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$22.99When purchased online
About this item
At a glance
STEM: Science
STEM: Technology
STEM: Engineering
STEM: Math
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+
Specifications
Contains: Does Not Contain Any of the 8 Major Allergens
Suggested Age: 14 Years and Up
Educational Focus: Engineering, Science, Technology, Math
Includes: Poster, Instruction Guide
Battery: 6 AA Alkaline, Required, Not Included
TCIN: 52213641
UPC: 042409517819
Item Number (DPCI): 086-00-3376
Origin: Imported
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).
STEM: Science
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: science. STEM: Technology
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: Technology.STEM: Engineering
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: Engineering.STEM: Math
STEM toys are Science, Technology, Engineering and Math based products that are geared towards developing useful skills in all areas of learning. This product focuses on the core subject: Math. If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 6.15 inches length x 6.26 inches width x 11.83 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.21 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 - 6 years ago
A:Â I believe it is a 5" ball.
submitted byLeeman71 - 5 years agoA:Â The globe is 5". When it sits on the base, it is 8 1/2" high.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expertA:Â how big is the Smithsonian Plasma ball? how tall & wide @ Dose the Smithsonian plasma ball comes with a power cord ?
submitted byPaul Paxton - 6 months ago
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 - 1 year ago
A:Â 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 - 1 year agoBrand expert
Q: is this item #51802 ?
submitted by lily - 1 year ago
A:Â This is #51781 Smithsonian 5" Plasma Ball
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 1 year agoBrand expert
Q: What does it weigh? I need to mail it.
submitted by jackie - 1 year ago
A:Â In the box, it weighs 1 lb, 4 oz.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 1 year 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 - 1 year ago
A:Â We recommend the plasma ball for ages 14+ because the ball is made of glass.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 1 year agoBrand expert
Q: what is the output voltage and ampage
submitted by logan - 2 years ago
A:Â It is powered by 6 AA batteries (not included).
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 2 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 - 2 years ago
A:Â 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 - 2 years agoBrand expert
Q: Is this okay for someone with seizures?
submitted by Jan - 2 years ago
A:Â 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 - 2 years agoBrand expert
Q: is this product made in china
submitted by Dawn Notino - 3 years ago
A:Â This product is designed in America and manufactured for NSI in China.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: What are the dimensions?
submitted by sam - 3 years ago
A:Â The globe is 5 inches. When on the base, the unit is about 8 1/2" high.
submitted byNSI Product Support Team - 3 years agoBrand expert
This product is featured in a recent Target Finds story
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3.7 out of 5 stars with 265 reviews
40% would recommend
72 recommendations
broad age appeal: 4 out of 5
ease of use: 3.86 out of 5
length of play: 3.09 out of 5
quality: 3.1 out of 5
value: 2.89 out of 5
Shattered and cut my son's feet
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Didi - 20 days ago
Extremely dangerous and should not be marketed and sold in the isle for kids toys. Made out of thin glass. My son dropped it and broke instantly. Sliced his feet. I’m heart broken he is In so much pain.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 19 days ago
We're sorry you had this experience with the Plasma Ball. This item is age graded 14+ with adult supervision, not only because of its subject matter, but because it contains glass components. Please reach out to our customer service department at custserv@nsi-int.com and share what happened. They will do what they can to help you select a product that is age appropriate for your child.
Doesn't work at all
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Anonymous - 2 months ago
Put new batteries in and it didn't even turn on. Will be returning.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 2 months ago
We're sorry you had a disappointing experience with your Plasma Ball, but hope you'll give this product another chance. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@NSI-int.com, and they will be happy to 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 Anonymous.
Shattered: not for kids
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Targetfinds - 3 months ago
Shattered. I thought it was plastic. As soon as we put batteries in, my daughter dropped it and it shattered everywhere. We are still finding tiny shards of glass. Way too dangerous for a child.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 2 months ago
We're sorry you had a negative experience with the Plasma Ball. Please understand that this item is age graded 14+ with adult supervision, not only because of its subject matter, but because it contains glass components. Please reach out to our customer service department at custserv@nsi-int.com and share what happened. They will do what they can to help you select a product that is age appropriate for your child.
sad
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Mom - 4 months ago
It only lit up 2 times.....
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
We're sorry you are having issues with your plasma ball. 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 Mom.
Shattered
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
- 4 months ago, Verified purchaser
I purchased this as a gift and it was broken. I did a drive up pick up order so I didn’t know it was broken till I got home. I didn’t even have to open it to know if was shattered. There didn’t seem like there was any shipping protection like styrofoam at all.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
We are so sorry this happened to you. There's no way to tell whether the product was damaged in shipping or at the store. Were you able to exchange it for a new one? Please reach out to customer service at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they will be happy to help you. We're banking on you loving your new plasma ball and replacing this review with something positive about our product. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under Whitneymathah.
