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

Shrek 3 Swamp Kit by SAKAR INTERNATIONAL INC.

Part of Sakar’s range of products for the next installation of DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek movie in 2007, this Swamp Kit includes a telescope, a net, binoculars, plastic tweezers, a magnifier, a listening device, a lighted bug scope and bugs. Other kits include walkie-talkies, tents, flashlights and more. The Shrek line also features flash lights, iPod Skins, and MP3 Speaker Cases. Launch date: April 2007. 11/20/2006 (Price: $19.99)

Moon Sand by SPIN MASTER TOYS

This reusable sand “plays like dough” and is ideal for sculpting and molding. It never dries out and can be used over and over again. This product was named one of the Top 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy. “Moon Sand is an amazing product. Its traditional play pattern combined with innovation sets it aside from any other product. Kids are able to mold, squish and create any shape they want,” Ashley Elborne of Spin Master Toys told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2006.
— “They were all looking for Moon Sand [this Christmas],” Nancy Streeter, owner of Eureka Toys in Newburyport, Mass., reported to TDmonthly. “The manufacturer ran short on this.”
— “MoonSand … they were sold out in the mass [market],” explained Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass.
— Six of 31 retailers surveyed said they’d gotten numerous requests for this product, which they didn’t stock. 11/9/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sam's Science Adventure: Exploring Rocks & Minerals by TREASURE BOX PRESS

Join Sam as he explores mineral and rock formation, the rock cycle, mineral identification, the Mohs hardness scale and famous rocks around the world. Each kit contains a teaching manual, a student workbook, a rocks and minerals journal for each child to complete, field guide, mineral testing kit, rock samples, display box and supplies for a fun art activity. "Science, art, history and geography are integrated into each unique kit, giving children a much broader understanding. The kits are ready-to-use and parents do not have to gather obscure supplies,” Michelle Eichhorn, owner of Treasure Box Press, told TDmonthly. "Children seem to gravitate toward rocks. They enjoy filling their pockets with any unusual rock they find. After this kit, they'll be able to identify their finds as igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. What better way to learn?" 11/9/2006 (Price: $24.99)

SPIDER III Robot Kit by OWI INC.

This non-solder robot features a radical walking style, a light sensor beam, and the ability to avoid interference. The SPIDER III judges by the reflection of its light sensor rays whether there are obstacles, and then gives signals in the form of electric pulses to alter the rotating direction of the left side motor. It requires 2 AA batteries and 1 9V battery (not included). OWI “kits incorporate the basic principles of robotic sensing and locomotion, and guarantee an adventure that’s exciting, challenging, educational and fun,” President Craig Morioka of OWI Inc. told TDmonthly. 11/8/2006 (Price: $65.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rockit Robot Kit by OWI INC.

This non-solder robot in the OWI Beginner Series has a futuristic style and features a touch/sound sensor that prompts it to change direction when it hears a loud noise or comes in contact with an object. It comes with a condenser microphone, a pre-assembled printed circuit board, and an easy-to-assemble mechanical drive, and requires only basic hand tools and two AA batteries (not included). The product was selected by the Children's Institute for Childhood Resources as one of the "100 Best Children's Products" and "10 Best Software/High Tech Products" for 2001. 11/8/2006 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Battery Science by KLUTZ

Children can “make widgets that work and gadgets that go” with this activity book by Doug Stillinger that includes a genuine Klutz alkaline battery, buzzer, propeller, light bulb, motor and other useful items. Through eight different projects, the product helps kids master the real science behind electricity. It received the Parents’ Choice Recommended Award and was listed as one of Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Educational Products and Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Children’s Products. “Budding scientists will be amp'd with all eight of the kid-tested parent-approved projects, which range from a propelled swamp boat to creating a motorized bugzilla,” publicist Melissa Bloomfield of Scholastic Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2003. 11/8/2006 (Price: $19.95)

Pirate Dig Kit by GEOCENTRAL

This kit includes a 7” gypsum block, tools, a paper clip and twine — everything needed to assemble a complete 11-1/2"- to 12"-tall pirate. The free Pirate Dig Kit POP contains two each of four styles. Launch date: 2006.
— “In this hot pirate market, these are incredibly well-done and particularly cute skeletons that are the perfect gift for any pirate enthusiast,” Cindy Vader of GeoCentral told TDmonthly.

