Sponsored
Smithsonian Plasma Ball: Science Kits for 8th-11th Grade, Includes Instruction Guide & Poster
$30.99
In Stock
Eligible for registries and wish lists
At a glance
Sponsored
About this item
Highlights
- A cool plasma light ball from Smithsonian
- The light follows touch, and responds to music & sound
- Fun way to learn about technology & science
- Requires 6 "AA" (1.5V) batteries (not included)
- Great gift for kids 14+
Description
With the Smithsonian Plasma Ball, you can enjoy an incredible atomic light show right at your fingertips. Just turn it on and watch what happens when atoms collide with each other and energized electrons. Watch your fingertips create amazing light effects as you observe how colliding atoms release energy in the form of light waves. Recommended for ages 14+, the plasma ball also responds to sound and music and comes packaged with STEM educational content. Requires 6 AA (1.5V) batteries (not included).
Suggested Age: 14 Years and Up
Educational Focus: Science
Includes: Poster, Instruction Guide
Battery: 6 AA Alkaline, Required, Not Included
TCIN: 52213641
UPC: 042409517819
Item Number (DPCI): 086-00-3376
Origin: Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 11.8898 inches length x 6.1417 inches width x 6.1417 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.3 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
Q: How big is the ball? Is it 8"?
submitted by djj - 8 years ago
A: I believe it is a 5" ball.
submitted byLeeman71 - 8 years agoA: The globe is 5". When it sits on the base, it is 8 1/2" high.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 5 years agoBrand expert
Q: Does this produc contain magnets? If so, how big are they?
submitted by Jaime Rainha - 10 months ago
A: This product does not contain any magnets.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 10 months agoBrand expert
Q: como se activa el audio? como funciona? ya tengo estte producto pero no sabemos como usar el audio, no trae cable ni nada, cuando activamos el boton en audio no hace nada
submitted by pregunta - 3 years ago
A: If you slide the switch on the bottom of your Plasma Ball to "Normal", it will respond to touch. If you slide it to "Audio", it will respond to sound. Is either mode working? If not, it could be that you need 6 fresh "AA" batteries. If your batteries are fresh and your Plasma Ball is still not working, please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to make things right.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: is this item #51802 ?
submitted by lily - 3 years ago
A: This is #51781 Smithsonian 5" Plasma Ball
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: What does it weigh? I need to mail it.
submitted by jackie - 4 years ago
A: In the box, it weighs 1 lb, 4 oz.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 4 years agoBrand expert
Q: I see this is recommended for ages 14+. Think my 4 and 6 year old boys would love this BUT am I an idiot asking for trouble if I get it? They are poster children for "this is why we can't have nice things." Ok I think I answered my own question.
submitted by LaurenRules - 4 years ago
A: We recommend the plasma ball for ages 14+ because the ball is made of glass.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 4 years agoBrand expert
Q: what is the output voltage and ampage
submitted by logan - 4 years ago
A: It is powered by 6 AA batteries (not included).
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 4 years agoBrand expert
Q: why is the age range 14+? my 6 year old boy is interested in this for Christmas. just curious why it has such a high age recommendation?
submitted by taylor - 4 years ago
A: Hi, Taylor. The ball is made of glass and, if not handled properly, could be dropped and broken. That's why we don't recommend it for young children and recommend it for ages 14+.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 4 years agoBrand expert
Q: Is this okay for someone with seizures?
submitted by Jan - 5 years ago
A: Hi, Jan. We wish we could help, but we don't know the answer to your question. We encourage you to consult with a medical professional. If you need more information on the safety standards to which we adhere, please contact us at help@WubbleBall.com. Thanks!
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 5 years agoBrand expert
Q: is this product made in china
submitted by Dawn Notino - 6 years ago
A: This product is designed in America and manufactured for NSI in China.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 5 years agoBrand expert
Guests also viewed
Discover more options
Related Categories
3.7 out of 5 stars with 376 reviews
broad age appeal: 3.89 out of 5
ease of use: 3.62 out of 5
length of play: 2.87 out of 5
quality: 2.9 out of 5
value: 2.77 out of 5
37% would recommend
101 recommendations
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
26 September, 2025
Didn't ever work
Second Smithsonian purchase that did not work from the get go. My daughter was very disappointed. Be cautious about purchasing any of these Smithsonian toys. (The other item we got that didn't work is the 3-D LED moon.)
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
20 July, 2025Verified purchase
Keeps the kids entertained
I was surprised by all the negative reviews because ours has been a big hit at home! The kids love it! It’s fun, interactive, and keeps them entertained. We haven’t had any issues with it so far.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 15 days ago
We are happy to hear how much your kids enjoyed the Plasma Ball!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
23 June, 2025Verified purchase
Toy
Awesome gift, had one of these when I was a kid and got one for my son for Xmas.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
26 March, 2025Verified purchase
Science
Like. This is a great investment for your children’s science interests. My children really enjoy looking and learning about the magnetic energy field.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
8 March, 2025Verified purchase
Won't Turn On
We could never get the plasma ball to turn on. We changed batteries numerous times. I am disappointed, but not more than my 7-year old daughter.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 8 months ago
We're so sorry this is happening, but we really want to make things right. First, please check to make sure your plasma ball is in NORMAL mode and not SOUND mode. If this doesn't fix your issue, please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them what you've tried, step-by-step. They can troubleshoot the issue and make sure you receive a replacement, if necessary. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Vojin Jaksic.