Exploded
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
CMW - 4 months ago
Incredibly dangerous
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 4 months ago
Please email our customer service department ASAP at custserv@nsi-int.com, and we will get back to you immediately. In the subject line, please put "TARGET PLASMA BALL."
Dont wast your time or money
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Kenzie - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
Piece of junk product. Bought as a Christmas gift for my bought and wouldn’t work. There is some kind of defect in this product. Was able to get it to turn on for a split second and that was it. Don’t wast your time. Returned.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're so sorry you had issues with your Plasma Ball and had to return it. If you decide to give this product another chance in the future, please contact our customer service problem with any problems, and they will be happy to make things right. You can contact them at custserv@NSI-int.com.
Broken
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Rocky - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
Does not work whatsoever. Was a gift and was very disappointed.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're sorry you are having issues with your Plasma Ball, but we really want to make things right. 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 Rocky.
Did not work
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Drpap - 5 months ago
From the very beginning, this barely worked. Flickered off/on whenever we pressed the button. Very frustrating for a very excited 7yo.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're so sorry this happened to you. Most of us at NSI are parents and grandparents ourselves, and it is never our intention to disappoint kids. 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 posted this review under Drpap.
Almost perfecr
4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
RAH1020 - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
My son has been wanting this thing since the summer. He loves it. It has a glass ball which is awesome, I have seen others that are larger and much more expensive that have a plastic orb. This thing also has an auto shut off if no one has touched it for 5 minutes. What I don’t love about it is that it takes batteries, lots of AA batteries. I wish that it either recharged it’s self or plugged in.
Doesn't work
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
jsjcbs - 6 months ago
It's doesn't work. Turns on for a second at a time and doesn't light up when you touch it. Really poor quality. Returning it.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 5 months ago
We're sorry you had a disappointing experience with the plasma ball and hope you exchange it for one that is working properly. If we can help in any way, please reach out to our customer service team 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 jsjcbs.
Loks good
5 out of 5 stars
lacey pom pom sweater - 6 months ago, Verified purchaser
A C'mas gift, so we don't know what recipient thinks
Great gift for teens
5 out of 5 stars
Would recommend
Mommy of 5 - 7 months ago, Verified purchaser
My 13 yr old loves this!
Cheap
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Anon - 9 months ago, Verified purchaser
Takes 6 aa batteries instead of wall charger. Glass is scratched up. Does not stay in for longer than 5 minutes.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 9 months ago
We're sorry you're disappointed with your Plasma Ball, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team 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 anon. FYI, we made the decision to move to batteries for child safety reasons.
Only Worked For Like 5 Minutes
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
MDND - 9 months ago, Verified purchaser
Bought this for my 3 year old nephew. This thing only worked for 5 minutes. He liked it when it worked but it just didn’t last long.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 9 months ago
We're sorry you had a disappointing experience with your Plasma Ball, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team 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 posted this review under MDND.
Don't buy.
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
sckr - 10 months ago
Hardly worked. Now it only works if we hold the button down. Even then it only works for a second. My daughter is pretty disappointed.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
We're truly sorry your Plasma Ball isn't functioning as expected, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they'll be happy to help you. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you posted this review under sckr.
Worked for a short time
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Reviewer12 - 10 months ago, Verified purchaser
Worked briefly before breaking. Took a lot of batteries also
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
Oh no! We're so sorry you had a disappointing experience with the Plasma Ball. If you reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, we will be happy to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you posted this review under Reviewer12.
No ears
2 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
AB - 10 months ago
It looks cool and stuff but the audio doesn’t really work it does the beat but not as fast as we thought it would I would not recommend getting this it is too expensive to.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 10 months ago
We're sorry you were disappointed with your Plasma Ball, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team at custserv@nsi-int.com, and they'll be happy to help you. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you published this review under AB.
Doesnt work.
1 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Mlo - 11 months ago
Did not work. Got it home, brand new batteries, no life at all.
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 11 months ago
We are so sorry you're having issues with your Plasma Ball, but we really want to make things right. Please reach out to our customer service team 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 posted this review under Mlo.
Ok but not all features work
3 out of 5 stars
Would not recommend
Sp - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
The audio feature does not work at all
1 reply from NSI Product Support Team team - 1 year ago
We're sorry you're having issues with your Plasma Ball audio feature. Please reach out to our customer service team, and they will be happy to make things right. Please put "Target Review Follow Up" in the subject line, and let them know you posted this review under Sp.