April 2014 Notable Toys — Science & Nature

Build an energetic bouncing robot that uses an electric motor and a springloaded mechanism to jump forward in a continuous motion. Watch the robot crouch down, compress its coil spring, and store up energy. Then see how it instantly extends its legs and releases the stored energy all at once, launching itself upward and forward. Experiment with the metal coil spring to discover how the robot’s jumping mechanism works. See if the robot can jump over objects in an obstacle course you design for it. Learn about elasticity, potential and kinetic energy, the spring constant, cams, and linkages. Build seven other functional models using the same mechanical components — the spring, cams, and motor — to perform other tasks and demonstrate physical science principles firsthand. Construct a car that moves forward on spiral-shaped wheels. Build a crab that moves sideways, a kicking machine that uses the spring-loaded mechanism to propel an object away, a pitching machine, and a grappler claw. Assemble a fun amusement park ride that spins around using the electric motor. Learn about the physics of force, mass, and weight by making and experimenting with a spring scale. The full-color, 24-page instruction manual provides step-by-step illustrated assembly instructions.

A souped-up version of the best-selling Remote-Control Machines kit! Build your own motorized vehicles and machines and control them with a wireless remote control unit. A unique six-button infrared remote allows you to control three different motors simultaneously, moving each of them forward or in reverse, with easy-to-activate touch sensors. The three motors can be combined to make complex vehicles and machines in numerous configurations limited only by your imagination. Assemble 20 models demonstrating different ways in which the motors can be used including a three-wheeled car, bat-bot, stag beetle, robot, battle car, ball collector car, forklift, tunneling vehicle, truck, drilling machine, crane, robotic arm and more. After you have built the models in the instructions, you can design your own remote control creations! The kit comes with three motors, remote control unit, battery holder, and 155 building pieces. 128-page, full-color instruction book.
— In a September 2014 survey, Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly that Remote Control Machines is the store's best-selling science & nature toy.

The Geek & Co. Craft line connects science, art, and nature through fun, hands-on activity kits. With Braided Slingshot, you can learn how to weave, interlace, and ultimately transform a thin string into a strong elastic cord. Attach a sewn leather cuff to hold a soft foam ball and voila - you’ve made your own slingshot! One of 10 new kits in two different sizes.

Plush 18" African American Doll with a wavy, interchangeable plaitnap of synthetic hair. This doll is soft, plush and cuddly and comes without the internal framework. A favorite doll to enjoy for years to come. Protectors of Knowledge. Time Traveler.

The first book in the Knowledge Trackers series. Becca & Bas, The Knowledge Trackers is dedicated to empowering, equipping and promoting literacy among African American children through an interactive doll and adventure series called "The Knowledge Trackers."

40 page science book with materials. An exciting set of selected experiments (Split water into rocket fuel! Pop hydrogen! Flame test salts! Grow huge crystals! Model 3D electron orbitals!) designed to make elements elementary and explore the periodicity of the periodic table. Learn about atoms and the stuff they are made of - protons, neutrons and electrons. This beautifully illustrated book takes children through the alphabet of the universe.
— In a November 2014 survey, two retailers told TDmonthly that Science Wiz kits are one of their store's best-selling educational toys.

Blast off with Newton's laws of motion and prepare to excel in PHYSICS! Develop a fundamental understanding of inertia, the laws of motion, centripetal force, mass, weight, velocity and acceleration. Concepts are covered with time tested experiments and highly visual illustrations. This kit includes a balance scale for measuring mass, a stopwatch accurate to 1/100 of a second to clock speed and a jet car that really zooms.
Awards: Dr. Toy's Best Toys Award; Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Toy Award; Creative Child Magazine Award

40 page science book with materials. Candle making, water squirting, freezing thawing, glop, and mud pie experiments -- things every child should do to explore the matter of matter. 35 activities include: Capture a CO2 explosion; Squeeze an egg into a bottle; Grow crystals and more. Authors Note: When my children were small they tested the experiments that are in this book. We sorted through many, many projects and picked our favorites. In high school and college both my son and daughter loved chemistry. I took a lot of chemistry, but I never loved the field the way my children do. I think this kit and their early experiences with chemistry had a lot to do with this difference.
Awards: Creative Child Magazine Award

Projects in Electrostatics! Build 6 different devices to explore CHARGE! Build a hair raising Van de Graaff Generator; Detect charge with an electroscope; Store charge in a Leyden jar; Spin an electrostatic motor; Transport charge with an electrophorus; Ring a Franklin bell. Complete 15 Activities with these devices, including: Spew a glitter fountain; Make your hair stand on end with electrostatic CHARGE!; Generate large sparks with an electrostatic generator; Spin an electrostatic motor; Explore and detect plus and minus charges; Propel objects with an electrostatic generator.

The Solar System and Beyond Puzzle. Explore the solar system with this unique puzzle while expanding your knowledge of planets and more. The pieces of this puzzle are shaped like the planets and other stellar bodies. 500 pieces.

Build a distance-sensing robot motorcycle. The Basic Builder is the best way to start playing with robots. This kit includes two spin modules so you can create simple robot critters that scoot and drive. Control your creation with an infrared distance sensor!

This budget successor to Orbotix’s popular smartphone-controlled ball is fast, handles well and can stop on a dime. The iOS and Android controlled Sphero 2B was first shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show last month. It’s in the prototype stages, but it still works like a charm.

