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

Anatomics™ by POOF-SLINKY INC.

Discover the anatomy of a prehistoric monster! Create the metamorphosis from guts to bones to scales! Includes step by step assembly guide to create your own 17" primordial beast! Comes complete with 42 pieces! 7/28/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Smithsonian Chemistry Set MicroChem XM 5000 by NSI INTERNATIONAL INC.

This Chemistry Set from Smithsonian is all-inclusive. Kids can perform more than 1,500 experiments and procedures in the gaseous phases of matter, chemical models, solutions, acids, bases, electrochemistry, organic chemistry and more using the latest microchemistry methods. The MicroChem XM 5000 chemistry set includes chemicals and apparati to perform all experiments, a detailed manual and a standing storage chest lab to hold everything. 7/26/2006 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Chemistry Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

Introduce young kids to the magic of chemistry. This kit includes a microscope that magnifies 100x, 200x and 450x and comes with safe accessories. The science guide contains easy introduction activities to perform with the microscope. Kids learn about chemistry as they make a beautiful ornament and test acids and bases. The kit includes lots of activities and experiments for a younger scientist.
— "Scientific Explorer makes the ... My First Chemistry Set, and those have always done well for me," said Alison Cox, owner of Animal Quackers in Raleigh, N.C.
— Cox told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that she sells about five kits a month from Scientific Explorer.
— "The First Chemistry Set is for young children and parents to be introduced to a microscope as well as fun activities involving chemistry and chemical reactions. It's just fun to do,” Susan Rives of Scientific Explorer told TDmonthly. 7/26/2006 (Price: $19.99)

Chem C1000 by THAMES & KOSMOS

Enroll in Chem C1000 and prepare a child for a lifetime of fascination through 75 diverse experiments. Build a mini fire extinguisher and make water flow uphill in experiments with air pressure. Float a soap-powered boat to learn about the surface tension of water. Entertain friends and family with chemistry "magic" tricks, and then enlighten them with the scientific explanations behind the magic. Identify the elements in different chemical substances with dazzling colors in flame tests. The 40-page, full-color Experiment Manual guides aspiring young chemists, chemical engineers, lab technicians and researchers. 7/26/2006 (Price: $79.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Static Powered Neon Lights by STEVE SPANGLER SCIENCE

A child becomes a static detective as he or she uncovers sources of energy with the glowing neon light. Kids just scrape their feet across the floor and watch the neon light flicker. It's a human-powered light that is both safe and inexpensive. 7/26/2006 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Inventor's Lab by LOGIBLOCS

This ultra-giant set comes with instructions for building light and sound detectors, an electronic eye, door and drawer alarms, metal detector, space ships and more. It includes 33 electronic blocks, two pressure mat cards, three wires, a jack plug, a light bulb and holder, a pouch, filter paper, stickers and an Inventor's Manual. All Logiblocs integrate with each other to provide an ongoing expandable discovery system of endless creative fun. 7/26/2006 (Price: $92.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hot Wires by JOHN ADAMS TRADING CO., LTD.

Hot Wires is the ultimate in snap-together electronics. A child can make anything from a flying disk to a burglar alarm, from a voice recorder to an FM radio with automatic station selection or even a lie detector. With simple, full-color, step-by-step instructions a kid can become an electronic wizard in no time. 7/26/2006 (Price: $75.00)

Air Zinger Robot Kit by OWI INC.

Air Zinger inhales and then blasts out an included ball through its cannon-like loader. Zigging and zagging is no problem with its wired controller. A child can easily make it move forward, backward, left and right. When the propeller is activated to retrieve the ball, it is like watching a largemouth bass inhale its lunch. On command, its special compartment stores the ball and launches it. Quick and easy to assemble, this kit challenges cognitive skills and helps to develop a growing interest in science and robotic creation. 7/26/2006 (Price: $44.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mars by HUGG-A-PLANET

This is the most detailed globe of Mars available anywhere. Visit the Red Planet with more than 400 places labeled. It is proportional to classic Earth. The globe comes with a fact sheet on the planet Mars. 7/26/2006 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Georello Motor by QUERCETTI INTELLIGENT TOYS

This motorized set is compatible with all the Georello line. It includes a new motor unit that has two controls: a large turning knob with three positions to determine the direction of rotation (forward, reverse, neutral) and a second large knob that works as a manual accelerator, determining the speed of rotation, from slow to very fast motion. This set includes six gears in three sizes and six interlocking plates. It also includes a booklet that shows how to integrate the motor unit into all the other Georello sets. 7/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Science of Special Effects by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

This kit explores key concepts behind optical illusions and special effects as kids complete the 30 engaging experiments inside. Each experiment is fully illustrated in a step-by-step format, and then the science behind the effect is explained in kid-friendly language. The kit includes all components necessary, except for a few household items. 7/26/2006 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Beetle Barn by INSECT LORE

Kids can follow the life cycle of the mealworm with this easy-to-raise, easy-to-do kit. It comes with a tri-chambered “Barn” habitat, a super magnifier for insect observation, detailed instructions with acres of insect information, and, most important of all, a certificate for 25 to 35 mealworm larvae. 7/26/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Blasteroid Rocket w/Launcher by POOF-SLINKY INC.

Soft, safe rockets with an all foam launch pad. The Blasteroid uses air power to launch a rocket up to 50 feet in the air. Two foam rockets, launch pad, and foot pump are inlcuded. 7/26/2006 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Light-up Ramrocket® by POOF-SLINKY INC.

