TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Science & Nature Product Category

Space Exploration Mobile by PERISPHERE & TRYLON INC.

Space Exploration Mobile is a ceiling-mount mobile for kids intrigued by outer space and the history of space exploration. This fully motorized Space Exploration Mobile features rotating, realistic models of eight historic spacecraft: Sputnik, Mercury, Soyuz, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Mir Space Station. The colorful Earth globe lights up, and the mobile includes an infrared remote and educational booklet. Space exploration mobile requires four AA and two AAA batteries (not included). 11/17/2011 (Price: $32.99)

Midwest Tackle Box by REPLICA TOY FISH COMPANY

This toy is a box set of 12 realistic toy fish about 3 inches long.  The fish species are the ones we catch: Walleye, Northern Pike, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Crappie, Muskellunge, Tiger Musky, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. Made of plastic and hand painted. Box measures 7” x 3.8” x 1.4”. Launch date: November 2010. 10/24/2011 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ant Farm Revolution by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

Kids can watch ants create 3-D tunnels in nutrient-rich, translucent gel with the brand new Ant Farm Revolution from Uncle Milton. Ant Farm Revolution is the next generation in ant farm technology, with integrated LED light and projecting lens. This new ant habitat not only provides a home for ants, but also illuminates from within and projects GIANT ant shadows onto the wall or ceiling. Ants need to be ordered online.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: "Feels more like art than a toy;" interesting to all ages.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 1 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com. Cons: Reviewer said the ants got out of their container. 10/14/2011 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Live Bug Projector by INSECT LORE

Kids add friendly insects from their yard, watch them grow into giant supersized shadows on their ceiling, and move as they crawl about in the magnified-projector dome. The spacious observatory chamber is safe for bugs and kids. The projector’s buggy eyes light up, too. 10/14/2011 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bubble Gum Factory by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

Kids can make gobs of gum with this bubble gum factory. Create unique recipes by mixing and matching different flavors. Kit Includes citric acid packet, corn syrup, confectioner sugar, gum base, watermelon flavoring, blueberry flavoring, mint flavoring, 2 note cards, activity guide, and a plastic tin with lid.
— Andrea Scartozzi, from Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a September 2011 survey that Bubble Gum Factory is their bestselling science toy.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Penn., told TDmonthly that "a certain few of the kits from Scientific Explorer, mostly any one that has to do with food," are their second-best selling Science & Nature item.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that kits from Scientific Explorer are one of their top-2 bestselling educational products. They sell dozens each month. 9/19/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Ecotronics Hand Crank Flashlight by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Squeeze-powered, kid-sized flashlights. Each animal's nose lights up when switched on. Side lever stores inside the body—release and squeeze to charge up the light.
— June Hargrove, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in September 2011 that they sell 12 of this item each month. 9/12/2011 (Price: $10.99)

Skeleton Foam Floor Puzzle by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Encourages kids to explore the human body by piecing together a life-size puzzle. Invites children to make comparisons to their own bodies as they lie on top of the completed puzzle. Features 15 illustrated pieces with both formal and common bone names printed on the reverse side. Provides a fun activity for spooky-themed parties. Soft foam puzzle measures 4'H when assembled. 9/7/2011 (Price: $26.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Incredible Journeys by KINGFISHER BOOKS

This 128 page, fully illustrated book features the migration habits of many different animals in a colorful, informative, and easy-to-read format. From Animal Planet's new line of children's books. Launch date: September 27, 2011. 9/6/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Weird and Wonderful: Show-Offs by KINGFISHER BOOKS

This new line of books feature the expert knowledge of Animal Planet in a fun, easy-to read format for kids. This book features the unique visual attributes of many different creatures in the Animal Kingdom. Launch date: September 27, 2011. 9/6/2011 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Weird and Wonderful: Attack and Defense by KINGFISHER BOOKS

This new line of books feature the expert knowledge of Animal Planet in a fun, easy-to read format for kids. This book features the attack and defense mechanisms of many different creatures in the Animal Kingdom. Launch date: September 27, 2011. 9/6/2011 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puzzle Doubles Giant Backyard Bugs by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

