Best molecular model kits
Molecular Model Kits are one of the things you see when you imagine science. Complex models made of colored balls and little connectors is an enduring image for anyone not in the scientific community.
Aside from looking good, these kits also help young people understand the structure of molecules and lets them explore chemistry without the risk of acid and mess. We got our hands dirty with some of the best kits around to bring you our recommendations.
Organic Chemistry Model Kit (239 Pieces)
Simple but effective
This set has 239 pieces and is the happy middle ground for price and molecule count. It's a great way to get started without spending lots of money right out of the gate.
The color-coded balls let you create endless different molecular combinations and the bonds and balls are coded per the industry standard.
Atomic Architect Molecular Model Kit
Perfect for a young scientist
This set is the smallest in the group with just 125 pieces, but it's the perfect size for a youngster just starting to understand molecular biology. There are upgrade kits as well, of course, so if your child catches the molecule bug you can add some more ball and bonds to give them even more choice.
RELIANCER 444PCS Organic and Inorganic Modeling set
You can make almost anything
As we all know bigger isn't always better, but in the case of the Reliancer 444 piece molecular kit, it definitely is. Having so many pieces not only allows you to create more complex molecules, it opens you up to be able to create Fullerene models as well. This makes the set especially helpful college students who are studying more complex biochemistry.
Thames & Kosmos Happy Atoms
A more interactive kit
The Happy Atoms kit is a very small set and is made a little differently than the other kits in this list. The big advantage with it though comes from its connectivity. Happy Atoms has a special mat, that when tied to an iOS or Android app, will let you scan the molecule you have made in the physical world and learn more about it in the digital one.
Molymod miniDNA
Technically not a molecule
OK, maybe this isn't exactly a molecular chemistry kit, but it awesome. This small set lets you build a copy of DNA to have in your room as an inspiration. The model is coded to show each of the nitrogenous bases, pentagonal sugar, and pyramidal phosphate that make up the DNA in your body that makes you so unique.
Build your success
Having a physical object that depicts an abstract idea is incredibly helpful if you are trying to learn a subject. Anyone who has had to learn about atoms, molecules, or DNA for that matter, knows that being able to see them in three dimensions can make all the difference to your understanding.
Any of these sets would be great for learners who need a visual representation but the Organic Chemistry Model Kit by Old Nobby is the place to start. It has enough different bonds and chemicals for any student, young and old, and though it doesn't have as many as the 444 pieces from RELIANCER, it has ample to start you off right.
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By Tim Danton