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

3D Hologram Chamber by PLAYMAKER 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. ( Watch Video) 7/1/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sparkle PlayFoam 6-pack by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

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. 7/1/2008 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SpongeBob Squarepants - Water Wonders Water Lilies by DUNECRAFT INC.

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. 7/1/2008 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SpongeBob Squarepants - Water Wonders Amazing Instant Plant by DUNECRAFT INC.

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. 7/1/2008 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Love You Bean by DUNECRAFT INC.

An "I Love You" message will appear when the bean sprouts. All this kit needs iw water, wunlight and love. It's guaranteed to grow by the manufacturer. 7/1/2008 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Solar Science Kit by TEDCO INC.

This kit is designed to help kids explore and learn about the abundant power of solar energy. Included is an informative sheet packed with ideas for science projects, plus a photovoltaic cell, disc with diffraction foil and a solar motor. 6/19/2008 (Price: $11.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

EIN-O's Global Warming Box Kit by TEDCO INC.

This box kit provides kids an introduction to global warming. It explains the causes and suggests ways to help reduce this type of environmental pollution, plus includes a green experiment for kids to try. The kit includes sample containers, sodium bicarbonate, sticky labels, temperature chart, thermometers and vinegar. Some household equipment may be needed. 6/19/2008 (Price: $7.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dino Dig Tyrannosaurus by TEDCO INC.

Kids can dig up and assemble a T-Rex. The kit includes a reconstucted T-Rex fossil, digging site, tools, dino fossil handbook and assembly instructions. 6/19/2008 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Stretchy Elastic Science Lab-Top by TEDCO INC.

Kids will learn what makes rubber stretchy and about elastic potential energy and kinetic energy. They'll also experiment with sound using rubber bands. Included in this compact kit are a rubber band racer, rubber band flyer, groovy guitar, bouncy rubber ball, winding wheeler and speedboat, for six elastic experiments. 6/19/2008 (Price: $11.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Assorted Dinosaur Bone Puzzles by COPERNICUS TOYS

Be a paleontologist and piece together these dino bones. 6 kinds of dinos--1 per box. 6”-9” inches assembled. Makes for a nice collectible item. 6/17/2008 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Activity Kit: Volcano by COPERNICUS TOYS

This kit contains everything you need to build, paint and erupt a papier-mache volcano. Kit contains papier-mache, paint set, volcano forms, and complete instruction booklet. Safe and non-toxic; for ages 6 and up.  6/17/2008 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bags of Knowledge – Simple Crystal by DUNECRAFT INC.

Simply place this unassuming stone in a glass of vinegar and watch beautiful crystals form. Crystals are formed by a completely safe reaction as the vinegar evaporates. This naturally occurring mineral will be sure to delight and amaze. 6/16/2008 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bags of Knowledge – Neon Space Sand by DUNECRAFT INC.

This unbelievable sand will not get wet and can be formed into shapes under water. Remove it from water and watch in amazement as it miraculously turns to completely dry sand. The kit comes with a full color insert with experiment ideas, details of what should happen and an explanation of the science behind the fun. 6/16/2008 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bags of Knowledge - Slippery Spheres by DUNECRAFT INC.

Slippery Spheres are fun to throw, and they slip, slide, bounce and explode. Simply put the spheres in water and they will expand to over 200 times their size as they grow to the size of a marble. The kit comes with a full color insert with experiment ideas, details of what should happen and an explanation of the science behind the fun. 6/16/2008 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sand, Snow and Solid Physical Science Wonder Kit by DUNECRAFT INC.

