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

Tasty Herb Egg by DUNECRAFT INC.

This delectable collection of herbs is sure to amaze your eyes and tantalize your taste buds. Basil, sage, and several other herbs will sprout in a matter of days and are ready to sprinkle on salad within a month. The Tasty Herb Egg sprouts from a simple, amazing Seed Disk! This product is a winner of the 2006 Parent-to-Parent Adding Wisdom Award. 3/9/2006 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Princess Garden by DUNECRAFT INC.

The perfect little garden for that perfect little princess. With this mini-greenhouse, any child can safely grow beautiful, blooming plants in a setting overflowing with magical treasures. The seeds will sprout in a week and bloom within three months, and a princess can personalize her royal greenhouse with glitter glue, silver flower beads and jewel dragonflies. The kit includes a pack of impatiens seeds, a windowsill greenhouse, a bag of purple gravel, a bag of pink gravel, a bag of mixed silver flower beads, stick-on jewels, jewel dragonflies, a tube of glitter glue, planting mixture, instructions and an information sheet. 3/9/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sundew Savages by DUNECRAFT INC.

Watch your Sundew Plants strangle their prey! Sundew Plants are covered with tiny hairs that shine in the sunlight, and insects mistake the liquid for nectar. However the hairs don't contain nectar; at the end of each hair is a reddish gland that secretes a type of natural glue. When an insect lands on the plant, it is immediately stuck! 3/9/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Noman & Globus - Crazy Chemistry Party by SCIENCEWIZ

Now kids can really party down. With the new Crazy Chemistry Party by ScienceWiz/Norman& Globus, up to seven children can make a mess and learn something while they’re at it. Using the kit, they can make their own candles and coat their fingers with wax. They also get to mix vinegar and baking soda to power up balloons. If they’re lucky, the balloons will explode and make everyone happy. “They make a mess, which is the whole thing about chemistry for young children,” Kevin Norman of Norman & Globus told TDmonthly. “The kids have a good time.” 2/28/2006 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PacSci Color in Motion by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

The color kit explores persistence of vision, color theory and optical illusions. The kit contains a miniature motor, 8 discs, battery holder, tap key and alligator connector cords. It’s new for 2006. 2/22/2006 (Price: $9.99)

Sprout & Grow Window by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

This transparent window on the plant world allows botanists of all ages to watch seeds sprout and grow into plants — right before their eyes. The large, transparent Sprout & Grow Window stands upright on a tabletop or windowsill. Special potting soil nurtures seeds for optimum growth. It comes with packets of bean and pea seeds, and a step-by-step guide with instructions, suggested activities and journal pages to fill in, following the process from seed planting to full-grown plants. 1/25/2006 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grow Your Own Scary Ghost Plant by NOTED CO

It's white, hooded and has dripping red veins. About the size of a greeting card, each Grow Your Own Plant Kit contains a seed pack and peat puck inside its mini-pot. Specific growing instructions are provided for each plant. 1/18/2006 (Price: $5.50)

Chess Opening Playing Cards by Les Entreprises SynHeme inc.

Whether you are a youngster learning chess, a casual chess lover or an avid chess club player, these cards will help you improve your game. Each card has the Chess Encyclopedia reference, the opening name, the moves for White and Black, a diagram of the key position and the following most commonly played moves. Finally an easy way to learn chess openings! 1/18/2006 (Price: $5.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Periodic Table Playing Cards by Les Entreprises SynHeme inc.

This double deck of cards has one card per element. Each essential characteristic of the element is present on the card: The atomic number, name (in English, French and Spanish), symbol, mass, melting and boiling points, period, group and more. Ideal as homeschooling aid and a great science related gift. 1/18/2006 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Slooh Explore Space Live Telescope Card by BLUESTORM PRODUCTIONS INC.

