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Magic Materials! (or is it Science?)

£12.95

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 temperature

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.

You might also like:

Thermometer

Pipettes

Syringes

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Snake shed pendants with educational video to meet our snake!

£13.95 - £15.95

Real, naturally-shed snake skin, handcrafted into a silver-plated pendant with video link to meet the snake and learn about ecdysis (skin-shedding).

Available as a silver-plated pendant only, or 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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Chemistry decoration with educational video

£6.95

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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SnaKey Rings with educational video to meet our snake!

£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

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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