TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Science & Nature

Physics Pro by THAMES & KOSMOS

With this advanced physics kit, kids can study more advanced topics in physics, including fluid dynamics, energy, oscillation, hydraulics and pneumatics. They will build spectacular models and devices, such as a wind tunnel, pneumatic shocks and a hydraulic lift. They will learn how ships float and airplanes fly, why a streamlined shape lets a car drive faster and how power plants convert a current of water into electrical current. A 96-page full-color manual is included.  “All learning is done through hands-on construction,” Thames & Kosmos Customer Relations Manager Christa Raimondo told TDmonthly. This product is a Fall 2007 Parent's Choice Award winner. Launch date: July 2007. 8/15/2007 (Price: $99.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grow Your Own Lily Pad by DUNECRAFT INC.

The amazing lily pad features the largest flower of any plant in North America. The lily pad can grow as large as 2’ wide in ponds as deep as 4’. Simply drop the seeds into a bowl of water and the plant will grow within two weeks. The lily pad’s aromatic, light yellow flowers will sprout soon after. Launch date: October 2007. 8/15/2007 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sea-Monkeys Sea-Bubble by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

The Amazing Sea-Bubble is a return to the version everyone remembers from decades past, but it's vastly improved. The complete set includes Zoo-Quarium 10 oz. tank, Aero-Vent lid, and pouches that include purifier, eggs, and growth food. It also features universal clasp, aqua-leash, calibrated feeding spoon, user guide and insurance policy. It's all mounted on a footed blister card with convenient butterfly hook. Instructions are provided on the back of the blister card.
— We've been selling a lot of sea monkeys lately," said David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont. when asked about the science and nature section of his store. 8/7/2007 (Price: $11) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GeoSafari AntZone by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

After easy assembly, students can watch the amazing world of ants in this rounded and escape-proof habitat. AntZone's snap-on lid with a built-in magnifier allows close-up views. In addition, students can conduct a variety of experiments described in the activity guide provided. Also included is a full-color 17" x 22" "All About Ants" classroom poster, dual magnifier, tweezers, water dropper, unique Sugarcement sand, tunnel starting tool, water dish, and certificate to obtain ants by mail.
— David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, MT, told TDmonthly that the "rounder" ant farms from Educational Insights were among the most popular science and nature toys with his customers. 8/7/2007 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magnifying Bug Viewer by TOYSMITH

The Magnifying Bug Viewer has a 3.5" magnifying lie and features air holes to allow the insect to breath. Kids can watch a little creature for a while, then let him go. It's simple, educational, and fun.
— "I would say that our best-selling in science and nature are those little plastic magnifying cups with the magnifier on the top. We definitely go for volume on those items. I get mine from Toysmith," said Dalene Lockhart, owner of Toy Town in Casper, WY. 8/7/2007 (Price: $2.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pop-Up Port-A-Bug by INSECT LORE

Kids can pop up their Port-A-Bug, put in some friendly insects, and they're ready for some fun with bugs. They can observe butterflies, ladybugs, and other friendly critters in the airy mesh habitat, then let them go. The Port-A-Bug compresses back into its tote-sack, clips to a kid's hip, and they're off and ready to explore some more. It features a lightweight and escape-proof ventilated mesh, and a convenient nylon carrying handle. The Port-A-Bug is a winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award.
— "We sell a lot of bug catching items from Insect Lore. It's collapsible. It's called Port-A-Bug," said Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore. 8/7/2007 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

EyeClops Bionic Eye by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

These microscopes not only plug right into the TV, but also look like cool disembodied eyes. Simply plug in the composite video input and the kid-friendly microscope will magnify everything at 200x and display it on the television screen. According to Jakks Pacific Inc. Director of Corporate Communications Anne-Marie Feliciano, the device will allow kids to “share their discoveries with their friends, family and classroom. This product is a winner of numerous awards, including an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, a Parents Magazine Best Toy Award, a Parenting Magazine Mom-Tested Toy of the Year Award and more. 8/2/2007 (Price: $50.00)

Blooming Clip Card by BLOOMING INC.

