The Elenco range (snap circuit guys) includes robotic sets (with and without soldering), a very cool detectolab for forensics kinda stuff, chemical crystal growing kits, microscopes etc.
My favourite combo thus far is a microscope with the USBORNE book on how to use a microscope. fabulous combo gift
Another one is to get different experiment books - start with basic kitchen science and then move on to chemistry. What about building a magnets kit?
I find that it's often in putting these things together that the kids find so much joy!
Try subscribing to superchargedscience.com newsletter - you get some free experiments and links, and special offers for science curriculum dvd's that are quite fabulous - kid watches the video clip, gathers the materials required and does the experiment. They ahve online classes as well that are sometimes offered for free.
We will one day buy their full curriculum, but for now we have enough to go on with our snap circuits, our freebies every now and then, a microscope, dissecting kit and a bunch of science books.
Also check out steve spangler science website.
