Stranger Things: Review of a Review

A review of the review, so to speak.

I get so flustered when I read things that make no sense to me in the moment; so let's see if I can intellectually work through this review of the show Stranger Things.

Caveat: I'm not going to say that everyone should watch it; each family has to make their own choices for their own family. Based on accurate information.

I will add upfront, there is post at Patheos about the good things in the show: Stranger Things is the most Catholic Thing on TV

The following review is from Women of Grace. My responses are inserted between each paragraph.

MB writes: “I have not seen the massively popular Stranger Things but I’ve heard that it’s quite ‘creepy’. I also know that they’ve put out a Stranger Things ouija board which makes me wonder if there’s anything demonic or problematic with the show itself? Lots of friends have recommended it but they’ve also talked about Harry Potter before so I’m hoping to get a clearer answer on whether watching the show is problematic. Thank you in advance.”

The Stranger Things TV show is indeed problematic on a variety of levels.

For those who have never heard of it, Stranger Things is a recent Netflix sci-fi/horror hit starring Winona Ryder that is based in the fictional Indiana town of Hawkins in the early 1980’s. Hawkins is the home of the Hawkins National Laboratory which performs scientific research for the government. However, the disappearance of a young boy named Will leads the town to discover that the lab is also involved in paranormal and supernatural experiments. These activities lead to the creation of a portal to an alternate dimension called “the Upside Down” which is full of surreal monsters.

Meanwhile, a little girl arrives on the scene at the local diner, dressed in a hospital gown and with a shaved head. Her name is Eleven and she has all kinds of otherworldly powers such as clairvoyance and the ability to move objects with her mind. She was apparently used in experiments at the lab and managed to escape. Eleven, who claims to know where Will is, and is able to communicate with him, is then employed in the plot to find the boy.

There are a variety of disturbing themes running through the show, such as references to a “stronger power,” Eleven’s use of her powers to kill people, premarital sex between the characters, shoplifting, profaning the name of Jesus, and a variety of illicit escapades.

All evil or immoral things that happened in this show - had suitable consequences or the situation is one in which a conversation can be had about how some people are raised in certain ways and don't know the proper truth.

Focus on the Family’s Plugged In, says that although the series does give us a new set of heroic tweens and teens, these kids are also prone to “swear like testosterone-deficient sailors.” They also play Dungeons & Dragons which is sure to set off alarms with parents due to the game’s darker elements. And even though the children are against alcohol and tobacco, the adults in the move indulge with great abandonment.

Adults are allowed to drink and smoke. And it was the 80s - a different time, when more people did smoke as a normal thing. It's culturally and historically accurate. Cussing? Public school teens, some of whom don't have parents who are very involved. They are in need of the Truth and grace - not judgment. Their characters fit.

“When the scene shifts to the high-school set, sex (or the heady, fearful promise of it) never seems far away,” the review states.

The violence is also a factor. “Even though the violence hasn’t been particularly bloody, death is not uncommon. The monsters, and many of the men, are out for blood. And they’re not above spattering a bit of it across the screen.”

As for the games spawned by the show, they do have a new Stranger Things Ouija board which youth are gleefully using to ask the “spirits” to reveal the contents of upcoming shows.

I'm not judging a show by the products created from it, unless they were put out before or immediately at the start of the show.

You have to go looking for those. If you're a family that doesn't do commercials or themes, you probably won't know these exist. I didn't know they existed until I read this review.

We don't go for merchandise in our home anyway, so it's just the show for us, thanks.

In this article appearing on Buzzfeed (caution: obscene language) three teens – including one who says he never plays with the board because he’s Catholic – ask the board a series of questions about upcoming shows. The first question they asked was whether or not there was a spirit in the room, which received a “yes” answer. The three then ask it a series of questions about the upcoming shows, which characters are going to “hook up” and which are going to die.

So were the answers correct? ;)

I think this article was changed from its original - because at one point it mentioned the use of a ouija board within the show itself. Mom sets up strings of Christmas lights and paints letters on the wall under them for her LIVING son to communicate with her. I've had a child who couldn't talk or write with his hand and we used an alphabet chart on a placemat for him to speak to me; until we got a keyboard he could type on. Ouija boards are for connecting with demons though the users generally intend to speak to the dead. SPOILER ALERT: Will's not dead. Ouija boards aren't used to speak to living human beings. Computers, keyboards and pointing to an alphabet chart are.

The show also has it’s own themed Monopoly board game as well as an Eggo Card game.