Puzzle Doubles! Giant take the concept of a traditional puzzle to a whole new level!  Each product in this series includes a 30-piece, 3’ X 2’, beautifully illustrated “talk about” floor puzzle.  Once children have completed the puzzle, they can turn it over and color the giant illustration themselves using the four write-on/wipe-off crayons enclosed.  The crayons can be wiped off with a dry cloth.  Puzzle Doubles! provide children with multiple learning activities combined in one great product!  Ages 3+ years.    8/3/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jumping Brain Mini Figure Assortment by Toy2R

From Spanish designer Emilio Garcia's original creation, The Jumping Brain, Toy2R offers a smaller 2 inch scaled version that comes blinded boxed in a display of 25 randomly packaged figures. Each colorful figure comes with a keychain attachment to hook the brain on anything. Ideal for shops catering to the brainiac or geek shoppers. Launch date: February 2011. 8/2/2011 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond by DAWN PUBLICATIONS

Old MacDonald had a … pond? Come along with Jo MacDonald and learn about the wild creatures at the farm pond, including fish, frogs and ducks – and a few surprises. This riff on “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” introduces youngsters to the concept of ecosystems. Author Mary Quattlebaum engages little ones with rhythm, repetition, wordplay, and onomatopoeia, while illustrator Laura Bryant charms them with lively watercolors of a pond community. A resource section in the back features both outdoor and indoor activities and games sure to encourage young naturalists at home and school. Jo MacDonald’s pond discoveries closely resemble those that Mary discovered, too, when she grew up in the country with fields, gardens and ponds. 8/1/2011 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gobble, Gobble by DAWN PUBLICATIONS

Arrow-shaped footprints lead a young backyard naturalist to a flock of funny-looking birds with big strong feet: Wild Turkeys. Once nearly extinct, these comical critters now gobble their way across North America. Follow Jenny through a year of enchantment as she shares her discovery of these wonderful birds. Gobble, gobble! Jenny wrote a journal, too, with lots of fascinating stuff about a distinctly American bird. Although it once numbered in the millions, wild turkeys nearly disappeared with over-hunting and habitat destruction, but are now making a comeback. The unique illustrations are block prints over collages. The collages are made from cut and torn paper plus all sorts of things from nature – bark, leaves, feathers, even wasp nests. Author Cathryn Falwell also offers tips for children to make their own cut-paper pictures and how to keep a nature journal. Also available in Hard Cover. 8/1/2011 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lava Blasting Volcano Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

Volcanoes are one of the most awesome forces found in nature. They can shoot rocks and gases miles into the air and their lava flows can outrace a speeding car.  Now kids can try that at home.  In this kit, everything is included to create a volcanic blast.  Volcano really explodes and lava flows, and the kit includes cool science that explains how volcanoes form and why they explode.  Volcano erupts up to 10 times. Launch date: August 2010.
— In a September 2011 survey, three out of 13 retailers said products from Scientific Explorer were their bestselling science & nature toys. Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Brynn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that "Scientific Explorer's line features colorful, good sized boxes and some great titles." 7/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Crime Catchers Spy Science Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

With this kit, kids can investigate crime scene clues and learn about how science plays an important role in solving crimes.  They'll also learn how to make & match DNA, analyze mysterious fingerprints, decode secret messages, and more. Launch date: August 2011. 7/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Disgusting Special Effects Make Up Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

With this kit, kids can make gruesome fake cuts, burns, and bruises, just like in the movies, use tricks professional make up artists use, and learn the science behind the movie make up. Launch date: September 2011. 7/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

DIG! & DISCOVER: 3D T-Rex by KRISTAL EDUCATIONAL INC.