( Watch Video) 11/2/2006 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magenta Super Antquarium AQBZm by BIO-SPHERES

Even girls will like this antquarium with its bright pink gel. The product has a slightly rounded shape and contains the special transparent media where ants build their habitat creating new and unpredictable paths and tunnels. The set includes a large container, ants booster, a special 4x lens, a starter stick and an instruction handbook. The unit requires no food or water. Launch date: December 2006.
— “[It’s] the only pink gel-based ant habitat available. The space-age NASA-developed gel also produces oxygen, providing a beneficial environment for the ants,” Greg Adams, head of marketing at Bio-Spheres told TDmonthly. He mentioned that Bio-Spheres is the only company that offers replacement gel. 11/2/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Worm-Vue Wonders® by HSP NATURE TOYS

Peek into the underground world of earthworms and discover their earth-saving secrets! See how they turn waste into soil and dig tunnels to create drainage for plants. Perform experiments to demonstrate how worms live and work underground. Have fun with the “Super Squirmin” character cutouts. Complete kit includes: Double-sided viewing unit with shield & tray (keeps light out–worms in), super-expanding soil wafers, live action experiment booklet and colorful worm cut outs. 10/30/2006 (Price: $32.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sweet Machine by TOYOPS INC.

Assembly your own candy dispensing machine. Easy to assemble and decorate. Just press a button and out comes your treats. Packed 4 per case. 10/26/2006 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ant Farm Gel Colony by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

In honor of its 50th anniversary, the classic ant farm of the '50s fast-forwards into the future with this all-new Ant Farm Gel Colony habitat. Ant fans can watch their ants make 3-D, translucent tunnels in this futuristic habitat, featuring a green-tinted clear gel for ants to dig and tunnel. The clean, contemporary styling also makes this item perfect for a kid's room, classroom, college dorm or office.  Launch date: Fall 2006
— “Ant farm fans get all of the benefits of the original — seeing ants thrive in a habitat of their very own while developing an appreciation for these amazing tiny creatures.” Andrew Sroufe of Salmon Borre Group told TDmonthly. 10/24/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Star Theater SE by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

Watch the stars from the comfort of your own room. The number one selling home planetarium in the world is better than ever. The new, updated Uncle Milton Star Theater SE features actual starlight projection in addition to outlines and names of constellations. Stellarium Astronomy computer software is included. Launch date: Fall 2006 10/24/2006 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lab-in-a-Bag – Test Tube Adventures by BE AMAZING!

Using this science kit, kids will learn the secret of the Giant Test Tube and how to make Touchable Bubbles that don’t pop. They can make a super bouncing ball and 20’ of gooey, slimy worms. Almost everything kids need comes in one clear vinyl bag for easy clean-up.
— In a September 2011 survey, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Brynn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly, "Be Amazing’s Lab in a Bag (any one) does very well here. They have great experiments included and are a good 'birthday present' price."
— In a Fall 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Lab in a Bag was one of their best-selling science toys. ( Watch Video) 10/17/2006 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Microscope Explorer Kit by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

Since the time that Anton Van Leeuwenhoek first gave us a glimpse of those unseen worlds through his first microscope around 1668, our fascination with microscopes has held us in its grasp. From the young to the older, the chance to see and explore everyday things and lost treasures that surround us has sparked new excitement with the amazing details that were previously hidden from our view. The Microscope Explorer Kit is an especially valuable tool to explore anything from coins and stamps to the hidden world in nature — all with incredible clarity. This kit includes a high-quality battery operated 20X stereo microscope with top-grade optics, adjustable interpupillary eye piece, LED light source, sturdy plastic base and more. Also included is a cleaning brush, tweezers and three uncleaned ancient coins, approximately 1500 years old, to start your exploring. (The size, condition and type of coins will vary with each kit.) The microscope requires 2 AA batteries (not included). 10/12/2006

Human Skeleton Model - 85 cm by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

Demonstrate basic anatomical features of the human skeleton using this excellent skeleton model. The skeleton has natural movement of the joints with the exception of fused carpals and tarsals. Constructed of rugged plastic with a heavy metal base for an extra measure of stability. 10/12/2006

MiniLabs - Crystal Radio by POOF-SLINKY INC.

