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I am a big fan of toys for kids that make them figure stuff out. Or have a wow factor. Or both. It seems like every toy seems to go ‘blinky blinky blinky’ and requires very little actual PLAY by children.
- There are about 15 Jelly Marbles in this little cup–totally transparent!
Before I called the kids over, I let some of the Jelly Marbles sit in a clear cup for about 4 hours. Then, I had my scientists (ages 10,7, and 3) stick their fingers in the cup. Since the Jelly Marbles expand and become absolutely transparent, imagine their surprise!
The 3 yo and 7 yo mixing colors for the Jelly Marbles to absorb. Fun!
(Note: the kidlets say that the Jelly Marbles feel like eyeballs. I asked them how they knew what a bowl of eyeballs felt like…..but they’re right. :) We did several of the activities in the guide, but I think lots of fun was had just by handling the Jelly Marbles, squishing them, and wondering why the heck they disappear in water. Everytime someone went by the bowl, they’d say, “That is so cool.”
From an educational viewpoint, there are lots of things to talk about; refraction, movement of water and dye (when you use the included coloring tablets), and then watched amazed as the marbles returned to their original size after drying out over several days.
Why this toy is so fun Not much catches kids by surprise these days, but the grownups and kids alike loved this and repeatedly came back to the bowl with the marbles in it. It makes them ask lots of questions (which Steve answers most of in the handy instruction guide).
Things to know The waiting time in-between steps takes several hours, so this is a fun activity for over several days (snow days, winter break, vacation). Make sure you take the marbles out and look at them when they are expanding—so cool to see how the shapes it takes on! My fav was the raspberry shape.
The official recommendation is for ages 6 and up with adult supervision (adults, don’t hog the Jelly Marbles). Littler kids will love it, too (3 and up), but you gotta keep an eye on them and not leave them where curious little hands will grab them.
Best for: families who like to hang out and see cool stuff together. Invite some neighbor kids over and dare them to reach into the bowl of Jelly Marble water! ‘Cause spreading joy is what this season is all about. Hee… :)
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How fun!! It sounds like your kids are really getting into it.
Melissa, Your recommendation has tempted me to look into this. We are definitely a family that likes looking at cool things together and you are so right when you say it is difficult to catch a kid by surprise!
Melissa,
It sounds like a lot of fun. I’m sure my 4.5 year old will love to play with the Jelly marbles. He likes science activities….
Cheers!
How cool is that?! Oh wait, no batteries required? I’m in love!
I love things that kids can figure out! My girls would love the marbles!
Oh, Oh, we love science!
I love it! Invite us over for a look… :)
We love Steve Spangler at our house too. The jelly marbles sound like such fun. :)
The parental units liked the jelly marbles as much as the kids did.
Found your blog from our local homeschool email loop here in NC and I’m so glad! Love the Spangler science site – thanks for sharing it. Now…off to read more of your posts!
ooh, looks like fun!
So excited to try out some of the things from Spangler’s site! Thanks for the review :)
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