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

Create-a-Circuit Kit by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

Build your own series circuit using PacSci’s Create-a-Circuit Kit. Comes complete with a "D" cell battery holder, a knife switch, two miniature light bulbs, two lamp holders and four connector cords. Instructions included for learning fun! Packaged in bright and colorful PacSci packaging. 9/27/2006

Human Heart Model by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

Study the anatomy of the human heart using this life-sized Heart Model. Constructed of heavy-duty plastic, it is dissectible into two parts and shows all of the main arteries and veins. Includes a detailed key and model base. Hand-painted. Comes in bright and colorful PacSci packaging. 9/27/2006

Floating Magnets by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

Learn about magnetic fields with three ceramic donut magnets and PacSci pencil included in this Floating Magnet set. Instructions for four simple, educational experiments using magnetic fields are included. Comes in bright, colorful PacSci packaging. 9/27/2006

Bug Viewer by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

Get a closer look at the small things in the world around you! This large clear plastic Bug Viewer has a 2.5x glass lens that is excellent for looking at the intricate details of insects and other small objects. Squares of 5mm are molded on the bottom to allow for easy measurement. It comes in bright, colorful PacSci packaging.
— "Bug" related toys are important sellers for Danny Givens, owner of Little Dickens in Lynchburg, Va. He says they get kids "back in touch with nature."
— "Bug gear" is a hot-selling category for Mary Porter, owner of Curiosity Zone LLC in Ashburn, Va.
— The Bug Viewer is just part of the Pacific Science Supplies line of earth science and field study tools that can be used to study little bugs and creatures. 9/27/2006

Yuck! by BE AMAZING!

From the specimen jar in which the kit is packaged to the secret formulas for making realistic-looking snot, vomit and body parts, this kit screams fun. Kids will be able to grow their own bacteria right at home. This nasty fun kit includes Slime Goo, Worm Goo, Slime Activator, True Color tablets, Growing Body Parts, Petri dish and lid, nutrient agar, cotton swab, clear cup, mixing cups, super-absorbent crystals and instructions. The jar is 18” high and 9” deep. Launch date: March 2006. ( Watch Video) 9/26/2006 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

National Geographic - Dinosaur Skeleton Kit by THAMES & KOSMOS

Using this puzzle kit, kids will build a realistic model of a Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex or Triceratops skeleton.  They’ll also learn about the dinosaur with a full-color, foldout information sheet and three dinosaur fact cards. (SKUS: Brachiosaurus – 630218, Stegosaurus – 630225, Tyrannosaurus rex - 630249 Triceratops – 630232). Launch Date: Fall 2006. 9/26/2006 (Price: $5.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

National Geographic - Dinosaur Expedition Kit by THAMES & KOSMOS

Kids can unearth a model Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex or Triceratops skeleton using tools and techniques similar to those of a real paleontologist.  They’ll learn about the dinosaur they excavated with a quiz-card fan, and collect dinosaur fast facts.  (SKUs: Triceratops – 630126, Brachiosaurus – 630140, Stegosaurus – 6301333, Tyrannosaurus rex - 630119) Launch Date: Fall 2006. 9/26/2006 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Solar Beads by DUNECRAFT INC.

It’s amazing how these beads completely change color in the sun, as if by some solar magic. Accompanying educational materials describe myriad cool project and experiment ideas. The Jumbo Test Tube contains a deluxe assortment of six colors that can change color more than 5,000 times, so that the Solar Beads can be used over and over again. 9/13/2006 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

1-meter EarthBall by ORBIS COMPANY

This world is almost too big to hug. The Orbis 16"-diameter EarthBall now has a big brother, the new 1 Meter EarthBall. This universal toy is the largest inflatable globe one can wrap his arms around. Perfect for children, schools, conferences, public events and parades, it features the same amazing NASA satellite imagery and glow-in-the-dark city lights. The 1 Meter EarthBall also comes with the same 16-page handbook, packed with games, activities and fun. ( Watch Video) 9/7/2006 (Price: $125.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Glow Bricks by BIO-SPHERES

This weird and wonderful block of acrylic is a deliciously strange piece of lighting, as it contains a disembodied phosphorescent light bulb that seems to float within its transparent surroundings.
As darkness falls, the bulb begins to glow a ghostly shade of green, gently bathing its surroundings in ethereal emerald light.

Stranger still, the Glow Brick seems to be powered by phantom forces, as there's no power cord, battery box or on/off switch. But don't go jumping under the bed in distress - this ingenious piece of mood lighting is actually solar powered. It spends the day soaking up natural light in order to gently glow by night.

