I am going to try to critically analyze this question and see if there is a different answer than posted above. I have copied below the contents of the link I posted previously for those who are link challenged. Also note that I do not have direct experience with the chemistry kit mentioned or have anything to gain by recommending it .My analysis may not apply to someone living outside the USA.
It is unclear to me from previous post why this kit was not acceptable to previous persons posting here. I will guess that there are two possibilities. One – you can get a better deal by purchasing the components separately. Two – the components are not worthy of what a kit should have to be beneficial.
Analysis of Reason One -
Let us say (rashly) that the kit cost $160USD when you include shipping and handling. Now, if we take all the components and sum up the cost of procuring them, I intuitively estimate that the cost would be greater. Also, we would have to factor in the convenience of buying all at once rather than piecemeal shopping.
Analysis of Reason Two –
If we assume that the manual provided is reasonably good and the description of kit (below) is accurate, the kit appears to be fun to do and educational. Granted, it would be nice to have other equipment, but that would be costly. I can not believe that a distillation apparatus are inexpensive. This kit is intended to do stuff at the test tube level, but you can do lots of good stuff at that level.
Conclusion –
The previously stated opinion that kits are generally not a worthwhile purchase does not apply to this kit.
Caveats –
I have assumed from the picture of the kit that it is not junky.
I have assumed the manual is reasonably good based on the description.
I assume the company providing this product is reputable.
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Cost $139.95 to $149.95 plus shipping
CHEM C2000 is a complete introduction to the most important topics in chemistry. Discover how fascinating the world is when you know the chemistry behind how everyday things work. Understanding chemical reactions turns the ordinary occurrences around us into remarkable events. You will start with fun experiments to learn basic chemistry principles. Build a mini fire extinguisher and float a soap-powered boat. Write with invisible ink and test colored markers on the chromatography racetrack. Contains everything in the Chem C1000 plus an additional 175 experiments!
Entertain your friends with "magic" tricks, and then enlighten them with the scientific explanations behind the magic. Make dazzling colors in flame tests and produce electricity in a test tube. After you have some lab experience, you will learn how to use the alcohol burner and perform experiments that require heat.
Separate mixtures, add carbon dioxide to water and produce oxygen gas from hydrogen peroxide. Experiment with fuels and combustion. Make your own hydrochloric acid. Learn how chemistry helps us in cooking and cleaning. Prepare a substance that glows in the dark. Begin to build a strong foundation in chemistry with exposure to a broad range of chemical phenomena and hands-on lab experience. Gain experience with the most important tools in the modern chem lab.
Professor Probenius, your chemistry professor, provides clear instructions for preparing and performing the experiments, offers safety advice, gives explanations for the observed occurrences, and asks and answers questions about the results. Thorough safety precautions and instructions ensure safe experimentation. Professional quality equipment and an easy-to-follow Experiment Manual help you make the most of your chemistry experiments. The 96-page, full-color Experiment Manual guides aspiring young chemists through the 250 experiments.
Contains:
* Experiment Manual
* Protective Safety Glasses
* Six Test Tubes
* Two Pipettes
* Sodium Bisulfate
* Sodium Carbonate
* Potassium Hexacyanoferrate(II)
* Ammonium Iron(III) Sulfate
* Ammonium Chloride
* Copper(II) Sulfate
* Phenolphthalein Solution
* Hexamethyleneteramine
* Calcium Hydroxide
* Sodium Bicarbonate
* Tartaric Acid
* Luminol Preparation
* Potassium Hexacyanoferrate(III)
* Calcium Sulfate
* Iron Filings (Iron Powder)
* Potassium Permanganate Preparation
* Screw-top Jar
* Two Measuring Cups
* Two Cup Lids
* Test Tube Rack
* Measuring Spoon
* Test Tube Brush
* Carbon Rod
* Plastic Basin
* Safety Lid Opener
* Four Wires
* Copper Wire
* Magnesium Strips
* Light Bulb (3.8 V)
* Rubber Stopper
* Two Cork Stoppers
* Pointed Glass Tube
* Angled Glass Tube
* Filter Paper
* Two Plastic Bottles with Caps
* Plastic Funnel
* Alcohol Burner Base
* Wick
* Burner Cap
* Insulator
* Wick Holder
* Aluminum Disk
* Wooden Test Tube Holder
* Litmus Paper, Blue
* Filter Paper
* Straight Glass Tube
* Heating Rod
* Labels
Topics:
* Safe Experimentation
* Setting Up Your Workspace
* How to Use the Equipment
* The Chemist as Magician
* Invisible Inks
* Tricks with Indicators
* Chromatography Races
* Properties of Air & Water
* Blazing Colors
* Electricity & Reactions
* Separating Materials
* Acids & Bases
* Carbon Dioxide
* Combustion & Fuels
* Water & its Elements
* Metals: Copper & Iron
* Salts & Sugars
* Water of Crystallization
* Calcium, Lime & Gypsum
* Food Chemistry
* Soaps, Bleaches & Cleaners
* Chemiluminescence
* Important Chemical Elements
* And Much More!
Ages 11 and up.