Decoration with education!
Handmade decorations and carefully selected STEM gifts to inspire and educate
FREE delivery
on all orders over £12 (and SnaKey Rings!)
on all orders over £12 (and SnaKey Rings!)
SnaKey Rings (+free postage option)
£6.99 - £8.99
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.
Bespoke: Send your own snake shed! (adds £2 to price)
If you have your own snake and would like to send its shed skin to be captured in a SnaKey Ring, just select the "Bespoke" option below. Shortly after purchase you'll receive an email with instructions for safely sending your shed skin with a short form to complete (please check your spam folder, you'll need to print the attachment and send your shed in it). You'll be able to indicate your colour choice for each SnaKey Ring on the form and if you'd like a colour not listed here you can let us know on the form and we'll do our best to find a match. Your skin will be returned to you as a beautiful SnaKey Ring!
Please note that you'll need to post (at your own cost) a flat section of shed skin measuring min. 10cm x 5cm. Providing the skin is flat, in good condition and of approximately the given size this should be possible with any age or species of snake. If you can't provide a piece that size let us know the largest you can send and we'll see if it might work. If the shed you send can't be used, we will of course refund your SnaKey Ring payment. Sparking STEM can take no responsibility for your posted skins and recommend obtaining proof of postage.
Your bespoke SnaKey Ring takes a while to make as there are several steps involved in preparing and capturing the skin, please allow an estimated ten days between the day we receive your shed skin and dispatch of your SnaKey Ring to you.
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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Science decoration: Conical flask
£5.45
Conical flask resin model of the beautiful 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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Science decoration set (free postage)
£19.95
Only a few left!
Colourful chemical reactions carefully replicated as hand-crafted models with videos demonstrating the actual chemistry that inspired them!
These tiny models are made with real laboratory glassware and make beautiful, sparkly plant or Christmas decorations, desk ornaments and more...
Perfect to inspire and educate children, or anyone who loves science!
Specifications
- Included is one set of four different models, representing four chemistry practicals (potassium permanganate diffusion, cabbage pH indicator, lead II nitrate + potassium iodide precipitation and Benedict's reagent test for simple sugars).
- Each set comes with QR codes that link to online videos where we demonstrate the actual chemistry that inspired each decoration. Decoration with education!
- Dimensions: test tubes ~7.5cm long, conical flask height ~6cm, beaker height ~3.8cm
- Weight: the lightest decoration weighs ~10grams and the heaviest is only 32grams.
- 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, these are models only and do 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 (using only recycled and recyclable, plastic-free packaging).
VAT is already included.
The price you see is the price you pay!
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Gift Voucher
£10.00 - £100.00
Surprise someone special with a Gift Voucher that can be used for any Sparking STEM purchase!
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.
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.
Pocket LED Microscope
£18.00
Compact, robust and full of "Wow" factor!
How might I use this?
I've used these microscopes with students in the field many times and they have proven themselves to be durable, easy to carry around and full of "Wow" factor! Perfect for inquisitive minds both indoors and out.
Weighing just 68 grams and measuring only 10cm in length, these tiny pocket microscopes are easy to pop in your bag or store in the home. You can change the focus from x60 to x120 with a simple sliding mechanism, which means that once you've got your view fixed on something it's easy to zoom in or out so long as you keep the microscope held steady. In this way, it's easier to use than a traditional microscope where you would have to change lens to be able to investigate your specimen in more detail. WIth a little practice, it's easy to delve into the microscopic world with a simple slide of the thumb and a roll of the focus wheel. I've found that this makes it particularly intuitive for younger children to really understand what they are seeing and tap in to their natural curiosity.
The LED illumination makes it easy to see what you're looking at regardless of your environment. Whether you're in a shady wood, a dark room or in bright sunlight you'll be able to see you specimen easily.
The magnification capacity is amazing for something so small and compact. You can easily see the fibres of paper or cloth and with a little practice, you can see the scales of a human hair and make out the cells in a leaf. It's not so great for looking at larger, moving organisms like ants or woodlice as the movement makes it hard to focus, but if you want to study stationary objects in great detail with a good quality image, or see that a drop of apparently empty pond water is actually a world of spinning, whizzing life, this could be just what you're looking for.
Specification
- Magnification: x 60 to x 120
- Weight: 68g
- Length: 10cm
- Requires 1 x AA battery (not supplied)
- LED illumination
- Aspheric lens provides improved clarity and reduced aberration of image
Supplied:
One pocket microscope in cardboard box.
(You'll need one AA battery to make it work)
What goes well with this?
Top tips! For the best view you'll need to place your specimen on a flat, stationary surface. If out and about you can use a driving license or similar to place under your specimen and keep it stationary against the microscope.
Costs
Free shipping if your order total is over £12, UK only
(£3.50 shipping if your order total is under £12, UK only)
No additional VAT, it's already included
Free postage on this item
Costs
No additional VAT, it's already included. No hidden costs.
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Bug viewer / magnifier
£6.50
Robust, good-sized, ventilated bug viewing bottle with 5X magnifying lid.
What is this good for?
