Zula Tool Kits are a fun way to extend and enhance students' learning. They can experiment with the natural magnetism of a Lode Stone with the Zula Compass, identify clouds with a Zula Weather Window, learn the physics of magnification with the Zula Monocular, and discover how shadows can help them tell the time-of-day using the Zula Sun Dial. "Zula Tool Kits are a fun and exciting way to explore real science," Kristen Mayfield, program manager at Carolina Biological Supply Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

This follow-up to Paleo Sharks features a 390-million-year-old cockroach, a 320-million-year-old millipede, and many other ancient creepy crawlies. It offers "high-interest, educational info in an appealing, high-design format," Cathleen Brady, senior manager of children's publicity for Chronicle Books, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008.

In this new series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, famous explorers take a backseat to the animals they encounter along the way. Through nimble writing and beautiful paintings, this series casts the past in a whole new light. "The author ... is an internationally known science education consultant," Cathleen Brady, senior manager of children's publicity for Chronicle Books, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2008.

Make 6 vibrant, multi-colored, high-bouncing balls! Just mix and layer the colors in 3 ball molds. Part of Copernicus Toys' growing new line DIY:Happy Activities.

Make over a 1/2 pound of your own bubble gum with this kit. Easy to follow directions will have you blowing bubbles in no time. A fun and tasty way to explore the science of food.

This Rootbeer Kit revives the traditional American activity of brewing old-fashioned root beer at home. Easy, fun, and educational, one can explore the science of CO2 produced as a by-product of yeast metabolism. This kit makes naturally-carbonated creamy root beer.

This 40-page science book and materials kit includes eight major activities that transform the study of central concepts of molecular biology into child's play. Kids can extract DNA from a fruit, probe and spool real DNA, build a double helix model, solve a chromosome puzzle (Is it a boy or a girl?) and play a gene construction game. A more advanced version is available for appropriate markets. Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2008. Launch date: 2008.

Where to Buy: Kazoo 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

The microscope is designed for examining plants, insects and leaves, teaching children about the biological structure of things in nature. Launch date: June 2008.

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.

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.