The Science Museum has launched its biggest ever range of branded merchandise for Christmas in an effort to boost revenue.

The museum has signed deals with a number of high street retail chains – including Dixons, WHSmiths and Currys – which will see a selection of Science Museum branded products distributed across the UK.

This year’s range includes cosmic rockets which run on vinegar and baking soda, an electronic voice disguiser which plugs into a mobile phone and a translator fluent in 12 languages.

Many of the gadgets explain the technology and science behind the products in an attempt to add innovation to play value.

In July, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) issued a report damning the publicly funded museums’ efforts to collect additional income as “ineffective”.

Calling for a more entrepreneurial attitude, the report said: “The museums and galleries have achieved a creditable performance in generating their own income but there is unrealised potential.”

During 2002-3, the 17 UK museums which are sponsored by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), generated a total of £108m from trading activities and admission, while £270m was awarded in state grants.