All in all, Stranger Things is the typical non-family-friendly fare.

And we'll skip the various awesome family dynamics going on here - family that sticks together; family that was falling apart or was fully fractured that healed and came back together. Redemption for some; continued evil choices by others leading to consequences; self-sacrifice out of LOVE.

I would not categorize this show and its alarming by-products as healthy for anyone, regardless of age.

By-products? The only by-products in this household were some awesome conversations about the themes, the plot, what we would do different, what could be next, SAMWISE GAMGEE!, how to hold up under severe mental stress, trauma, separation from family ---- and lots more!



And let's take this back to sanity: Stranger Things is the most Catholic Thing on TV

Quick Notes on the Bible Mini-Series

My son and I just today sat down with a bowl of popcorn and Netflix Streaming to watch the Bible Mini-Series that we have heard many good things on. Yes, we heard that a few little things were slightly off, but we figured we wouldn't let that bother us.

My 10 year old saw and verbally noted the following things that annoyed him in the first half (not even a full half!) of the first episode - and when our internet momentarily dropped and I started to refresh the page, he said, "perhaps we can just watch something else. Artistic liberty should NOT CONTRADICT the Bible in a show ABOUT the Bible!"

• the ark would not have leaked - covered inside and out with pitch (tar)
• it likely didn't rock very much - think cruise ships
• no sunlight entering (God sealed them in)
• could not have walked on the deck (God sealed them in)
• Abraham/Abram was called earlier in life - events re: Egypt and his wife being so beautiful as to be brought in with the concubines of Pharaoh - making all his wives infertile until he released her)
• God changed their names after they had been traveling a while - so should have said Abram, instead of Abraham when God first called him
• Abram/Abraham gave Lot the choice of direction
• artistic liberty is great as long as it doesn't CONTRADICT the text: the wives did not act like that - Lot's wife isn't recorded as saying much; Abram's wife didn't hate Ishmael until Isaac was weaned (at age 3) - the dates are off in all of that too

If this is a person's only exposure to the Bible - let's at least be accurate. Visual impressions are strong and lasting. 

I am not sure we'll come back to this.... 

Keys of the Universe Elementary Montessori Course Giveaway!

Visit Montessori Nuggets - Elementary Montessori Course Giveaway for several chances to win $40 off the Elementary Montessori course offered at Keys of the Universe.

Remember to leave a comment on THAT post for each entry :)

So what are the elementary Montessori children going to study? At primary, the keys of the world were given to the young child; the second plane child at elementary is given the keys to the universe. “The universe is an imposing reality and an answer to all questions. We shall walk together on this path of life for all things are part of the universe and are all connected with each other to form one whole unity.”[1]

The universe is our curriculum!

Montessori Theory Album

Now available for sale at Garden of Francis!

(updated: and other locations on the internet as well)

Both primary Montessori theory AND elementary Montessori theory albums.

Are you interested in Montessori but know that you can not invest in all the materials?

Did you do primary Montessori with your children and want to at least continue with the concepts, if not the materials?

Would you like to start with the Primary level and truly understand what it is all about on a more practical level?

Are you looking to do full elementary Montessori, with some or all of the materials, but you're not ready to stat yet; just want to mentally prepare?

Perhaps your children are primary and you're getting ready for elementary.

Have you been doing primary Montessori or elementary Montessori and feeling like you're just not quite getting it?

The theory album is JUST what you need! For each one of those situations and more!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="328" caption="Elementary Montessori Theory Album for ages 6-12"][/caption]

Where to find them?

Keys of the Universe - only elementary albums - instant access to download and permanent access - you can always download a fresh copy if you lose your computer file or I make an updates. Course work is optional.

Keys of the World - primary and elementary - purchase download or print options - download will be e-mailed to you.

Garden of Francis - primary and elementary - purchase download or print options - download available immediately; but not a permanent link.

:)

Theology of the Body... is not what you think.

Theology of the Body is not about s*x. Despite what Christopher West's program focuses on.

Theology of the Body is a HUGE body of understanding of ourselves - our bodies, our souls, our relationships with one another, our relationships with God.

Theology of the Body is about self-respect, self-dignity, self-healing. self-giving.

Theology of the Body is about returning to what God originally intended for each one of us, individually and as mankind.



Man and Woman He Created Them is the real Theology of the Body, with consistent translations.

It provides us something interesting: the message of Theology of the Body is NOT what we thought it was!

Astronomy - March Almanack is Available!