With the MiniLabs' Crystal Radio Kit kids can build a working crystal radio. No batteries or soldering are needed and the radio can pick up radio stations and allows children to experiment with radio waves. The kit comes complete with tuning coil, antennas, earphone and a book that tells all about radios and how they work. 10/12/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MiniLabs - Slime Science by POOF-SLINKY INC.

With the Slime Science kit, kids can create slimes with fun properties to explore. This includes a slime that jiggles, a sticky ooze that can glue things together, a mystery material that's solid one minute and liquid the next, a rubbery, stretchy putty and a classic horror-movie slime. Also included in the kit are, a science booklet, recipe cards and the slime chemicals. 10/12/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MiniLabs - Kitchen Chemistry by POOF-SLINKY INC.

The Kitchen Chemistry kit provides a way for children to explore chemistry in a safe and fun way. The kit uses common household substances to make fun things like: rock candy, super bubbles, molding clay, flip-flop slime, and more. Included in the kit are a miniature kitchen sink to mix and store their experiments. 10/12/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

EDU-7090 Tree of Knowledge ROBOTICS Kit by ELENCO

You will be able to assemble three fantastic robots. One robot detects objects using infra-red rays, the wake-up robot is sensitive to light and the third robot is operated by any TV remote control. A separate circuit and body are supplied for each robot. No soldering required. 10/11/2006 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SCROV-10 Snap Rover by ELENCO

Have fun building your own RC Snap Rover using the colorful Snap Circuit parts that come with this kit. There is no soldering required as all the parts snap together with ease. Once completed, you will be able to navigate your surroundings with the easy-to-use Snap Rover remote control. “The Snap Rover is a hands-on experience and gives children an opportunity to build their own RC Snap Rover along with 20 other projects,” Walter Larsen, national sales manager for Elenco, told TDmonthly. It was named one of the 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy. 10/11/2006 (Price: $74.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Adventure Science Series - Volcano Madness by THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

Young Scientists discover volcanoes and their structures by creating and designing a volcano and by getting to touch, feel, and experiment with real volcanic rock called pumice. Ultimate explosion solutions are created by measuring and mixing different substances in test tubes. This kit finishes with the roaring experience of volcanic eruptions that Young Scientists will want to repeat over and over again. Launch Date: October 30, 2006. 10/10/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Adventure Science Series - Zany Crystals by THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

Young Scientists explore crystal shapes, create crystal art, grow ice crystals, design a salt crystal garden, and grow crystal stars. This crystal adventure is at its best with the creation and growing of real rock candy which will surely become a tasty treat for all Young Scientists alike. Launch Date:  October 30, 2006. 10/10/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

F/X Snow by BE AMAZING!

Everything needed to uncover the secrets of cinematic snow comes in one little box. Kids just add water to create an erupting blizzard of snow anytime or anywhere. The kit includes Insta-Snow® Powder, snow scoop, Petri dish, portion cup and instructions. Launch date: March 2003 ( Watch Video) 10/4/2006 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cool Slime by BE AMAZING!

When kids mix the two liquids together, they get perfect slime, every time. They’ll learn about polymers and how they work, and why two liquids combine to make an oozy gooey concoction. They’ll learn how to clean their hands with Slime, and make a big Slime bubble. The kit includes Slime solution, Slime activator, mixing sticks, cups and instructions. Launch date: March 2006. 10/4/2006 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fairy Triad by DUNECRAFT INC.

The Fairy Triad is one of four new additions to the Dome Terrarium line. Learn about the history and lore of fairies with the included fairy-inspired plants (Lobelia, Clover, Evening Star and Thyme), a decorative fairy, multi-colored gravel, fairy bells, stakes, decals and more. Informative instructions detail sprouting and growing methods as well as a plethora of information about fairies and fairy gardens.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys; 2007 Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award; 2007 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center ( Watch Video) 10/4/2006 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]