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

VentureView Science Kits by PERISPHERE & TRYLON INC.

These science construction kits are designed to allow young minds to build and understand Solar, Water, Elastic, Dynamo and Wind power sources while building kinetic models and vehicles. They are "well-conceived and comprehensive kits with many variations and high value," a representative of Perisphere & Trylon, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2010.
— John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., was impressed with the Wind Energy kit with giant turbine blades at Toy Fair 2010. "We love renewable energy education kits," he said.
— ''Science kits do well overall,'' Cheryl Richmond owner Punkin Doodles Havre, Mont., shared with TDmonthly. 2/4/2010 (Price: $39)

Glitterins Magical Optical Science Toy Deluxe by GLITTERINS

This product consists of a toy polariscope and soft flexible models that show beautiful prismatic rainbow colors when touched, bent or stretched and viewed under polarized light. Other contents include a prism, bell, magnifying glass, magnets, origami cellophane and adhesive tape in dispenser for amazing rainbow art, and ambiguous shapes of Black Glossy Cardboard for experiments with Brewster's angle and for stimulating the imagination. Instructions brochures and a Book of Science provide many activities for adventures with light and photoelasticity. "This is the first and only toy polariscope and the first toy based on photoelasticity. The toys are soft and flexible and provide the experience of magically causing brilliant rainbow colors to appear and move around within them with manipulation under polarized light. Other adventures involving origami cellophane and rainbow art with tape are also unique," Pamela Saha, Vice President, Biomedical Research and Services, Inc. (as Glitterins), told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 10, 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $79.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Just Look 10x Scope by TOYOPS INC.

Just Look is a palm-sized, glass optics microscope that lets one explore the small details of the world around. This handy little scope has infinite uses in all activities — from looking at freckles on an arm to watching ants in an ant habitat. The microscope is designed to be used in almost any profession, from judging the quality of fabrics to finding inclusions in gemstones. "It is a pocket-sized microscope that children can use to explore the scientific world," Rachel Neuland, Marketing Coordinator, Toyops, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010. 2/4/2010 (Price: $9.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

African Dwarf Frog by WILD CREATIONS

These African dwarf frogs are sold individually, to be added to a self-sustaining Wild Creations eco-aquarium.
— The eco-aquariums were top sellers at the end of 2009 at RoundTable Toys in Winterville, N.C., according to David Davis, owner. ( Watch Video) 1/25/2010 (Price: $3.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spiders & Arachnids by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 1,000-piece puzzle features illustrated arachnids from all over the world, from big tarantulas to tiny scorpions. This high-quality puzzle includes educational information to make assembling both fun and fascinating. Launch date: February 2010. 1/14/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hugg-A-Planet Space Station Earth Moon Mars Set by HUGG-A-PLANET

Hugg-A-Planet is a line of soft, squishable, detailed astronomical bodies. Each Hugg-A-Planet features hundreds of geographic features and destinations illustrated and labeled on the planet’s shell. NASA embraced Hugg-A-Planet as a teaching tool and sent the plush Moon, Mars, and Earth into space aboard the International Space Station. This set celebrates that achievement by including Hugg-A-Planet Earth, Moon, and Mars identical to those currently in orbit.
— Online Reviews: Parents attest to the set’s appeal to children of all ages. The youngest of children are drawn to the set’s bright colors and use the planets as pillows or safe balls. Slightly older children like to find where they live on the Earth. Older kids can use the set for a homework aid as they learn geography and astronomy. The Earth includes a pocket that can be used to store the Moon, and enterprising youngsters have turned this pocket into a storage compartment for their favorite possessions. See Potamus Prefers, Sara Plays House, and Night Owl Mama. 12/31/2009 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SmartLab Fiber Optics Lab by SMARTLAB TOYS

Ever wondered if the light in the fridge stays on when you close the door? Fiber optics can light the way. It may sound like some supercomplicated electronic technology, but the basics are quite simple. Author Jim Becker helps kids understand what’s going on as they use the power of light to build 10 high-tech electronic projects, including a burglar alarm, an electronic rooster, and a flexible flashlight. The kit includes two preassembled workbenches (transmitter and receiver), three optical fiber rods and a connector, 26 hookup wires, two LED couplers, 12 activity cards , and a 12-panel fully illustrated booklet. "The retail feedback we have received tells us that there is not a similar product on the market," Darcy Morris, Director of Sales & Marketing, SmartLab Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 30, 2010. 12/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dinoworks Fossil Kit by SKULLDUGGERY