By day, the Glow Brick serves as an eye-catching tabletop ornament, but by night it it is transformed into a new creature. Its wraith like, supernatural shimmer is unlike any light you've ever encountered, and its retro/modern styling is reminiscent of Fritz Lang's Metropolis or a 30s horror movie. We half expected someone to shout 'Igor, throw the switch!' when we dimmed the lights here at Castle. Especially when some joker shouted 'Yesth Maathster'. 9/7/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Plantarium Seed Gel by BIO-SPHERES

The Seed Gel is a new and clever product that allows you to always have a little green lucky charm in your life. A comfortable bottle containing a special nutritive gel that can be used to sow and to see the life of a lucky charm plant grow. Every seed has a special meaning and by giving it as a gift, the plant will begin to grow inside the bottle.

Actual seeds Vary depending on container :
Aloe, Basil, Bell Pepper, Carnation, Impatiens, Licorice, Marigold, Sage, Tomato, Eggplant, Melon, 4 Leaf Clover

Multiple gel colors available as well

After following the instructions and the small plants have become strong, about 2 to 3 weeks later, you can transplant them in your garden or in a pot. Water it every two days without leaving too much water in the green house. And you can start watching your plant grows. Don't forget to take loving care of your plant, it's a living being – treat it well. 9/7/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Antquarium by BIO-SPHERES

Simply Innovative. Antquarium, a GLOBUS educational product, allows people of all ages to study the behavior of the ants and the social interaction these fascination creatures display. Its gel is purposely formulated to nourish the ants. Thanks to the transparency of the gel, the architecture of the tunnels can be observed in 3 dimensions compared to the one perspective view of the old types of ant observation toys filled with sand or dirt. SuperAntquariums are great gifts for all.

This beautiful super antquarium has a slightly rounded shape and contains the special transparent media where ants build their habitat creating new and unpredictable paths and tunnels.

It is constituted from a nourishing, non-toxic, gel. 4 small holes are necessary in order to begin the construction of the tunnel net. Get your own ants via the packaging from BioSpheres for a proper colony. Adding the ants is easy. Open the top and put them within the Antquarium and start watching. You will be amazed as within a few days the ants will dig a spectacular system of tunnels and channels. Maintenance is minimal. Beyond supplying an ecological habitat in perfect equilibrium , the gel also provides nutriments to the ants. To replenish the air inside the unit, open the cover at least once a month.

Super Antquarium includes: The Container (17x14x35), Ants Booster, Special Lense (4X Zoom), Stick, and Instructional Handbook.

No Feeding or Watering Necessary. Just add the ants. 9/7/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Plantarium Garden Lab by BIO-SPHERES

The box contains 3 mini-greenhouses with gel of different colors, 3 different seed species (tomato, basil and melon). The Plantarium Garden Lab gel contained in this greenhouse is derived from aerospace technology by NASA and was created in the laboratory. The Plantarium Garden Lab is an ideal medium to recreate nutritive culture media and for the life of the vegetable and animal ecosystems. These original and attractive objects enable you to always have a little greenery within your framework of life. No maintenance nor watering needed while in the gel. You and your child can experience all the stages of germination and the development of the seeds (provided) which grow into real live plants. .

The kit includes 3 mini greenhouses with colored gel, a pallet, 3 seed tubes and 3 peat pastilles dehydrated to be able to replant your young seedlings thereafter. A great gift that's out of the ordinary.

The Plantarium Garden Labs clear gel in this unique gift lets you watch the life-cycle of a seed from germination to mature plant in minute detail. Watch as the seeds germinate and root systems develop in the nutritive gel base, originally designed from aerospace technology at the laboratories, until your plants are big enough to make their way in the real world.

The acrylic container provides a perfect environment for seeds to germinate and grow in their own private desk or table top greenhouse. 9/7/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mighty Blaster by ZERO TOYS, INC.

THE MIGHTY BLASTER is the latest addition to the Zero Toys Vapor-Ring toy line. Blast huge 8-12 inch diameter safe water-base Vapor-Rings up to 20 feet away. The easily assembled Mighty Blaster has 4 power settings that allow for the launching of slow to very fast moving Vapor-Rings. Each Mighty Blaster comes with a Wizard Stick, which generates the vapor, that can be easily detached and used as a hand-held special-effects machine.  Included in each Mighty Blaster box is The Mighty Blaster, The Wizard Stick, 3oz bottle of Super Zero fog fluid, and a propeller for experiments. 8/30/2006 (Price: $29.95)

Zero Blaster by ZERO TOYS, INC.