Includes the DIWire, DIWire software, 1/8 inch and 1/16 inch bend heads and feed wheels. Shipping and sales tax paid separately. Currently, the DIWire will only ship to the United States, Canada, the EU and Australia. All shipments to New York state addresses are subject to an additional 8.875% sales tax. Shipping is estimated $65 - $160 (and up to $400 for international) depending on your location. Charges will not be applied until your unit ships. We will be contacting you at least one week prior to shipping.

Use this DNA model to build one (1) biologically accurate DNA model. Rediscover DNA with this larger-than-life model! It's easy — just attach the nucleotide bases to the backbone, pair the DNA strands, then twist them to form the familiar double helix. Just like a puzzle — and just as in nature — this DNA model fits together only one way: adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C) on the sugar phosphate backbones. Use this biologically accurate foam DNA model, over 2 feet tall, in a number of fun and educational ways: Show the right-handed double helical structure of DNA; Incorporate STEM concepts through the use of modeling; Illustrate the base-pair relationship between purines and pyrimidines; Engage your students with this friendly, interactive model. The DNA model includes everything you need to build one (1) biologically accurate DNA model, an instruction sheet, and 10 fun facts about DNA.

Skullduggery’s new SMITHSONIAN CRAFT KITS combine learning, discovery and education all in one exciting journey. Each kit is loaded with activities such as 3D mold making, coloring and a BONUS educational activity book packed with facts and fun. Your child will have a hands on learning adventure they can share with everyone!

The Geek & Co. Science kits make science fun and affordable! With Crystal Nightlight, grow a big, beautiful crystal from alum powder, then wire up a color-changing LED circuit. Put them together to create your own nightlight that glows in a spectrum of colors! 

Explore electrochemistry by constructing a working clock powered by a slimy goop.

This new construction toy functions off of 8 sided geometry. Pieces connect at 90 and 45 degree angles, and can be combined with a 6 sided part that can connect at 33 degree angles. Hinges, axels, and other components help kids create moving structures.

For all the paleontologists in training or for those just fascinated by prehistoric life, we bring you Dino Dig! WABA Fun is always looking for additional ways to make learning fun and what better way than to combine Kinetic Sand with ancient beasts! Bury your Tyrannosaurus Rex or Triceratops bones in the sand and use the provided tools to excavate right in your living room! Become the next Dr. Alan Gran and start your own Jurassic Park! (Dino DNA not included). Each Kit contains 1 kg of award-winning Kinetic San, one 3D Dino puzzle skeleton and tools for excavating. The box has fun facts about your dinosaur and serves as a containment site as well!

OWI’s geek squad, who brought to you the beloved T3 Transforming Solar Robot, has dusted off their labs coats and goggles to concoct their latest triumph…T4 Transforming Solar Robot. "T4" not only has more transformations but also comes equipped with larger parts, meaning that your younger child does not have to be excluded from partaking in some high quality robot fun. “T4” is completely solar-powered so you never need to buy batteries. Not only will "T4" provide your child with a new understanding of solar power as a source of renewable energy, but will also get your kids outdoors for some wholesome fun in the sun. This kit gives your child the option to easily transform between one of four different modes: Robot – walking legs as well as moving wheels, Insecta – 6 walking legs as well as moving jaws, T-Rex -2 walking legs and moving jaws, and Drill Vehicle – similar to a miner’s driller/drilling bit and moving wheels. If your children are glued to smart-phones, give them an opportunity to acquire solar power knowledge, learn about mechanical transmissions, and get them outside to play. Amazingly, you might find yourself engaged in conversation with your child, thanks to their newly acquired “expertise”!

Contains over 40 parts. 165 experiments can be completed using the kit, like a spinning lighted fan, a small RC car that moves forward and backward, and more. It stimulates the mind and teaches kids about electrical engineering, gears and rations in a fun and educational way.
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Top Toy Debut Award

Think twice before discarding that 1985 CD-ROM, don’t throw away that aluminum can, and pick up that plastic bottle left under the couch. We can use them with our state-of-the-art, eco-friendly educational toy kit that will stretch your child’s imagination while allowing them to take part in the joy of recycling. The Super Solar Recycler Kit is powered completely by natural light so you never have to worry about batteries! In addition to your newly discovered treasures, all you need to get started is included in this kit (solar panel, motor and instruction). Your children can recycle a can of their favorite soft drink to create Street Roller and Walking Robot, create Bottle Yacht, Drummer Robot and Flying Bird using a plastic water bottle, and even turn your old scratched CD’s into the super cool CD Racer.
— Mark Rosenblum from Hobbytown in Fairfield, Conn., told TDmonthly in a January 2015 survey that OWI was their best-selling brand of STEM toys.

Invade Earth, check out life, and set it free. But if bugs aren’t your thing, don’t worry, these snapping jaws still equal pure fun all day long! Swoop in on action figures, collect & inspect tiny treasures, grab your sister’s feet, or just bite up everything in sight! With sparkling looks and beaming personality, BugAlien – The Best Bug Catcher Ever – captivates every age, every time! 100% Made in the USA: Right down to the packaging and spring. EVERYTHING is made in the USA.  See the companies in the right hand column.

Take a big bite with the Wild Safari® Monolophosaurus, an ancient meat-eating dinosaur from Safari Ltd® This new for 2014 hand-painted figure measures 7.5” long ( 19.25 cm) and is appropriate for ages 3 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and are lead free to ensure children’s safety. Visit safariltd.com to view and purchase Safari Ltd® toys and explore educational information in five languages.