Ravensburger ScienceX Maxi Prehistoric Expedition

Over the start of the holidays the boys were rather excited to be sent the Ravensburger ScienceX Maxi Prehistoric Expedition kit to review. Being boys and the product being dinosaurs they couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

My eldest is desperate to be a paleontologist and quite frankly this kit is perfect for it and for anyone with a love of science. Included in the box are 15 activities each taking you through a step in time of the dinosaurs. A booklet takes you through each activity step by step…

Using cut out photos create a timeline.

Use plaster cast to create a trilobite model.

Use plaster cast to create a Nautilus model.

Use plaster cast to create a Ichthoyostega model

Examine an ammonite fossil with magnifying glass.

Create an Ichthyosaurs model in plaster.

Excavate your own dinosaur fossil.

Use cut outs create a giant dragonfly model.

Make an Archeopteryx plaster model.

Create a T.Rex skeleton model in cardboard.

Hatch Triops.

Look after your own Triops.

Light experiments with the Triops.

Feeding experiments with Triops.

Harvest Triop eggs and start again!

As soon as the box was open the boys dived in and started creating the T.Rex skeleton. No following the book for us! The set is aimed for 8yrs+ and my eldest whose 9 dived straight in and needed to no help for most of this. The Triops we have put aside until we’re back from holiday as I don’t think the pet sitter envisaged looking after Triops as well as the chickens!

The T.Rex model was lovingly made and played with well and truly before they dived it to excavating the fossil. Do be warned it can get messy! Make sure they do this on a tray not on your freshly cleaned carpet…

We played with the kit over a series of days and each activity took an hour to do and play with. They really have adored this and originally I thought the price of £29.99 seemed a little high but actually I would happily spend this money on it.  Everything you need is included in the kit and as I said most of it (creating the Triops aside) they can do on their own. 

There isn’t a need to follow the book it’s there more to help you complete the activities but it’s very interesting to read too. This is a perfect kit to either buy as a present or to have in the house for a raining day – think half time holidays! Peace and quiet for at least an hour? Do be prepared though for little facts about dinosaurs to be told to you throughout the day…