I've tried out many bug viewing / magnifying bottles in the past and the vast majority have flimsy walls that crack easily and lenses that scratch in no time and become useless! These are robust and solid, and provided you clean them gently with non abrasive cloths, are more resistant to scratching than many I've tried. They are also a good size without being too bulky. Easy to pop in your pocket or rucksack but big enough to fit a large spider or stag beetle! Perfect for children (and adults) who'd like to take a closer look at the wonderful world of invertebrates!
Specification:
- 5x magnification lid
- micro ruler in base
- Height 65mm
- Ventilated
Supplied:
One bug viewer / magnifier bottle in sustainable packaging
What goes well with this?
Top tips!
To make these last as long as possible, keep in a sock or a cloth bag when out and about, to avoid scratching, and only clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive soap.
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Lab Starter Set
£25.95
Only a few left!
A great start to your home learning laboratory!
How might I use this?
This set of lab equipment has been carefully selected from years experience teaching science to young students. We know these tube stands are hard to topple and these safety specs are comfortable on young faces. Thermometers are always fragile, but these are less fragile than others! A great way to kick start your home-learning laboratory!
Supplied:
5 boiling tubes (glass, 150 x 24mm)
6 test tubes (glass, 130 x 15mm)
Z rack - tube holder (aluminium)
Thermometer and protective case (15cm, glass, -10/110 x 1°C)
3 disposable 3mL pipettes
"Slimline" safety specs - suitable for smaller heads! (Polycarbonate, conforms to EN 166 1F.)
What goes well with these?
Rubber bungs for boiling tubes
Online STEM! (Small group STEM tuition online)
Top tips!
Glassware s easily washed in a dishwasher or in soapy water.
Pipettes, rack, thermometer and safety specs can be easily washed in war, soapy water (take appropriate precautions if the have been used with chemicals).
Costs
Free shipping on this item (UK only)
No additional VAT, it's already included
No hidden costs
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Delivery, Cancellations, Refunds and Returns, Covid-19 policies
Wind / water mini generator turbine
£5.95
Hand-held miniature turbine that generates electricity and lights a small red LED light when you blow the blades or hold it under water (it's perfectly fine with getting wet!)
How might I use these?
These are great for teaching children about the possibilities of generating electrical energy from wind and water. With younger children they can experiment with trying different ways to turn the blades and get a feel for how much force is needed to light the light. They build an association between wind / water power and the possibility to harness sustainable energy sources to generate electricity. For older children these can be used for more quantifiable experiments to work out what flow rate, wind speed etc are needed to light the LED. Does the height water falls from affect the amount of energy released? Can they build a dam that will release water with enough energy to light the light? How fast does it have to move through air to light the light? The possibilities are endless!
Specification:
Length: 135mm
Weight: 9g (unpackaged)
Supplied:
One mini turbine in plastic free packaging
Top tips!
Dry thoroughly after using with water
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Hand warmer (re-useable and large!)
£5.99
Re-useabe gel handwarmer.
Larger than many, these hand warmers release loads of lovely heat to keep you warm and toasty. Simply flex the metal disc inside to release at least an hour of lovely heat!
How might I use these?
Great for warming hands when you're out in the cold (or in Outdoor STEM sessions!).
These are also great for using in experiments where you need a safe source of warmth, or simply to see an exothermic chemical reaction in process! The metal disc click triggers an exothermic (heat releasing) reaction: watch the crystallisation of the gel spread as it releases heat energy!
To reset and make it ready for use again, simply wrap in a tea towel and place in a pan of boiling water for about ten minutes until all the crystals are gone (detailed instructions are printed on the handwarmer).
Specification:
Unboxed dimensions:
Length: 13.5cm
Width: 9cm
Thickness: ~1.5cm
Weight: 194g (unpackaged)
Supplied:
One Re-useable gel handwarmer in cardboard box and sustainable packaging.
Top tips!
Wrap in a sock or glove and keep in a pocket to make the heat last longer.
These are also great tucked down a welly boot if you're prone to cold feet!
Delivery
Free to collect from Outdoor STEM sessions in Sheffield (term time only): simply choose this option at checkout).
Free delivery on orders over £12, or £3.50 if under.
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Field lens / magnifier : 30x magnification
£16.95
30x magnification field lens
What is this good for?
These are amazing for seeing anything up close! Fibres, insect eggs, the hooks that allow seeds to be animal dispersed, the print of a newspaper, the cracks in your skin.. the list is as endless as your child's fascination! Great for keeping kids entertained at a café table, on a train ride, hours of exploration on holiday without adding bulk to your luggage....
Why this particular field lens?
This is not your usual field lens. I have used many different lenses with students over the years and most never last long. They soon become loose, rivets come undone, screws get lost, they quickly become useless. I wanted field lenses that could cope with being outdoors, that could be simply tightened when they become loose and wouldn't easily rust. Finally, I found these.
German-made, high magnification with a good quality lens, made of aluminium alloy so they're lightweight but robust, easily tightened. These are the only field lenses I would recommend.