I am now a CurrClick affiliate - be sure to click on the banner ad to the right column OR this link when you are going to purchase something (you have to go through this link every time or I don't get credit....)



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Our current top favorite: The Celestial Almanack from Classical Astronomy - only $3 per month for user-friendly nightly information on the sky (and even daily information!) - my son LOVES this Almanack!

Modern Logic - WFF 'N Proof style!

What is a WFF?????

A Well-Formed Formula of course ;)

Huh? You're asking?

Well here is a Wikipedia article on it, but if you're like me and still saying, "Huh!?" here is a short answer:

In mathematical logic, a well-formed formula, shortly wff, often simply formula, is a word (i.e. a finite sequence of symbols from a given alphabet) which is part of a formal language.

A formal language can be considered to be identical to the set containing all and only its formulas.

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And the better answer is: it's a statement that follows a set of rules. Think of A=B, B=C, therefore A=C. If certain things are true, then other things are true based on sets of given information. Both our language of words and our language of numbers (mathematics) are based on these principles.

We love this game from WFF 'N Proof: Games for Thinkers:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="254" caption="WFF: The Beginners Game of Modern Logic"][/caption]

Details from their website:

WFF includes the first two games from the complete WFF ?N PROOF series. Two engaging speed games allow players to learn to recognize WFF's (Well Formed Formulas) in symbolic logic. Both Shake-a-WFF and Count-a-WFF are fast-paced, exciting games dealing with a unique symbolic system. They are an appealing exercise for all ages.

There are two games within this one (actually a few more if you count the other variations): Shake-a-Wff which is a competition - both players play at the same time and grab a coin in the middle when they have a WFF first. And there is Sequential WFF where the players take turns, so there is no "race."

My 7 year old really, really, really wants to play competition WFF, but he's so into the time-racing component he makes a LOT of mistakes and neither does he proceed nor does anyone else have the opportunity to proceed forward.
So we do a lot of Sequential WFF (players take turns, using as much time as they need to create a Well-Formed-Formula).

If you're looking for a really good LOGIC program or curriculum, this is the way to go. The basic game is $3.50. The next step up is only $35, can be played by a 6 year old and still be challenging for a 60 year old math genius: WFF 'N PROOF: The Game of Modern Logic.

Equations - Mathematics from WFF N Proof

Here is a game we've been playing:

[caption id="attachment_631" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="EQUATIONS: The Game of Creative Mathematics - From WFF 'N PROOF"][/caption]

You roll the dice, create a "goal" (the answer to the equation); then take turns moving the cubes into either forbidden, possible, and required categories, all the while keeping your equation to reach the goal secret.

When you see someone else make a mistake, you call a flub (there are several types of flubs). Then you have to prove yourself right or the opponent wrong.

It's math, it's strategy... it's logic! Who needs a formal logic curriculum or logic program, when you have games like these from WFF 'n Proof?



From their website:

At home, EQUATIONS lets the whole family share a quality learning experience and have fun too. People of all ages become fascinated by this game. It creates a rich problem-solving interaction filled with complex strategy, bluffing and intrigue. The basic game can be taught to eight-year olds using simple arithmetic. As players develop skill, the game becomes more sophisticated. It ultimately expands to concepts that will challenge any intelligent adult.

EQUATIONS explores a broad range of math topics including elementary arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation and root operation as well as logarithms, fractions, decimals, percents, variables, algebra, functions and more.

It sounds complicated - but it is addictive fun!

REQUIRED:  get the DVD to learn how to play - well worth the $5!

Got a Montessori child? They could be ready at late 6 - but only if they've been playing WFF: The Beginner's Game of Modern Logic. I strongly recommend this game for all children, but Montessori children will be especially intrigued by it. It can then be followed up by WFF 'N PROOF: The Game of Modern Logic. More on these in another post ;)

Practical Financial Guide for Engaged and Married Couples

I am holding in my hands a book I wish I'd had many years ago. It takes so much of the financial information I have studied and sought over the years, and puts in the context of a couple getting married (or already married!).

While the information contained in this book is not new persay, the context changed my entire perspective on the whys and hows of my financial choices.

The book is Matt Bell's Money & and Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples




The guides included are practical, focus on "couples" - both those already formed as well as those who are courting and engaged, going through the nitty-gritty details of how to maintain separate finances until the proper time for merging, and how to make that transition.


