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October 2008 Notable Toys — Science & Nature

By TDmonthly Staff

Animals Christopher Columbus Saw
From: CHRONICLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Other products from CHRONICLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

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Age Range: 7 to 10
Launch Date: July 2008

Category:

Books
Educational
Science & Nature

In this new series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, famous explorers take a backseat to the animals they encounter along the way. Through nimble writing and beautiful paintings, this series casts the past in a whole new light. "The author ... is an internationally known science education consultant," Cathleen Brady, senior manager of children's publicity for Chronicle Books, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2008.

Make 6 vibrant, multi-colored, high-bouncing balls! Just mix and layer the colors in 3 ball molds. Part of Copernicus Toys' growing new line DIY:Happy Activities.

Make over a 1/2 pound of your own bubble gum with this kit. Easy to follow directions will have you blowing bubbles in no time. A fun and tasty way to explore the science of food.

This Rootbeer Kit revives the traditional American activity of brewing old-fashioned root beer at home. Easy, fun, and educational, one can explore the science of CO2 produced as a by-product of yeast metabolism. This kit makes naturally-carbonated creamy root beer.

This 40-page science book and materials kit includes eight major activities that transform the study of central concepts of molecular biology into child's play. Kids can extract DNA from a fruit, probe and spool real DNA, build a double helix model, solve a chromosome puzzle (Is it a boy or a girl?) and play a gene construction game. A more advanced version is available for appropriate markets. Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2008. Launch date: 2008.

Where to Buy: Kazoo Toys

When viewed at the correct angle, a floating ball in the hologram chamber projects a clone that looks touchable – until you try. Other small objects (not provided) can also be used in the chamber. Metal objects should be avoided, however, because they may scratch the mirrored surface.

Sparkling snowflakes, glittery stars, and shimmering fish are just a few of the dazzling creations kids can make with new Sparkle PlayFoam, now available in a rainbow of colors! Like classic PlayFoam, the new sparkly foam beads are non-toxic, and won’t dry, harden, or stick to surfaces, making clean up quick and easy. Launch date: 2008.

This easy-care plant will last for years and can grow as large as kids wish. They start by filling the provided bowl with water and adding the seeds. Lily pads start to sprout by the 2nd week. Water must be changed every few days. Lily Pads take shape within a few weeks of sprouting.

When this plant is placed in the provided bowl, it springs to life ina matter of hours. When the water goes dry, the plant curls up and becomes dormant. The plant will continue to open and grow each time water is added to it. The kit contains the Amazing Instant Plant, themed plant stake, themed bowl decals, lava rocks and a clear bowl.