Dinoworks is a fascinating, educational and fun-filled kit that will show you what it is like to be a paleontologist in the field. It goes from casting the bones of the Tyrannosaurus to the complete construction of it. An illustrated educational booklet is included with the kit along with glue and magnets to display one's creation. 12/9/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Space Age Crystal Growing Kit: Rose Quartz Cluster by KRISTAL EDUCATIONAL INC.

This kit includes chemicals needed to grow a Rose Quartz crystal cluster of up to 4" in diameter. It comes with the Space Age Crystal Growing chemical, a stirring rod, a display pedestal and instructions. Within just a few hours of transferring the chemical to hot water, pouring the mixture into the vessel and letting it cool, crystals will begin to form and then continue growing for many days. 12/2/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rock Tumbler by NSI INTERNATIONAL INC.

Heavy duty rock tumbler changes rough stones into beautiful, high-luster semi-precious gemstones. Make jewelry with settings included in this set. U.L. Listed. ( Watch Video) 11/25/2009 (Price: $33.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magnificent Manicure Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

Designed to teach girls about cosmetic chemistry, this kit includes ingredients to make custom scents and indulge in a crystal mud treatment and a sea salt scrub. Girls can also buff and shine their nails for a finished look.
— Two of 40 retailers cited Scientific Explorer as a best-selling educational brand in fall 2009. The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., sells dozens of Scientific Explorer kits per month, Owner Mary Porter told TDmonthly. 11/24/2009

Strange Attractor Thinking Putty by CRAZY AARON ENTERPRISES, INC.

Deep black with subtle green sparkles, this slightly stiffer Thinking Putty has a mind of its own. Near a powerful magnet it comes alive! Strong enough to defy gravity. It can even lift tacks and paperclips on its own after charging in a magnetic field. One would be mesmerized by the invisible forces at play.
— Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, told TDmonthly in July 2010 that this product is one of her top-three best sellers. She cited sales of 12 in the last month and three in the last week.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, three out of 12 retailers said Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty was their bestselling novelty item. Richard Gibson, owner of Learning Express of Newton in Newton, Mass., told TDmonthly that the putty brings in $5-6,000 a year, and "the best is the magnetic one."
— In a Fall 2013 survey, three out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty was their best-selling novelty toy. ( Watch Video) 11/19/2009 (Price: $10.95)

The Particle Zoo Subatomic Particle Plushies by THE PARTICLE ZOO

The Particle Zoo is a collection of more than 36 plush versions of subatomic particles from the worlds of physics and astronomy. Often compared to Giant Microbes, these handmade soft toys represent the familiar neutron and proton as well as lesser-known particles like the charm quark and muon. A favorite of physics students can make unique birthday and graduation gifts, especially for physics students. The particles are handmade in the USA. "There are no other companies making plush subatomic particles, so they are a unique concept. Because they are weighted according to their relative masses, they can serve as a teaching aid or novelty gift," Julie Peasley, owner and seamstress for The Particle Zoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008. 10/29/2009 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Science - Soda Can Robug by TOYSMITH

The Green Science - Soda Can Robug is an imaginative way for children to explore mechanics and electricity. The kit includes a plastic mechanic body, wire wings, wire legs, motor with wires, screws and detailed instructions.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, Gary Green, owner of Toy Box of Asheville Inc in Asheville, N.C., told TDmonthly that the Soda Can Robug from Toysmith was one of their best-selling science toys. ( Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Magic School Bus Series – Going Green by THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

In this kit built around eco-friendly activities, kids get to shrink plastic, make a compost tube, make paper, decompose food, learn about reducing, reusing and recycling, and more.
— Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly in August 2009 that her store sold 36 of the Magic School Bus series kits in one month. 9/8/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Drinking Bird by BRI-GUY PRODUCTS