Not only does Matt includes charts and practical questions to be discussed (along with explicit instructions as to when to *just* discuss and when to actually make decisions), he also includes ordered guides for all things financial, when to do them and the basics of how - wills, estates, trusts, etc.

Being a Christian, he also has emphasis on "generosity". The use of this word over the word "tithing" allows for the use of this book by non-Christians as well - since the goodness within all people precludes a certain sense of generosity.


Again, if you have been studying personal finance, and following people like Larry Burkett and Dave Ramsey, you won't *new* information - what you *will* find is a clear and concise organization of that information for anyone who is courting, engaged, married - or plans to be in any of those stages of life at any point in the future.




About Matt: Matt began his career as a radio journalist, with his work featured on National Public Radio, the NBC Radio Network, and several other networks. His reporting earned national awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and United Press International.



Today, Matt is a full-time personal finance writer and speaker. He is the author of two books: Money, Purpose, Joy (September 2008) and Money Strategies for Tough Times (April 2009), both by NavPress. Matt has been quoted in USA TODAY, U.S. News and World Report, the Chicago Tribune, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, has written for ChristianityToday.com, and has been a guest on WGN-TV and several nationally syndicated radio talk shows.



Matt holds a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from DePaul University, where he wrote a thesis about the emergence of America's consumer culture and its influence on people's beliefs and behaviors.



Matt lives with his wife and their three young children in the Chicago area. Visit his website and blog at mattaboutmoney.com.



Matt Bell's (a.k.a Matt About Money) Money & Marriage has just been released by NAVPress. It is a great resource for engaged or newly married couples.
Matt says about the book, “I wrote “Money & Marriage” because I believe in marriage. I’m sure it isn’t news to you that money is a very common source of stress between spouses. It’s even a primary factor in many divorces. I wrote this book with no less of a goal than to save many marriages from disaster, and to help all couples use money in a way that strengthens their relationship and increases their joy.”

To celebrate Matt has put together a Nest Egg Giveaway with a prize package worth over $250! 

One winner will receive:

•    A Free 1 Hour Financial Session
•    A $100 Visa Cash Card
•    A signed copy of Matt’s Money, Purpose, Joy and Money Strategies for Tough Times

To enter just click one of the icons below. Then tell your friends. And hurry - the contest ends April 11th. The winner will be announced on Matt's blog on April 13th.

Be sure to pick up a copy of Money & Marriage – important principles whether you're newly engaged or just celebrated your 30th anniversary.


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review - the contents of the review are purely my opinion. Read what other people thought about this book by clicking over to the Litfuse Blog Tour.

Catholic Etsy Give-aways

Our Catholic Etsy Artists Guild is hosting a series of giveaways timed just right for the holiday shopping season!



Don't miss out for your chance to win one or more of several beautiful gifts - and visit all the shops in our group - Catholic Etsy Artists Guild Blog.

Thread Wish List

Connecting Threads is a great website for ordering USA made cotton and really really nice thread!

It would be so great if I won my wish list - a promotion they are doing right now. Their thread spools are SO large, and the price is JUST right!

My wish list right now, despite how absolutely beautiful and soft their cotton fabric is - consists solely of thread!

Click here to see my wishlist.

The Oz Chronicles, Volume 2

It has arrived! We found an affordable copy on Alibris, after losing an EBay auction for another reasonably priced one (got it for cheaper than EBay too!) - and my son has been devouring it.

He is practicing geography, 2D art, language, story chronology, narration, plot development, answering what-if questions, creating costumes, re-enacting with Legos, blocks, counting bears, and SO MUCH MORE.
I have to say, I am still not convinced that the Land of Oz stories are on par with Narnia or other such stories, but they are perfect for a little boy who is reading 5-6 grade levels above his age yet still needs something developmentally appropriate, funny, enertaining and that connects to so many other subjects.

Now if I could just read it for myself!

A Wonderful, Believeable, Piece of Teenage Catholic Literature

The book Awakening by Claudia Cangilla McAdam addresses questions almost every Catholic teenager faces at one time or another. At the heart of these questions is the reality and value of the sacrifice of Jesus.

The book is about a young lady attending a Catholic school who wants to spend the weekend with a school friend’s family – the problem is, they are not Catholic (despite attending a parochial “for the academics”) and this is Holy Week.

She is ultimately thrown back into time, into a family situation very similar to her own, doing what many of us only dream and sometimes beg to do: speak to Jesus face to face, be held by Him, receive *the* First Eucharist from him (“the brown morsel He held blended with His hand; I couldn’t tell where His fingers ended and the fragment began. It was all the same. The Body of Christ.”), kiss His feet as He dies on the cross, hold onto hope during His time in the tomb because we *know* what will happen.