The Zero Blaster is the latest addition to the Zero Toys Vapor-Ring toy line. With a bright blue LED light and ray-gun sound effect, it blasts 2"- to 4"-diameter vapor rings up to 12'. It uses safe, non-toxic (water-based) fluid. ( Watch Video) 8/30/2006 (Price: $19.95)

BugView One Hand Bug Catcher by CARSON OPTICAL

BugView is a "one-hand" bug catching tool with a thumb-operated trapping slider that makes it easy to catch even the speediest specimens! The 5× crystal-clear acrylic magnifier allows surrounding light in and lets you see the smallest details with ease. Kids will have hours of fun with this educational tool. 8/25/2006 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dig a Dino by TOYSMITH

The Cretaceous Era came to an end 65 million years ago, and so did the dinosaurs. Nothing's left but fossils. Now kids can excavate parts of a T-rex, Triceratops or Stegosaurus skeleton from a mound of clay "earth,” and then assemble it. It’s like being a real paleontologist. Dig out the bones, assemble them, put them on display. Each kit includes a Kidz Quiz, instructions and excavator's tools. 8/21/2006 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bath Bomb Factory by TOYOPS INC.

Create beautiful scents for bath time! - Make scented 'Bath Bombs', 'Phunny Phoam', magic tricks and much much more while learning about acid base reactions and becoming a scientist. 8/17/2006 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Classic Political Earth by HUGG-A-PLANET

This is our Classic Hugg-A-Planet® Earth."Best 25 Toys of the Past 25 Years" A real globe but soft over 600 places labeled. 8/8/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Compass Ring by CAROLYN FORSMAN CONVERSATION PIECE JEWELRY

Adjustable plastic shank in frosted red, blue, lime, and clear. It really works. Great for boys. 3 for $12. 8/2/2006 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Threek by NAVIR S.n.c

The Threek is composed of three different instruments: a periscope, a microscope and a telescope. With simple movements, the Threek is transformed from one instrument to another. The telescope provides 12x magnification and the microscope 10x magnification. The periscope is great for seeing over walls. 8/1/2006 (Price: $33.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fuel Cell Science Kit (FCJJ-11) by HORIZON FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.

This fuel-cell science kit demonstrates the real possibilities of how hydrogen can be used as a 100 percent clean fuel for cars in the future. The car can steer independently of the user once in operation: When the car hits a barrier, it will automatically find its way by reversing and turning 90 degrees. A user manual makes the car kit easy to construct and operation only requires 2AA batteries and water. Solar panels can also be used and are available as an option. The science kit contains a fuel cell, a car chassis, a small electric motor, two water and gas storage containers, cables, tubes, a plastic syringe and a user manual. 8/1/2006 (Price: $69.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

H-Racer by DYNATECH ACTION INC.

Witness the power of new energy technology in the palm of a child’s hand. That's right: This car does not need batteries. It uses a real fuel cell and its own on-board hydrogen storage system.  Horizon has created a unique, patented miniature fuel-cell car and hydrogen refueling station. For the first time, hydrogen produced externally can be fueled into an on-board storage tank. Once the car's hydrogen tank is full, the refueling station is disconnected and the car can run on its own hydrogen fuel-cell system, with the simple flip of a switch. The car measures only 6.5” x 2.8”, making this the smallest fuel cell car in the world. Recently nominated for the Intel Environment Award in Silicon Valley's Tech Museum, Horizon's miniature car is about to spread a positive message to a wide audience of children and adults around the world. Fueling station is sold separately for $40.00. 8/1/2006 (Price: $40.00)

Solar System Learning Wheel by MUDPUPPY PRESS

When kids rotate the Solar System "Around and About" Learning Wheel to align die-cut windows, they reveal cool facts underneath. Is Plut really a planet? They can have fun with the universise with this portable reference tool. It includes a storage pouch with string closure. 7/28/2006 (Price: $10) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Webs to Whales Nature Tales by BLOCK PUBLISHING

This series of illustrated storybooks with interactive CD-ROMs teaches the science behind imaginative stories of a little spider's colorful web and a young whale's rescue. The companion CD uses a variety of
activities, photos and video to introduce kids to the fascinating worlds of spiders or whales. Children mix colors, compare spiders with insects, catch flies, watch whales leap and dive, hear a whale song, or
put together puzzles. Printable activities in math, reading and science are included. This series won a 2007 Teachers' Choice Award for the Family. And "True Blue Friend" won a Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice Award for 2007.
— President Cheryl Block noted that her company has integrated the tangible quality of books with technology. Children begin with the story, use the computer as a tool, and then use printable activity pages for hands-on activity. 7/28/2006 (Price: $21.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]