis", the process of skin-shedding!
Simply scan the QR code on the card that comes with your pendant and watch the video to learn about our beautiful pet corn snake and how, why and when she sheds her skin.
Each pendant is handmade and contains a unique section of real, naturally-shed skin from our pet corn snake (her name is Nagini). Corn snakes, like all snakes, naturally shed their skin several times a year (the process is called "Ecdysis") so that they can get rid of the old skin to reveal a beautiful new one underneath. It doesn't cause them any distress and the shed "skin" is simply discarded. Availability of these pendants (and the key ring version, SnaKey Rings) is limited by the rate our snake sheds her skin, so please be patient if stocks are low and let us know if you'd like us to let you know when your choice of colour is in stock, or if you'd like a colour that you don't currently see here.
Handmade and unique
Please note that as each one is handmade individually, there may be subtle variations from the photos. Each background is hand painted with metallic paint and the shed is captured in resin, which is carefully applied to each one to bring out the shimmer of the background with a robust finish. Each one is unique, but made with equal care and attention to detail.
Colours
Available in six colours (see photos), Green, Gold, Blue, Purple, Red and Copper and each comes in a velvet pouch (colour coordinated, subject to availability). Make your selection from the drop down menu below. If you'd like a colour you don't see here, let us know, it's just possible we may be able to help.
Specification
- Pendant: silver plated (lead and nickel free)
- Clasps and extender chain: metal alloy, (lead and nickel free)
- Pendant diameter: 18mm
- Pendant loop internal diameter is 2mm (fits a 1.5mm diameter cord or chain)
- Weight (pendant only): approx. 2.8g (as each is individually made there is very slight variation)
- Cord: waxed cotton (cruelty-free, vegan friendly)
- Cord length: ~37cm, extender chain gives the option of additional 45mm. Contact us if you would like a bespoke length, we may be able to help.
- Each one comes with video link card, and a velvet, colour-coordinated, drawstring pouch (measuring 5x7cm)
Postage is free
Free Royal Mail postage included.
Or collect in person for free from Outdoor STEM sessions in Sheffield, UK (only available during term time. (Select this option at checkout).
We only use recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Environmental considerations
The snake skin has been naturally shed by a healthy and much-loved pet snake. Your key ring is sent to you in a recyclable cardboard box made of 59.9% recycled material. We use paper tape, not plastic.
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SnaKey Rings with educational video to meet our snake!
Real, naturally-shed snake skin handcrafted into a keyring with video link to meet the snake and learn about ecdysis (skin-shedding).
Decoration with education!
Meet the snake whose skin is in your keyring, and learn about "Ecdysis", the process of skin-shedding!
Simply scan the QR code on the card that comes with your SnaKey Ring and watch the video to learn about our beautiful pet corn snake and how, why and when she sheds her skin.
Perfect for stocking fillers, party bags and gifts for animal lovers. These look great on keys, bags, pencil cases and so much more.
Each keyring is handmade and contains a unique section of real skin from our pet corn snake (her name is Nagini). Corn snakes, like all snakes, naturally shed their skin several times a year (the process is called "Ecdysis") so that they can get rid of the old skin to reveal a beautiful new one underneath. Availability of these key rings is limited by the rate our snake sheds her skin, so please be patient if stocks are low and let us know if you'd like us to let you know when your choice of colour is in stock, or if you'd like a colour that you don't currently see here.
Postage is free on Snakes Rings!
Simply choose the £0.00 option at checkout.
Or collect in person for free from Outdoor STEM sessions in Sheffield, UK (only available during term time. (Select this option at checkout).
We only use recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Handmade and unique
Please note that as each one is handmade individually, there may be subtle variations from the photos. Each background is hand painted with metallic paint and the shed is captured in resin, which is carefully applied to each one to bring out the shimmer of the background with a robust finish. Each one is unique, but made with equal care and attention to detail.
Colours
Available in six colours (see photos), Emerald, Gold, Aqua, Purple, Red and Copper. Make your selection from the drop down menu below. If you'd like a colour you don't see here, let us know, it's just possible we may be able to help.
Specification
Keyring diameter: 33mm
Depth: 5mm
Weight: 32g (one keyring)
Environmental considerations
The snake skin has been naturally shed by a healthy and much-loved pet snake. Your key ring is sent to you in tissue paper and a recyclable cardboard box made of 59.9% recycled material. We use paper tape, not plastic.
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Chemistry decoration with educational video
A sparkling model of the precipitation reaction between lead II nitrate and potassium iodide. It comes with a QR code linking to a video where you can watch the chemical reaction and learn all about it!
This tiny model is made with real laboratory glassware and makes a beautiful, sparkly plant or Christmas decoration, desk ornaments and more...
Perfect to inspire and educate children, or anyone who loves science!
Specifications
- Included is one model, representing the precipitation reaction between lead II nitrate + potassium iodide precipitation (also known as the "Golden Rain reaction")
- It comes with QR code that links to an online video where we demonstrate the actual chemistry that inspired it. Decoration with education!
- Dimensions: Conical flask height ~6cm
- Weight: 32grams (unboxed).
- Hand crafted: each one is unique but made with equal care and attention to detail, they may vary slightly from photos.
- Contains 100% plastic-free, biodegradable bio-glitter (see details below)
- Made of laboratory grade borosilicate glass which is more shock resistant and temperature resistant than ordinary glass
- Filled with epoxy resin
- Note, this is a model only and does not contain any of the actual chemicals described in the chemistry!
! Please note that as these are made with glass they are not recommended for young children and babies.
Glitter:
We use "Bio-Glitter". After much research it turns out that most "biodegradable glitters" are not so biodegradable after all (read more here). We use "Bio-glitter", which has been independently certified to biodegrade in normal conditions in the natural environment, including in fresh water. It is 100% plastic-free and is made from regenerated eucalyptus cellulose that is responsibly sourced.
Card and packaging:
Your set comes in plastic-free packaging and recycled card. We use paper not plastic tape.
No hidden costs
Postage and packing is FREE on orders over £12, and only £3.50 on orders under £12.
VAT is already included.
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Gift Voucher
Gift vouchers are delivered to the recipient by email and include instructions on how to redeem them at checkout. Gift cards can be used against any Sparking STEM online purchase including purchases from the Sparking STEM shop and any STEM tuition sessions (Online STEM, Outdoor STEM or Practical Support for IGCSE Science).
Our Gift Cards have no additional processing fees and never expire. They are delivered immediately by email and we hope soon to be able to add the option of selecting your delivery date.
on all orders over £15 (and SnaKey rings)
No hidden costs. VAT included, low prices and no need to source everything separately.
Eco-friendly packaging
We don't use plastics in our packaging. Only recyclable and biodegradable materials.
We reuse and repurpose packaging wherever possible to reduce our impact on the environment and help to keep our prices down. If you feel your package looks a little repurposed please take pleasure in the effort to reduce waste that you have supported!