The character, as well as the reader are faced with many realities:
Even face to face with Jesus, it can be hard to understand one’s path in life.
Death is ultimately life.
We can never know the state of one’s soul at the moment of death – all we can do is have hope – and PRAY.
While free will is a key factor in determining one’s life, some events are necessary for others to follow (death leading to eternal life; charity towards a neighbor despite harm to oneself ultimately leads to even greater charity in the world).

While some artistic liberty was taken (Jesus knows this girl is an American from the future; the roles of certain figures in the Biblical narratives are expounded and greater connections made amongst them – all of which are SO interesting!) the historical & cultural details are quite accurate and the entire story is, quite frankly, believable.

The writing style is light – this is not heavy literature; older middle schoolers would find this very easy reading and usually very topic-appropriate; most middle schoolers would be able to easily understand it, but for some middle schoolers the topics may not be appropriate. A bit of a spoiler for the sake of choosing the appropriateness for a particular child: the main character loses her father and brother in a car accident; she holds a lot of anger and doubt in God primarily due to the events surrounding this death; there is a physical attraction to the boy next door with which some more innocent middle schoolers will find confusing, with some references to “six-pack” and an incident the main character describes as embarrassing when she enters her bedroom from the shower, and her towel slips before realizing that her bedroom window is wide open. The language is entirely clean and I would read this *with* my own middle schoolers, incorporating discussion, inviting their responses to “what if they were there”, etc.

Sophia Institute Press sent me a complimentary copy of this book for me to review. All opinions expressed in this post are solely my own.

Wisdom for Everyday Life

While reading Wisdom for Everyday Life From the Book of Revelation, I am literally holding a treasure trove of life-affirmation in my hands.

The author, Fr. Richard Veras, classifies this book as an introduction – and oh my! What an introduction!

Right away, Fr. Veras sets the context of symbolism in both history and in current culture, ending with the words “As you read the book of Revelation along with me, my hope is that you will discover Jesus anew and thus discover who you are as one of His disciples. You will be amazed at how important your life really is!” (bold is mine)

With these words, my expectations for this book sky-rocketed. They were not left unfulfilled. This book is truly an introduction, but what depth it contains. Portions (lines, paragraphs) beg to be read again, revealing greater richness each time.

The author breaks the Book of Revelation into small chunks (1-5 chapters) and addresses the symbolism in each one, applying it historically to the Old Testament as well as to instances in current culture and even in his own life. We are led through the chapters towards a deeper and deeper understanding of our role as a Christian – as a disciple of Christ.

My only complaint is that I want a sequel! I want to delve even further into this climactic Book of the New Testament and how they apply to our lives, my life, right here, right now.

Portions of Revelation and other Scripture passages are quoted directly in the book; other Scripture passages are referenced. I strongly suggest having the Bible next to you so as to review the referenced Scriptures.

Physically speaking, this book is easy on eyes – the lines are spaced apart enough that the relatively small font is not a strain on my eyes, even as I read by night-time lamplight (I couldn’t put the book down, except to go get my Bible!)

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Wisdom for Everyday Life From the Book of Revelation. All views expressed are my own honest opinions.

How Love Acts

How Love Acts, by Jeff Cavins


This is an excellent CD providing hope and inspiration to those in the trenches of daily life and stuck in patterns of mediocrity and sin.

I expected more "do this, do that", but instead Cavins provides an historical context of why we have the patterns we have, before moving into the reality of Jesus living within us. He explains the philosophical and theological reasons behind the loving actions that are required of us as Christians - emphasizing the inward movement of the heart, from which the outward actions will flow. In the end, the listener is given a great deal of practical advice, because it springs from the heart, rather than a by-the-book list of things of how love acts.


He does not address issues that stem from childhood patterns, instead focusing on how embrace one's cross, love as Jesus loves in the moment, here and now, with whatever set of tools we have at our disposal at this very second. While this CD may not be complete for all persons, it is an inspirational tool in the arsenal of fighting sin and living the redemption that Jesus has already given us.


This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on How Love Acts (CD).

Divine Mercy for Young Hearts

This DVD is an excellent introduction the Divine Mercy devotion for children and adults of all ages. Overall the presentation is geared for elementary age and with limited exception (noted below), it is entirely appropriate for children even down to age 3. The videography provides a great deal of input without feeling overwhelming or overstimulating. There is some light music, images of the Stations of the Cross, the Shroud of Turin and other visual images, as well as video of the children receiving the presentation.

