Next week I return to teach in Myanmar for a few months.

There are certain items which are very useful to use in science classes, but which I know (from previously working in Yangon), are impossible to buy in that city. Items such as germanium diodes and piezo-electric earpieces to make crystal sets - Luckily I have been able to buy these in Phuket Town, as well as small lightbulb holders, crocadile clips etc

Now I'm after a source of horseshoe magnets and iron filings, as well as a childrens' chemistry set.

Does anyone know a specific shop where one or all of these items can be bought? Please don't suggest 'a childrens' toy shop', because I don't have a lot of time to visit many shops before I return to Yangon.

If you're seen any of these items in a shop in Phuket, please do let me know.

Simon

I have been trying to look for similar items.. not for me, for the kids of course

In Bangkok, close to some universities, there was shops which sold all sort of stuff we played at the secondary school physics and chemistry classes. Here I doubt it as the universities are more for business related as far as I know.

Supercheap used to have some chemicals on their pharmacy. Maybe the other supplier, which was mentioned earlier, would have those. Not sets, but chemicals and basic elements, which can be used for science learning.

The Naked Scientists (BBC) kitchen science part have plenty of science demonstrations, which can be done with quite ordinary household items, which you should be able to purchase while in Yangon as well. Still many of these demonstrations are cool and might ignite the curiosity to wonder among kids you teach. http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/kitchenscience/

Amorn (BigC downstairs) have some electronics. You might want to explain the situation to the people at the back of the shop.

Thanks for your comments. I can get a wide source of electronics components from the Magnet shop in Phuket Town, but they do not sell their namesake ==> magnets!

I will pass through BKK on my way to Yangon, so will try to find horseshoe magnets there.

Simon

When I asked for the magnets, one of our TV members told be to go to xe.com. That will not probably to be in your time schedule.

What are you planning to do?

To show is good, to be possibly replicated by the kids is great.

I can buy them on Ebay prior to going to Yangon (I know from last time that Ebay blocks access from Myanmar IPs). I can get them sent to my address in Yangon, (I've done this before and everything was delivered OK). But it's much easier to buy them locally in Thailand.

Horseshoe magnets and iron filings are useful items to use in many different science projects/experiments.

Simon

I can buy them on Ebay prior to going to Yangon (I know from last time that Ebay blocks access from Myanmar IPs). I can get them sent to my address in Yangon, (I've done this before and everything was delivered OK). But it's much easier to buy them locally in Thailand.

Horseshoe magnets and iron filings are useful items to use in many different science projects/experiments.

Simon

Magnets are great but be careful when you order them on Ebay as magnets have really serious restrictions for air transport.

dx.com offers a wealth of stuff. They deliver free to Thailand, I ordered several stuff from them already, and it arrived within about 15-20 days from Singapore via EMS.

Chemistry sets for children at Toys 'R Us (at HomeWorks), I think. They do have a section of 'scientific' toys as microscopes, telescopes, ant farms, etc. Not cheap, though.

I've seen these horseshoe magnets at Julapan in Chalong. Near police station. But I bet other large stationary shops will have them as well. Very cheap!

SuzieQ, thanks very much for this information!

Simon

And there's me thinking those big red horseshoe magnets only existed in Tom and Jerry cartoons