December is the month for giving presents. If you’re in the chemistry field, I’m sure that sooner or later you’ll consider giving a chemistry set to a child in your circle. It seems like the perfect idea: sharing your enthusiasm, doing experiments together and bringing a part of the laboratory to the kitchen table. That’s what I thought, until I tried one myself.

‘More than 100 activities and special assignments!’ proclaimed the box. But two-thirds of the box was filled with paper padding to make it look more impressive. Inside were a few plastic trinkets, and not even everything that was pictured on the packaging. The ‘activities’ turned out to be exciting tasks such as pouring water, measuring water, and dissolving table salt. This was not chemistry. It was not educational. It was an insult. Above all, it’s an excellent way to put a child off our field completely.

Of course, you can’t expect an eight-year-old to set up a Grignard reaction at the dinner table, but an experiment with substance should be expected. An actual experiment which arouses curiosity. If you want to teach chemistry this year, choose one well-thought-out project. Something you can explore together. Growing crystals always works well, or you could make a pH indicator from red cabbage together. If you do go for a kit, be critical of its contents. Disappointment is a natural part of the laboratory experience, so let them enjoy themselves for now.