MMS-009 Inorganic/Organic Chemistry Molecular Model, Student Set (52 atom parts)

I purchased this set for my 8 year old son. With the understanding that I could not teach him anything about Chemistry. Ha, ha. I'm not one of those parents trying to cultivate a genius. He's just into some science programs right now where the host was playing with molecules and he decided it looked like fun and asked for something so he could make his own models. I thought it would be a good addition to our line-up of "learning toys." I did not want some kind of disposable styrofoam and wooden dowel set. This kit has seen daily use since we received it about a week ago (without my prompting) and is standing up well. It is difficult at times for my son to get the bond sections in all the way on the atoms, but as we are working on his communication skills and learning that it is always okay to request help (even if the help is just verbal guidance on how to complete a task on his own), this is more of a boon than a bother. My son is apt to become non-verbal in certain stressful situations (like in a classroom full of kids). I can see this kit lasting and growing with my sons interest in the sciences, even if it may get shelved for extended periods of time. A worthwhile investment for stimulating a developing mind.

Sometimes just having something like this kit around pays for itself. Originally I purchased this for our Home School Chemistry class, but it didn't take much time for the children to figure out that this was just as much fun as a toy. My son got it out and started making chemical models from the enclosed directions. Then my husband got involved and started discussing opposing forces and how the molecule would contort itself . I didn't have to force anyone to use it, it came very naturally. It is well built. The models are easy enough for my 13 year old to make. I am proud of this purchase and will be buying another so we can make larger models. This kit is fine for beginning chemistry- small molecules and up to a 6- carbon chain. After that you need more atoms and will need a larger kit. Although- just buying two of these would suit our purposes.

It doesn't matter whether you're a chemistry student or teacher, a parent trying to sneak a bit of nerdishness into the toy box, a full-grown geek looking for quality desk toys, or someone struggling to visualize structural complexities, this can help. There's plenty here to get started with inorganic or organic chem, including thinks like multiple bonds, stereoisomers, cis vs trans isomers, and more. You could always ask for more of everything in a kit like this - so, if you need more, you'll get more, and this will work well with all the new parts (as long as it's the same product line).Great kit, no matter how you choose to use it.-- wiredweird

A great selection of bond types and angles, plenty to really grasp your VESPR theory in a visusal manner. You might not have enough to make every bond type out there, but most of them are covered. People always want more carbons, and there are only 6, but you can always use some of the other colors as carbons if the bond angles are correct. Otherwise I've no complaints with the amount of molecules you can make with the set.So why 4/5 stars? Because the set is very difficult to put together and take apart at first. Each piece takes a great deal of force to snap together, almost painfully so, then just as much force to pull apart. After a few times the pieces get a little easier to use, but then they feel like they might not hold as well afterwords. The pieces have all held so far, but I don't know that the set would stand up well to years and years of use. One student going through several chem college courses should be fine with this set.The big advantages to this set? it's small and light and fits into a bookbag easily. I brought these to class the day we VESPR models in lab class, instead of using the "Jacks and straws" that the school had, and the teacher ended up using it for her lecture demonstration because it was such a better visusal representation.Finally, the price. You can spend a lot of money and get the same quality, or you could spend the same amount and find you didn't get the range this has. Of all I've looked at, this is the best balance of both worlds.

This molecular set is perfect for anyone learning about molecules. I am currently in a organic chemistry class right now, and being able to visualize the molecules really helped me.The pieces of this set lock together very well. In fact, that is the only downside. When you go to take them apart, you better be strong.Also, 3B could have included more carbons and a bigger box.

The package arrived as expected and contained everything as expected. However, the bond link pieces are extremely difficult to insert into the element pieces. The holes aren't quite big enough to accommodate the link pieces and I have to struggle to get them into place, having to press really hard with my thumb. It takes a silly amount of time to put a simple molecule together (a big issue during a timed Inorganic exam) and my thumb literally hurts every time. Not sure if this is a funky batch or what, but this is such a simple design there's no reason it should be like this.

Very helpful tool for organic chemistry. Would definitely recommend. Great value for your money, easy to work with and a wonderful visual aid for beginners!

What geek doesn't like making molecules out of little plastic orbs. They snap together tightly and look just like the ones you had in high school chemistry. Good for overloading young children with science. Take it easy Dad, I just want to know that H2O is water. Why 4 stars? Jeez man, they're only plastic balls for crying out loud, they don't assemble themselves or anything like that.