This classic novelty toy, the thermodynamic Drinking Bird, is available either with red or blue liquid. Once the bird begins drinking, he doesn’t ever stop.
— Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., sells about 20 per month of the Happy Drinking Bird, Owner Shana Hack told TDmonthly in August 2009. 9/8/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ant Farm® Live Ant Habitat by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

This 9” x 6” living space for ants includes four ports that attach to other ant habitats in the line, an ordering form to send off for receipt of live ants in the mail, and an illustrated “Ant Watcher’s Manual.” The break-resistant, escape-proof habitat is situation on a tip-proof stand.
— Two of 38 retailers named Uncle Milton’s Ant Farms as one of their best-selling science toys in August 2009, citing sales of three to five per month. 9/8/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Samurai Scorpion by OWI INC.

OWI’s aluminum, non-venomous invertebrate building kit features a Scorpion to be assembled from metal and bendable aluminum parts. The Samurai Scorpion is comprised of two major parts: head and body. The head consists of a pair of eyes, mouth and claws used to capture prey. The body contains eight legs, tail and a curved aculeus (stinger). The kit contains 30 hard and soft pre-punched aluminum parts, seven screws, seven nuts, three springs and assembly tools. Its claws, arms, legs and tail are moveable. Launch date: April 2008. 8/27/2009 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mega Mantis by OWI INC.

OWI’s aluminum insect building kit features a praying mantis insect that the owner assembles from metal and bendable aluminum parts. The average size of the scientifically named “stagmomantis carolina” is 3" to 4" in length. Mega Mantis is twice this size, hence its name. Kids can hold it, bend it, and even move its legs, wings, head and fore legs. The kit contains 25 hard and soft pre-punched aluminum parts, seven screws, seven nuts, four metal springs and assembly tools. Launch date: April 2008. 8/27/2009 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Attacking Inch Worm by OWI INC.

Attacking Inch worm has orange, spiky limbs to ward off any predator who seeks to challenge it as a delectable delight. Its initial defensive mechanism may fool intruders for a moment, but still requires a way to heed out of harm’s way. The sun’s rays power this mini solar kit to slither along to safety. The mechanical movements are designed to simulate the movements of its soft-bodied derivative. Because its home is above ground, Attacking Inch Worm has a hard plastic body to protect itself. No batteries or tools are required, and there are less than 50 parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Happy Hopping Frog by OWI INC.

This little green amphibian friend leaps with a joyful sense of freedom using its hind legs and rubber feet. Happy Hopping Frog jiggles its eyes as a dog would wag its tail, acknowledging its love and appreciation to its owner. The tailless, leaping mini solar kit is activated by the power of the sun’s rays; no batteries are required. Happy Hopping Frog is designed for easy assembly with approximately 25 parts, and demonstrates alternative energy principles. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Solar Racing Car by OWI INC.

Powered by the sun's rays, this alternative-energy toy car requires no batteries or tools, and contains less than a dozen parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Walking King Crab by OWI INC.

Methodically, eight legs work in harmony to create a ballet style “tippy-toe” movement. Similar to its cousin from Alaska, the Walking King Crab scurries along to safe passage when powered by the sun's rays. Walking King Crab is powered with a mini solar cell (included) and demonstrates alternative energy principles. No batteries or tools are required; there are 35 parts to assemble. "Because of its entry-level price point, retailers will grow fond of its movements; both off the shelf and after assembly. If a make-it and take-it type product is what you are looking for, this hands-on terrestrial tantalizer will make you the local hero," Craig Morioka, president of OWI Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Photo Gems by ASPEN LIGHT IMAGING

This 7/8"- square glass pendant comes with a 24" color-coordinated ball chain, a silver-plated bail, paper, acrylic sealer, a cello hanging bag, and a color-coordinated card with interpretive information on the back. Water resistant only. Launch date: August 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $15.00)

4D Vision Frog Anatomy Model Kit by JOHN N. HANSEN CO. INC

This frog kit contains 31 parts. It has fine detailed sculpting and hand-painted parts. Organs and body parts detach. Display platform and illustrated guide book are included. Recommended for ages 8+. WARNING: Choking hazard - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years. 8/11/2009