Blooming Clip Card has a continuous message delivery effect as it grows plants while attached to a greeting card. It makes a fantastic thank you, marriage proposal, wedding invitation and celebration card for special occasions. Since the card is made from organic materials and contains plant seeds, it blossoms much faster while maintaining its small size and fit. Launch date: March 2007. 7/31/2007 (Price: $4.99)

Eco Dome by TOYOPS INC.

The Eco Dome is distinctively designed to mimic real world land-systems, living systems and to show atmospheric effects. Explore the science of global warming and weather patterns (thermals and storms) and create micro climates and link environments with other wild science nature systems. The system has been specifically designed to help children understand planet management and how to explore the fragile world in which we live. This product is a 2008 iParenting Media Award winner. Launch date: January 10, 2008.
— "One quality that sets this product apart from all others: There is no science kit like this in the world – except the world itself," Dennis Callaghan of Toyops Inc. told TDmonthly. Additionally, the product “is eco-friendly and part of a connectable world.” 7/27/2007 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Worm Farm by TOYOPS INC.

The easy-to-make Worm Farm is a scientific recreation of a real underground worm nest. It gives kids a close look at the daily routine of worms, educating them about the science of Oligochaetology. Clean, easy to keep and inexpensive to feed, these low maintenance creatures makes wonderful pets. This product is a 2008 iParenting Media Award winner. 7/27/2007 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Scary Soap Science by TOYOPS INC.

Create gruesomely lifelike brain-shaped soap. Operate on special castings to make slippery soap eyeballs. Graft soap fingers onto your soap creations to scare everyone including you! Blend colors and fragrance to make your own signature soap. 7/27/2007 (Price: $14.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GeoSafari® Bug Scene Investigator by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Be a BSI! Super-cool portable tools let kids discover bug body parts, eating habits and other bug business—wherever they go. BSI Bug Scope Double-viewing action shows bugs from the top and bottom! GeoSafari® Bug Patrol® Catch-and-release container clips to clothing for hands-free bug patrol. Super Sleuth Microscope Check out tiny bugs at 30x their normal size! Discovering Bugs Full-color booklet gives kids the scoop on bug care. 7/27/2007 (Price: $21.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magic Bean Wishes — Dinosaur Planter Kit by MAGIC BEAN WISHES

Children can grow a collection of dinosaurs with this set of ten colored beans that are marked with images of dinosaurs using a patented process. Magically, seedlings grow from the soil with the animal images still on them and then develop to yield edible beans. The dinosaurs include Stegosaurus, Triceratops, T-Rex, Brontosaurus and more. The beans come in a poly bag, along with a recyclable
planter, vermiculite growing medium and detailed instructions. Launch date: January 2008. 7/26/2007 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

AstroMaster 70AZ Telescope by CELESTRON INTERNATIONAL

The AstroMaster Series produce bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It is easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with every one of these fine instruments. For views of the brighter deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae, we recommend the larger aperture and light gathering ability of the Newtonian reflectors. ( Watch Video) 7/26/2007 (Price: $149.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PowerSeeker 60 Telescope by CELESTRON INTERNATIONAL

The Celestron PowerSeeker series of telescopes is designed to give the first-time buyer the perfect combination of quality, value, features and power. Offering exceptional value, these telescopes feature portable yet powerful designs with ample optical performance to excite any newcomer to the world of amateur astronomy. 7/26/2007 (Price: $79.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bonsai Village by DUNECRAFT INC.

The bonsai village includes elm, lilac, pea shrub, beauty bush, butterfly bush and more. The plants will begin growing in less than a week and live for years. “It teaches children all different kinds of techniques such as pruning, wiring, over-wintering and more. In other words, it helps bring learning to life,” Dunecraft Inc. Public Relations Specialist Alicia Borley told TDmonthly. This product is a Spring 2007 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award winner. Launch date: October 2006. 7/19/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dig It Up! Excavation Game by NEAR NATURE CORPORATION