Specification:
30x magnification field lens
Aluminium alloy casing
Glass lens
weight (unpackaged) ~17.7g
Supplied:
One field lens in cardboard box
What goes well with this?
Top tips!
Ensure these are stored fully dry. Tighten with a small screwdriver if they ever start to feel a little loose. Keep in a cloth pouch (just cut the toe off an old sock) and have one in your bag / pocket wherever you go. Great for keeping kids entertained at a café table, on a train ride, hours of exploration on holiday without adding bulk to your luggage....
Free postage on this item. No hidden costs.
No additional VAT, it's already included.
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Dual light microscope + accessories + lesson
£98.00
Sold out
Why this microscope?
A note from Amanda (Owner of Sparking STEM)
I've been using microscopes since the 1990s and teaching children to use them since 2010. Over the years I have tried (and returned) many microscopes as they have either not provided a good enough quality image for children to feel inspired, or have been flimsy and too difficult for children to keep steady whilst viewing. Many have not been robust enough to cope with transport or outdoor work. This model is now always my first choice to use with children and for my own personal use. Its robust metal casing makes it sturdy enough to use without wobbling, without being so bulky you can't easily transport or handle it. It can run from the mains or by batteries, making it great for taking outdoors. The objective lenses and eyepiece lenses provide a clear and large enough view to be great for inspiring and teaching, at the same time as providing high enough magnification and resolution to see structures suitable for teaching biology up to GCSE level. The dual light function means you don't have to choose between having an optical microscope or stereo, this does both, meaning that you can use it to view thin specimens such as cells on slides, or large opaque structures such as moss, coins, stones and so much more. Unlike many similar microscopes, it has both coarse and fine focus wheels, allowing a much finer control when looking at highly magnified images. There are two features in particular that I find really helpful for supporting children with microscopy: The eyepiece has a pointer needle, so that you can direct a viewer to see what you want them to see, and the 360 degree rotating turret means that you can easily turn the eyepiece to show someone else what you're looking at without risking jogging your specimen and having to start all over again. There are many other features that help this microscope to work well for all ages, such as the dimmable transmitting light, rotating light condenser and spring-mounted stage clips which keep your sample steady. All in all, if you want a microscope that will serve your family in their home-education journey from a young age all the way up to GCSE for education and for all ages to enjoy, you really couldn't want more than this provides. As well as including all the accessories you need to get you started, you will also receive a link (by email after purchase) to access a ~40 minute video lesson, where I'll show you how to look after your microscope, how to use it and how to set up and observe some simple slides to get you started on your microscopy journey.
Supplied:
- 1 Dual light microscope (see specification below)
- Introduction to microscopy lesson (see below)
- 2 Eyepiece lenses (10X, WF25X)
- Power cable (UK plug)
- 3 x AA batteries
- Dust cover
- 10 x plastic slides (great for younger children and outdoors)
- 5 x glass slides
- 20 x cover glasses
- 3 x pipettes
Specification:
- Monocular eyepiece at an ergonomic 45 degree angle on a fully rotating head - this allows you to easily show each other what you're looking at without disrupting the specimen
- 10x Eyepiece lens (Wide field)
- 25x Eyepiece lens (Wide field)
- Coarse and fine focus wheels
- Spring attached stage clips - helps with more controlled movement of the specimen
- 95mm x 95mm stage with rack stop - prevents slides being crushed by lenses
- Transmitted LED lower light source (for viewing thin specimens on slides)
- Three objective lenses (4x, 10x, 40x) giving a total magnification with the eyepiece lenses ranging from 40x to 1000x)
- Operating with by batteries (3 x AA included) or mains (100-240V, 50/60Hz UK plug)
- Weight: approx. 1.8kg
Video lesson: An introduction to microscopy
To help you to get started with your microscope you will receive access to a video lesson. This 38 minute video will show you how to use and care for your microscope. You'll be guided to prepare and observe two slides and to observe a solid object, such as moss, with the surface light. You'll learn the names of the microscope parts and learn how to use them to navigate and observe the details of your specimen. You may also learn a little cell biology along the way! All ages may benefit from this lesson. Younger children (around eight or younger) would certainly benefit from having an adult supporting.
You'll receive an email from Sparking STEM shortly after purchase (separate to your email receipt) with a link to view your video. If you have not received it within 48 hours please check your spam / junk folder and email info@sparkingstem.org if you can't find it.
Support
If you have any questions about your microscope or its use after purchase you can email info@sparkingstem for support.
What goes well with this?
Single cavity microscope slides
Triple cavity microscope slides
Packaging: Much as we completely hate any plastic, non recycled or non-recyclable packaging, at the moment the only way we can be sure to get this to you in perfect order is packed in a styrofoam box with some components in plastic bags as it comes directly from the supplier. We're looking into a better way!
Free postage on this item, VAT included. No hidden costs.
Warranty
This item is covered by warranty against manufacturing defects until 2027 (Excludes light bulbs, batteries and fuses).
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Delivery, Cancellations, Refunds and Returns, Covid-19 policies
FREE delivery
on all orders over £12
on all orders over £12
FREE postage on orders over £12
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!
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!
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