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
21 February, 2025Verified purchase
disappointed
when i put my finger tip on it there are still bolts of pink going out all around. takes the fun away.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 8 months ago
We're sorry you are disappointed with your Plasma Ball, but we really want you to be happy with this purchase. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them about your issue. They can troubleshoot and make sure you get a replacement, if necessary. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under CarlyMA.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
18 January, 2025
Faulty manufacturing
The Smithsonian plasma ball worked a few times and then stopped. We tried to add new batteries, and the items still didn't work. This is faulty manufacturing. Very dissatisfied customer
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 9 months ago
Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them exactly what is happening, step-by-step. They can troubleshoot the issue and get you and running again. If they can't, they will make sure you receive a replacement. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under TT.
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
10 January, 2025Verified purchase
Great for price
Easy to begin using. Not super sensitive to touch
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
31 December, 2024Verified purchase
Piece of trash
We were never able to use it bc it never worked even with brand new batteries. Juuuuunkkkkkk
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 8 months ago
We're so sorry this is happening, but we really want to make things right. First, please check to make sure your plasma ball is in NORMAL mode and not SOUND mode. If this doesn't fix your issue, please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them what you've tried, step-by-step. They can troubleshoot the issue and make sure you receive a replacement, if necessary.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
30 December, 2024Verified purchase
Smoking from battery section
Started to smoke after turning it on. It worked for about a minute! Returning it to the store!
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
We are so sorry this happened to you. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Faulty item. In addition to making sure you receive a replacement, they will want to send you a postage-paid label, so you can return the item for examination.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
30 December, 2024Verified purchase
Dangerous!
As soon as we put all the batteries in it started to smoke. We quickly rushed it outside! The burnt plastic smell lingered in the house for ages after. Worst Christmas gift!
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
Oh no! We are so sorry this happened to you, but rest assured that we want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and tell them what happened. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Faulty item. In addition to making sure you receive a replacement, they will want to send you a postage-paid label, so you can send back the item for examination.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
29 December, 2024Verified purchase
Terrible toy
Terrible toy, not bright enough and the screws were rusted over.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
We are truly sorry you had a disappointing experience with your Smithsonian Plasma Ball. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, tell them about your issues, and let them know you published this review under Jamlop.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
28 December, 2024Verified purchase
Does not work
It doesn’t even work, I tried the exact 1.5 v batteries and still doesn’t work
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
More often than not, this issue doesn't mean that your plasma ball is broken. It usually means it's on the wrong setting. Please check to make sure your plasma ball is on NORMAL mode and not SOUND mode. If it still doesn't work, please email customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them about the issues you're having. They can make sure you get a replacement. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Nk.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
27 December, 2024Verified purchase
Shattered after 1 day
I bought for my son for Christmas. He put batteries in it and enjoyed it for a few hours. He went to touch it while it was sitting on the table and it shattered. Luckily he wasn't hurt but he is very upset that its broken.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
We are so sorry this happened, and we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com and tell them what happened. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under KrisW20.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
25 December, 2024Verified purchase
Faulty Item
My 8 year old was so excited to get this for Christmas but end up being disappointed as he was gifted a faulty one and it started to smoke with a burnt smell.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
We're so sorry your child had a disappointing experience with the plasma ball. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and tell them exactly what happened. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Toriann. They will do everything they can to make things right.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
20 December, 2024Verified purchase
It's a No from me Dawg
Terrible. Buy Discovery instead.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
We're sorry you're disappointed with your plasma ball, but we will do what we can to make things right. Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com and give them more details as to what is going on and why you are dissatisfied with the product. They will do what they can to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Kristin.
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
10 December, 2024Verified purchase
On Button Is Finicky, Feels Cheap
First of all, this thing takes 6 AA batteries, which was a surprise to me but shouldn't have been since it's clearly stated in the product description. So that's my bad. However, it's also not very bright and feels very cheaply made. The on/off button is wiggly and sometimes you have to fiddle with it to get the lamp to turn on. Overall, both my son and I were disappointed with this one. There's an alternate product made by Discovery that has a 6" globe instead of 5", feels like it's made with better materials, is much brighter, possibly because it uses a power cord instead of batteries, and is $5 cheaper. My son had one but it was accidently knocked off of a table and shattered on the floor. Unfortunately, Target doesn't carry that one anymore, so I took a chance on the Smithsonian one. We will probably be returning it and purchasing the other one from Amazon.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 11 months ago
We're sorry you're disappointed with your Plasma Ball. If we can help in any way, please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com. Tell them about your experience, and they will do what they can to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under SarahD.
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
15 November, 2024Verified purchase
Plasma ball
Discover the mesmerizing world of science at the Smithsonian, where the plasma ball captivates with its vivid colors and electric energy. It's a stunning reminder of the wonders that electricity can create. Engage your curiosity and let your imagination spark as you interact with this fascinating display! Explore how science illuminates our understanding of the universe, one electrifying moment at a time. Don't miss out on this visual spectacle that combines art and science in such an enchanting way! Visit today and experience the magic for yourself!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
8 September, 2024Verified purchase
Bought this for a birthday party
We bought this for a little boy's birthday party and it was well received. We went to visit a few weeks later and the toy is still well-loved and played with.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
11 June, 2024
Don't waste your time
I can’t believe I spent money on this piece of junk. I thought I could fulfill my childhood dream of having one I put in the batteries, didn’t work, so I changed the batteries and still didn’t work. Don’t waste your time it seems like this is a pattern in their product. Super disappointing and irresponsible.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 1 year ago
We're sorry you had a disappointing experience with the Smithsonian Plasma Ball. Perhaps it was damaged in shipping. We hope you will exchange it for a unit that works, because the issue you describe isn't common. If you are unable to return or exchange this item, please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to help you. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under xoxo.