Every box of this dinosaur excavation game is comprised of a digging tool set and a buried dinosaur fossil, and the game simulates the common searching pattern paleontologists use in the field. The museum-quality products conform to United States and European Safety standards (EN71, ASTM F963 and AS1647). “Our product is the only digging play-type dinosaur game that could make layers simulating real paleontologists’ action. The dinosaur fossil is made from stone powder, which is three times stronger than similar products in the market,” President Tony Sangvacharakul of Near Nature Corporation told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 24, 2007. ( Watch Video) 7/6/2007 (Price: $9.95)

Roly-Poly Playground™ Mini Bug Viewer by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

The Roly-Poly Playground is an exciting way to explore nature’s smaller creatures. Designed for “roly-poly” pill bugs and other small creatures, such as ladybugs, this miniature playground is portable for on-the-run fun and exploration. The domed habitat includes fun playground equipment, air vents and a snap-tight lid. 6/28/2007 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Amazing Crystal Lagoon by TREE TOYS CORP.

This kit allows kids to create colorful chemical brain corals, magically levitate objects using density gradients, and defy gravity with chemical “hoopla rings.” Kids will learn all about crystals, gels, suspensions and more while creating a “coral reef” and watching coral trees grow branches right before their eyes. Each kit contains enough material to fill two completely different tanks with plenty left for experimenting. This product is exclusively distributed by Toyops Inc. Launch date: July 2007. 6/27/2007 (Price: $13.50)

Flight School by TREE TOYS CORP.

Kids can build their own glider and learn all about the science of flight. These high-performance gliders can be launched either by hand or by the included tow rope. Kids will learn about aerodynamics in their efforts to get the best out of their aircraft for aerobatics, speed or long flights. A pilot’s exam and flight log book are provided to allow kids to feel like real pilots. This product is exclusively distributed by Toyops Inc. Launch date: July 2007. 6/27/2007 (Price: $13.50)

Ant Mine by TREE TOYS CORP.

With minimal assembly, kids can recreate a real underground ant colony and observe the amazing world of ants.  These scientifically accurate recreations allow kids to observe the ants in an almost natural habitat.  Ants make great pets because they are very clean, easy to keep and inexpensive to feed, and yet still teach kids the responsibility of caring for a pet.  This set is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the sciences of Myrmecology and Entomology.  This product is exclusively distributed by Toyops Inc.  Launch date: July 2007. 6/27/2007

Magic Bean Wishes – Zoo Animals by MAGIC BEAN WISHES

Children can grow a zoo with this set of 10 colored beans that are marked with images of zoo animals using a patent-pending process. Magically, seedlings grow from the soil with the animal images still on them and then develop to yield edible beans. The featured animals are a zebra, monkey, flamingo, elephant, alligator, snake, giraffe, bear, seal and lion. The beans come in a poly bag. 6/25/2007 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Self Defense Playing Cards by Les Entreprises SynHeme inc.

Kids can learn self-defense techniques as they play card games. The goal of the game is to repel all attacks by creating sequences of cards that represent actual self-defense techniques. This game is educational, fun and easy to play. Developed by two self defense teachers. Launch date: June 20, 2007.
— "U.S. stores are our main business partners. Their continuing support allows us to innovate and develop new and exciting products," said Jean-Pierre Grenier of SynHeme in summer 2007. 6/22/2007 (Price: $5.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Indoor/Outdoor Super-Powered Microscope by SMARTLAB TOYS

Usable indoors or outdoors, this super-powered microscope will magnify anything 40 times its natural size.  Author Shar Levine helps kids easily turn their home, bedroom or backyard into a laboratory.  The microscope can be used on the stand or off, and kids can observe the details of prepared slides or create their own.  Launch date: September 2007. 6/13/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sprout & Grow™ Greenhouse with Wonder Soil by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

This kit includes a greenhouse with a transparent lid, two bags of Wonder Soil (100 mini wafers), three removable six-section trays and an activity guide with reproducible worksheets.  Setting up the greenhouse is simple, making the kit perfect for anyone without greenhouse experience.  Wonder Soil mini wafers expand quickly with water and are polymer-fortified for better drainage and faster plant growth.  The greenhouse measures 5.5" x 22.5" x 6.5".  Launch date: June 2007. 6/13/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]