The main menu offers the options of watching the entire video (57 minutes) or watching in segments. For the youngest children and for anyone new to this devotion (whether in a school, religious education or the home), the segments are best done at separate times with prayer, and review discussion in between to maximize what a child will take away from the presentations at hand.

The video starts out with a brief introduction to the Holy Father (JPII - having been initially presented shortly after his death), dating it a bit, but places emphasis on the reality of the events surrounding this devotion, placing it in a physical place and time.

Because it covers a wide range of children's ages, some topics are meant for older children (some trivia-type information and apologetics that are not necessary for the very young child). Geared for children, there are moments that are most appropriate for adults. While the speaker states the difference between children and adults beforehand, it was disconcerting to hear the specific sins listed in a presentation to children who are still in a state of innocence and hope. Other than this slightly awkward moment, anything directed to the adults was appropriately done for the children. And the items directed towards the older children slip by the younger children.

The main menu offers the options of watching the entire video (57 minutes) or watching in segments. For the youngest children and for anyone new to this devotion, the segments are best done at separate times with prayer, and review discussion in between.

The additional features contain information on the ministries involved, for the edification of the adults.

Overall, this is an excellent video with the caveats mentioned above.


I wrote this review of Divine Mercy For Young Hearts for the Tiber River Blogger Review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for First Communion Gifts. For more information and to purchase, please visit Aquinas and More Catholic Goods.

Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.

I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Magic School Bus Science Kits - Review (Preliminary!)

Who needs field trips when you have the Magic School Bus? ;)

We recently acquired a set of Magic School Bus Science Kits for review. This is the set that comes with 7 kits (it does not include solar energy or dinosaurs).

From our preliminary digging through the boxes, looking through all the materials, perusing the list of experiments.... we are SO excited!!!!!

All the experiments are VERY hands-on, with a page in the booklet for each one - background information is provided, a question is posed, along with a hypothesis, materials needed, method and how to record the results and conclusions. If you or your child writes small enough, you can just the use the enclosed booklet; if you have more than one child or they need more space, I personally recommend a spiral bound science notebook (or a thin binder with loose paper). This extra notebook also provides space for drawings and such.

Each kit has TEN experiments and just about everything you need. While these do require more than just water (as another coveted set of science kits advertises), the required home materials are really SO basic! And most of the experiments can be done again or with multiple children using materials at home. For the purposes of replacing uncommon consumable items, I've tried to note where to purchase additional supplies below.

In addition a notebook (my own recommendation!) and a pencil to record observations, you'll need the following from home:

**NOTE: I have not listed the same item twice within a particular kit, unless you need more than one

Going Green:
pot for boiling water, oven mitt, and something from the freezer
water
leaf, cup
old food, newspaper, 2 cups
banana, spoon
big bowl, blender
dishcloth, rolling pin
mug
jugs
baking tray lined with foil, permanent marker, oven
cup lined with foil

Mysteries of Rainbows:
milk, dish soap, cereal bowl
drinking glass, water
sharpened pencil
tape
AA battery
(this kit even comes with a flashlight!)

Soaring Into Flight:
juice box
scissors
2 chairs, tape
vinegar, baking soda
paper and pencil
stopwatch or watch

Diving into Slime, Gel and Goop:
glass, milk, vinegar, spoon, paper towel
2 disposable plastic bowls or cups, water, food coloring (optional)
small bowl, cornstarch
plastic sandwich bag, twist tie, freshly sharpened pencil
salt
large cup

The World of Germs:
bread, water
cup
sugar
vegetable oil, salt, flour, large and small mixing bowls
toothpaste
yogurt

The Secrets of Space:
AA battery (to use with the small included flashlight)
large flashlight (better than the small light for a few things)

A Journey Into the Human Body:
chicken or other poultry bones, jar, vinegar
tape
oil of some sort (vegetable, baby, corn)
2-liter soda bottle
water
stop watch
bread, sugar, paper plate
bitter substance (such as baking cocoa or coffee), sweet substance (sugar), salty substance (salt), sour substance (lemon or lemon juice), 4 small cups or dishes, blind fold, water

Consumables that you MIGHT want to replace to re-do experiments:
Agar
Chicken bouillon
Yeast
Borax
Peat Pellets

(others are possible, but these are the most obvious ones - I'll update as we actually do the experiments!)