Remco Science Kits (1961)

Company: Remco | Release date: 1961 | Where to purchase: eBay

“For the Thinking Boy or Girl.”

In 1961, Remco released a line of budget-priced science kits designed to teach kids basic science concepts in a playful way.

Each kit contained one experiment packaged in a canister that measured 6-¼-inches tall by 3-¾-inches across and was adorned with a black-and-white photo of a child performing the experiment. Remco produced eight different science kits, including: Mechanical Physics, Optical Illusions, Electro-Magnetism, Electro-Chemistry, Jet Propulsion, Electric Motor, Chemistry, and Printed Circuitry.

A common goal of all sets was allowing children to grasp scientific concepts through repeated experimentation. For example, the Printed Circuitry set let kids to make a working telegraph set, while the Electro-Chemistry set allowed a junior scientist to learn the concepts of electro-plating.

All kits, save for Mechanical Physics, required the use of one D-battery and retailed for around $1 each. Remco also sold the kits in two, four, and eight packs.

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