14" Ramrocket with light up rocket top. Activate light in rocket top for night-time fun! See a stream of red light as the rocket soars into the night sky. On/off switch to conserve batteries. Display not included. ( Watch Video) 7/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

RamRocket w/Turbo Air Launcher by POOF-SLINKY INC.

The POOF® ramrocket, the original, high-powered, air launched foam rocket flies with unbelievable power. The aerodynamic design makes the rocket spin, glide and float for hours of long distance high flying fun. Soars up to 100 feet. Year round fun. 7/26/2006 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PicoCrickets by PLAYFUL INVENTION COMPANY

A PicoCricket is a tiny computer that can make things spin, light up and play music. Lights, motors, sensors and other devices can be plugged into a PicoCricket, which can be programmed to react, interact and communicate. For example, it can be used to make a cat and programmed to purr when someone pets it. It can be used to make a birthday cake and programmed to play a song when someone blows out the candles. The PicoCricket Kit is designed for making artistic creations with lights, sound, music and motion. 7/21/2006 (Price: $250.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Inventive Thinking by SCHOLASTIC

Presented by Xerox, this "By Kids for Kids"-sponsored product is designed for grades K-12. It teaches kids how to investigate for inventions, test their idea, build it, test it and test again. They'll be inspired by stories of kid inventors, such Philo Farnsworth, who invented television at 14, and Louis Braille, who at 12 devised a system that allowed the blind to read. It also covers the basics of patent law. The kit includes a Teacher's Guide, Student Guides, an Inventive Thinking Game poster, DVD and more. 7/11/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Kid Inventor Basic Kit by SHINET CORP.

This creative and educational kit allows kids to work on 120 stimulating electronic projects. Kids can create different music, sounds, light, flash, radio, a turning fan and more. The kit includes colorful blocks  each with a visible component and a standard electrical symbol. The snap-together parts make circuit connection and assembly easy and secure with a simple click. No soldering or wiring is necessary. An easy-to-follow color instruction manual is included with some 1:1 size circuit diagrams. Kids need only place the "motherboard" on top of diagrams and match it with component symbols, IDs and colors to make fun projects and begin inventing. 6/15/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Peer-X Binocular-Scope by PEER-X INT'L

More fun and easier to use than a microscope, this is a durable, quality instrument with precision ground stereo optic lenses. The PEER-X allows anyone to clearly see specimens like the pollen laced legs of a bee, compound insect eyes, all aspects of plants, mineral and rock crystals. The Peer-X Binocular-Scope includes a standard body with adjustable mount and dust cover, 10x eye pieces, 2x objective, tweezers and flat spade. It comes equipped with an LED light source for dark conditions only. The Scope comes in a Styrofoam casement and box. It was launched in January 2006. 6/6/2006 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fly Trap Fiends by DUNECRAFT INC.

Grow your own collection of feared and famous meat-eating plants. This kit features the infamous Venus Fly Trap. Make your own authentic bog with the included peat planting mix, blue Swamp Rocks, and a companionable Bog Buddy. Watch these harmless seeds grow into bug-eating monsters plants. 6/6/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GoScope 350 by ORION TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS

This multipurpose telescope can get up and go, with a handy backpack that makes transportation easy. The 70mm fully coated objective lens has a 350mm focal length (f/5.0) and features one-finger focusing. Everything needed for exploration is included in the kit: the GoScope 350, full-length aluminum tripod with retractable legs and three-way panhead, interchangeable 20mm and 10 mm eyepieces, a Stargazing CD-ROM, two bonus DVDs on North American birds and wildlife, and a rugged backpack. The kit can be used for birding, wildlife spotting and stargazing. ( Watch Video) 5/26/2006

Starry Night Explorer: Binoculars by ORION TELESCOPES & BINOCULARS

Now kids and families can explore night skies with a pair of binoculars. The kit includes a pair of Orion Explorer 7x35 wide-angle binoculars, Star Night astronomy software on CD-ROM, a RedBeam mini LED astronomy flashlight, Star Target constellation and celestial object finder, and a binocular case with neck strap. This simple kit can be used to scan the Milky Way for star clusters, study lunar craters up close, zero-in on the planet Saturn and its rings, observe the ghostly Orion nebula, and marvel at the Andromeda galaxy, more than 2 million light years away. The software is PC and Mac compatible. ( Watch Video) 5/26/2006

Slinky Science MiniLabs Fingerprint Kit by POOF-SLINKY INC.

MiniLabs Fingerprint Kit is one of Slinky Science’s best sellers. The junior detective uses real police methods to find and preserve hidden fingerprints. With the kit's Instant Access classification cards, a complete detective file can be developed. Slinky Science is a fun way for children to learn and explore.
— Dragon’s Toy Box’s co-owner Breck Hewitt found detective science kits to be top-sellers for the boys 9 to 12.
— “Since CSI came out, kids have been flocking to forensic toys. The Slinky Science ones are our best,” explains Pedro Patatia, owner of Happy Smiles in Houston, Texas.
— Chris Wexler, co-owner of Wexler Toys in Boston, thinks that the Slinky Science MiniLabs are “everything interesting all in one box.” 5/10/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Krazy Kars Tony Stewart by SKULLDUGGERY

Krazy Kars Tony Stewart/NASCAR contains everything you need to design 2 matchbox size Home Depot stockcars. Cast, paint, decorate and race your custom stockcars on Hot Wheels size tracks. Kit includes molds, casting material, paint, BLOpen, wheels, axles, axle mounts, decals and instructions. 5/9/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Army Men Grenade by SKULLDUGGERY

Cast & Paint army kits comes complete with a 3-D reusable mold, paint, paint brush, and casting material. Make several soldiers throwing grenades. Collect all three soldiers and make your own army. 5/9/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]