Kids carefully dig into a block of soft, sedimentary rock and discover an ancient, 70 million year-old 3D Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Then solve an ancient puzzle and assemble its scattered bones into a 10 inch “museum quality reproduction.” A fun filled, educational, hands-on experience for all explorers ages 7 and up.  Contents: excavation block with bone replicas, excavation tool, excavation brush, and instructions.  WARNING! CHOKING HAZARD – contains small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Conforms to ASTM F-963-08. Launch date: 2010. 7/11/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Venomous Creatures Toob® by SAFARI LTD.®

Each mini figure is carefully sculpted and finely painted by hand to ensure optimum quality for years of learning fun. For added play value these collections are packaged in a reusable acetate tube. Figures range in size from 1" to 3". All figures are phthalate and lead free to ensure your child's safety. These tiny yet highly detailed figures depict real venomous creatures from around the world. Toob® includes a Cane Toad, a Yellow-Belllied Sea Snake, a Bat Ray, a Komodo Dragon, a Brown Tarantula, a Giant Centipede, a Fat-Tailed Scorpion, a Stone Fish and a Common Indian Cobra. ( Watch Video) 6/30/2011 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cheery: The True Adventures of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

Cheery is a frog. He’s a Chiricahua Leopard Frog, to be more precise. Okay, he’s not a frog yet. At the beginning of the story, he’s still a tadpole. Young readers will learn how a tadpole turns into a frog and why some frogs—like Cheery—are dramatically declining in numbers around the world. Author Dr. Elizabeth W. Davidson is a research scientist at Arizona State University where she is working to save these amazing amphibians. Cheery: The true adventures of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog puts the problem in terms that young readers can grasp. The book contains valuable lesson guides for parents and teachers. 6/22/2011 (Price: $15.95)

Spectacular Science by THAMES & KOSMOS

Kids will amaze their audience by rehearsing and performing 25 awesome chemistry experiments in their own science show. Whether they’re moving particles with their magic wand, creating self-destructing bottles, sparking fireworks from an orange, or watching mystical black snakes grow from a pile of power, this kit is sure to educate and entertain friends and family of all ages. Includes lab equipment, materials, chemicals, cue cards with stage directions, and a 64-page, full-color, comic-book style manual. The kit "Provides young scientists with the tools and instruction to create their own science show instead of watching one," Kim Hammann, sales & marketing manager at Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2011.
— In a November 2011 survey about hobby toys, Mary Porter-Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly, "We sell lots of science kits — the best selling ones are chemistry sets from Thames & Kosmos." 5/27/2011 (Price: $89.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Original TEDCO Gyroscope by TEDCO INC.

Produced since 1917, the gyroscope has been a classic educational toy for generations that continues to fascinate young and old alike with its mysterious force that seems to defy gravity. Gyroscope technology is used in numerous applications such as guidance and navigation systems in ships, planes and spacecraft. Instructions with several amazing enjoyable tricks available with each gyroscope. YouTube video link available to assist with selling. Manufactured in Indiana (USA Made). "Still a popular selling product after many years in the market. Our #1 selling toy out of over 450 products offered," Bob Sherman, sales associate at TEDCO Toys, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Seal of Approval from Homeschool.com; Dr Toy's Classic Toy Award 5/27/2011 (Price: $7.19) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Expedition One 3-N-1 COMPASS TOOL by SUMMIT PRODUCTS

The 3-IN-1 Compass Tool is conveniently attached to a self-winding retractable carabiner clip, so it's always within reach yet quickly out of the way. Push-button releases spring-loaded compass lid. Flip-out magnifying glass stays neatly hidden when not in use. High-visibility LED signal light lets kids flash secret Morse code messages across any field.
Awards: National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Spring 2011 5/24/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hydroponic Fly Traps by DUNECRAFT INC.

With these kits, kids can grow Fly Traps without soil. This complete kit comes with everything kids need to get started. A Hydro-Pump is included, which keeps the water fresh and the nutrients available to the roots of the growing plants. Each Complete Kit Includes: Sprouting and Growing Dome, Hydroponic Rack,Hydro-Pump, 4 Net Pots, 4 Rock-Wool Cubes, Fly Trap Seed Pack: 8mg, 3 Color Decals, 1 Bag Part A Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Bag Part B Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Nutrient Scoop, and Instructions. 5/11/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Organic Veggies by DUNECRAFT INC.

Kids can grow their own organic vegetables, guaranteed. The pot, soil-less planting mixture, even the seeds- are certified organic. The interest in edibles has been soaring and is only increasing. All the plants are quick to sprout and easy to grow and will produce their harvest early. Sprout inside and plant the whole pot in the ground after a month or two and let the bountiful harvest begin. 4/25/2011 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]