Have you ever wanted to look through a high-powered telescope to explore outer space? This new product provides kids (and adults) with the amazing opportunity to explore the heavens by accessing time on an observatory. Log in and start exploring (by the minute, by the card); card-carrying astronomers will be notified in advance about upcoming missions so not to miss anything that maybe of interest. Furthermore, they can take and store pictures, zoom in on objects, listen to expert storytellers, etc. (uses either Mac or PC). Each $10.00 card is good for 50 minutes of viewing.
— Patrick Paolucci of Bluestorm told TDmonthly what makes the Slooh Explore Space Live Telescope a great alternative to a real telescope: "Families have the opportunity to access the same high-powered telescopes that professionals in the field of astronomy use to explore space. For most families, purchasing a telescope to explore the heavens is not a practical option.” The Slooh Explore Space Live Telescope Card is a winner of the 2006 Parents' Choice Gold Award.
 1/17/2006 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Teaching Tank® Starter Kit by CAPTIVATION INC.

The Teaching Tank Starter Kit is extremely versatile. It comes with Discovery Book 1 and a bag of Clear Growing Crystals. The Teaching Tank will capture your child's natural curiosity in science and enhance his or her understanding of science through a variety of hands-on activities. Paul Reinbold of Captivation Inc. is proud of the acclaim that the Teaching Tank has garnered. He told TDmonthly that the Teaching Tank has received “…not one, but two prestigious awards from Dr. Toy, the first being one of the 100 Best Children's Products for 2006 and the second being one of the 10 Best Educational Products for 2006. 1/11/2006 (Price: $69.95)

The Teaching Tank® Discovery Books© by CAPTIVATION INC.

The lessons in the Discovery Book Series are written by experienced teachers who want students and instructors to succeed. All of the lessons are very well-written, easy to follow and visually exciting! The detailed instructions are augmented by thinking questions and notes for the instructor. Each volume contains 50 new lessons. 1/11/2006 (Price: $87)

Moon in My Room by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

This authentically sculpted and detailed moon hemisphere attaches to any wall and lights up internally to illuminate any room. A remote control allows the user to display 12 different realistic moon phases (full moon, crescent, etc.). Also included is a 15-minute CD Audio Tour so kids can learn about the moon, its effect on the Earth, where humans landed and all of the age-old myths and legends about it. It works great as a sophisticated nightlight, too.
— As of 8.03.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 162 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 49 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Engaging for all ages. Turns off automatically. CONS: LED lights are not replaceable, and batteries wear out quickly. 1/10/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

CelluClay - Instant Paper Mache by ACTIVA PRODUCTS INC.

Simply add water. Needs no firing; air dries. Completely nontoxic. Adheres to almost any surface. Versatile - can be sanded, sawed, and nailed. Celluclay is low cost, recycled paper mediums which mix easily and mold quickly. They can be sanded, sawed, nailed and water proofed. Wet Celluclay can be added to areas already dried. And any unused mixed Celluclay can be stored for several days in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. Celluclay adheres to almost any surface and can be combined with a variety of materials. Celluclay requires no special tools for working. (simple sculpting tools include plastic knife, fork, stirrer, toothpicks, cookie cutters, etc.) 1/9/2006 (Price: $9.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Metal Microscope by WUHAN SUNSHINE OPTICS ELECTRONICS CO, LTD.

A whole science lab in a box, this 1200 X scope comes with a viewfinder and lighting system, with metal body and genuine glass lens, ranges from 100 X all the way up to a whopping 1200 X, and includes a Petri Dish, 5 prepared Slides, Gum Media, Shrimp Slips, Sea Salt, 34 Cover Slips, a Shrimp Hatchery Kit, a Scalpel, Scissors, Probe, Slicer, 17 Blank Slides, 2 Empty Test Tubes, a Dropper, 6 Blank Labels, 5 Collection Bottles, Eosin, a Spatula, a Condenser Lens, Tweezers, a Stirring Rod, and a carrying case for the whole shebang. Everything for the budding scientist. 1/9/2006

The Planisphere for North America by ROB WALRECHT PLANISPHERES

The planisphere is the perfect way to learn how to recognize stars and constellations. Every planisphere is designed for a certain latitude zone. The PLN-40 is designed for 40° north, which is good for most of North America (but also, for instance, Southern Europe, as well). The very accurate PLN-40 includes 700 stars and 300 "deep-sky" objects, some useful tips and features, Right Ascension and Declination. 12/29/2005 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Perfume Science by THAMES & KOSMOS