Kids can experiment with fascinating polymers, demonstrating real world examples of conservation of mass, surface tension, polarity, osmosis, saturation, evaporation and more. All of the included polymers are reusable for hours and hours of mesmerizing fun. The comprehensive kit contains over 20 educational experiments, as well as a thorough guide outlining what can be demonstrated by each experiment and the science behind them. Other varieties in the line are Botanical Discoveries, Water Plants Adaptation Exploration and the Astounding Polymers Properties Observation Kit. Launch date: 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

40x, 100x, 400x Compound Microscope by BARSKA

The microscope is designed for examining plants, insects and leaves, teaching children about the biological structure of things in nature. Launch date: June 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $119.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Compact Curiosity: Monster Balloon by COPERNICUS TOYS

This biodegradable latex balloon grows to at least three feet when inflated. Use for delightful play or to think about atmosphere, air molecules and more. It’s “a great instant-gratification stocking stuffer — blow it up and chase it around the tree or out in the snow,” Peggy Tobias of Copernicus Toys told TDmonthly. “Fun compact packaging makes this a great stocking stuffer.” Launch date: March 2008. 6/4/2008 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Compact Curiosity: Instant Winter by COPERNICUS TOYS

The packet makes two cups of snow-like stuff with interesting water absorbing properties. “Explore science while enjoying a festive fake snow storm,” Peggy Tobias of Copernicus Toys told TDmonthly. “Fun packaging makes this the perfect size for a stocking stuffer.” Launch date: March 2008. 6/4/2008 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Go Diego Go! Rainforest Banana Grove by DUNECRAFT INC.

The banana grove kit comes with a top-of-the-line terrarium, colorful exotic seed packs, two themed plant stakes and colored gravel. Decorations, decals and cards to personalize the terrarium are also included. 5/30/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dora the Explorer Wild Wild West Garden by DUNECRAFT INC.

The kit comes with a top-of-the-line terrarium, colorful exotic seed packs, two themed plant stakes and colored gravel. Decorations, decals and cards to personalize the terrarium are also included. 5/30/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grow Your Own Pine Tree by DUNECRAFT INC.

The pine tree kit comes with a coconut coir pot that can be planted directly in the ground after sprouting, colorful plant stakes, seed packs, germination mixture, informative instructions on the care and background of the trees and more. Other kits in the Grow Your Own Tree line include Austrian Pines, Siberian Elms, Gingko Trees and more. 5/30/2008 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grow Your Own Elm Tree by DUNECRAFT INC.

The kit comes with a coconut coir pot that can be planted directly in the ground after sprouting, colorful plant stakes, seed packs, germination mixture, informative instructions on the care and background of the trees and more. Other kits in the Grow Your Own Tree line include Austrian Pines, Siberian Elms, Gingko Trees and more. 5/30/2008 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Rockin' Collection! Minerals by MINI ME GEOLOGY

The kit features minerals and testing equipment, all contained in a durable, travel convenient storage case. Additionally, the names of each mineral are provided below a foam pad, giving children an opportunity play a fun, identification game with the minerals. “Children enjoy the large, colorful minerals and the included streak plates, hand magnifier and identification cards that they can use for testing and identifying the minerals,” Tracy Barnhart of Mini Me Geology told TDmonthly. “Owners of the kit are also able to download additional free mineral information, experiments and puzzles from the company's website.” Launch date: 2007. 5/30/2008 (Price: $56.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe Gardener In Training Kit by SASSAFRAS ENTERPRISES INC.

The kit includes gardening bag, three garden tools, two flowerpots, a sprayer, gardening gloves and an apron embroidered with the words “Gardener In Training." The apron fits children sizes four to eight. All items are packaged attractively inside a gift box. Launch date: May 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dora Fairy Wonderland Garden by DUNECRAFT INC.

The complete kit includes multicolored fairy gravel, decorative fairy stakes and two fairy plants that will sprout within a week and flower within a year. The Lobelia will produce blue flowers, while the Primrose produces pink, scented flowers. “This product is very interactive as it features a terrarium in which kids plant the seeds, watch them come to life, take care of them and more!” Dunecraft Inc. Public Relations Specialist Alicia Borley told TDmonthly. “What better way is there to ignite an interest in plants and the world around us in young children than partnering with the creator of more top rated children's shows than anyone?” Launch date: February 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]