Perfume Science provides children an opportunity to develop a more sophisticated nose than most adults will ever have. The kit includes a complete perfumer’s laboratory and will teach how the brain and the olfactory senses work together.
— “I sold all of my Thames & Kosmos Creative Cosmetics and Perfume Science kits,” enthused Bettie Lee Moore, owner of Kaboom! in Leesburg, Va.
— “It’d be fun if everybody made their own bottle of perfume” at a slumber party, agreed Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toy & Book Store in Scottsdale, Ariz. She says that beauty-related crafts kits are hot with girls at her store.
— “I don’t care how advanced we want them to be, they still like putting on makeup and doing their hair,” sighed Greg Bonner, owner of Heights Toy Center in Little Rock, Ark. Perfume and cosmetic craft kits were among his best sellers for “girlie” parties. 12/22/2005 (Price: $60.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Knight Invader III by OWI INC.

Knight Invader III is a super racecar that includes mini-construction projects, teaches the basic principles of electricity, gear mechanisms, and demonstrates three different modes of propulsion. This sleek super racer has it all and a little bit more. Knight Invader III can blow a fierce force of air to propel it off the starting line and challenges any contender to try to stay up when it is changed into direct motor drive. When on a mission, it can secretly change its transportation mode to solar power (sold separately). Plus, for the educationally minded guardians, this fireplug kit includes mini construction projects that teach the basic principles of electricity including experiments involving series and parallel circuits and solar energy (sold separately). No tools required for assembly. 12/14/2005 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magic Penny by DOWLING MAGNETS

The Magic Penny kit is a great tool for investigating magnetism. The kit contains two Magic Penny magnets, 24 newly minted British 1- and 2-penny coins, one US penny and an activity booklet outlining 32 magnetic investigations. Magic Penny magnets have beautiful stainless steel covers and were custom designed to enable a large number of investigations to be done with magnetic coins. All new packaging, additional coins and more activities make this award-winning kit even better. ( Watch Video) 12/14/2005 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kabuto Mushi Robot (Rhinoceros Beetle) by OWI INC.

Kabuto Mushi (Rhinoceros Beetle) Robot is an infrared remote controlled robot with caterpillar traction. The infrared remote control handset has 8 channels, each channel controls 4 motors: 2 motors control directional movement: forward, backward, left and right; one motor regulates the elevating position of the claw; lastly, the 4th motor operates the open and close dimension of the claw. Incumbent of its Japanese name "Kabuto Mushi", the Rhinoceros Beetle is tough, durable, powerful, and has the no fear attitude. This easy-to-build kit will provide students, teachers, and hobbyist (with little to no experience), a fun and informative building session. 12/14/2005 (Price: $57.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dragon's Lair by DUNECRAFT INC.

Create a dark and remote lair for your mythical fire-breathing dragon where Dragon Trees sprout from white dragon's eggs to form sword-like leaves. In addition to two spectacular plants named after dragons, this kit comes with a pet dragon, lava rock and blood rock. Your lair will sprout in weeks and last for years! 12/9/2005 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ultimate Rocket Kit by DK PUBLISHING INC.

For all those kids who have a burning desire to launch a rocket, this is another creation from the man who created the Ultimate Robot Kit and the Robot Challenge Kit, David Eckold. The Ultimate Rocket Kit contains four different rockets, each with its own mission. Read up on rockets in the enclosed book, build one and get it ready to soar into space. 11/15/2005 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Discovery Next Generation Rock Tumbler by DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS INC.

This high-tech tumbler transforms rough rocks and minerals into smooth, shiny gemstones. It is great for making decorative accessories or gifts. Tumbling machine comes with 1/2 lb. of rough rocks. The grinding powder duplicates nature´s erosion process, delivering a smooth finish. Includes two key chains, two necklaces, rings, earrings and glue. Instructions on how to find polishable rocks outdoors are included. It is approved by Underwriters Laboratories — the worldwide trusted source for product compliance. It includes a two-month manufacturer´s warranty. 11/15/2005 (Price: $34.95)