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

Grow Amazing Polymers group pack by THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

Ms. Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists on a wild ride with The Magic School Bus GROW AMAZING POLYMERS group pack. This kit provides enough materials for 30 students and is great for the classroom, after-school programs, science enrichment, boys and girls scouts, camps, and a Magic School Bus birthday Party. Young Scientists grow super balls, snow, rainbow beads, crystal gels, and polymer flowers while learning about the importance and science of super-absorbent polymers. This kit comes with 30 colorful manuals that are based on the popular Magic School Bus tv and book series. "This is the first Magic School Bus themed group pack on the market, and has enough materials and manuals for 30 children," Esther Novis, president of The Young Scientists Club, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012. 12/9/2011 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Slime and Polymer Lab by THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

Ms. Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists on a wild ride with The Magic School Bus as they explore slime and polymers. Young Scientists take polymers out of milk, make slime, create goop, produce a snow eruption, melt snow, grow super-absorbent flowers, germinate seeds in polymers, perform a polymer trick, dehydrate polymers, and more. This gooey bus-shaped kit comes packed with science components, 20 colorful experiment cards, a data notebook to record observations, and 10 containers of polymers including super balls, rainbow beads, snow, and gel crystals. "The bus-shaped packaging is unique and comes packed with lots of polymers and activity cards," Esther Novis, president of The Young Scientists Club, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012. 12/9/2011 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Kids' Book of Weather Forecasting by IDEALS PUBLICATIONS

Kids discover what makes the weather happen and how to predict what's ahead. Activities include making equipment to measure rainfall, wind direction and speed, humidity, and barometric pressure; recording measurements and observations in a Weather Log; and simulating weather events to demonstrate the science behind them. From foggy mornings to sunny afternoons to our changing seasons, weather forecasting is a year-round, practical science that children will have fun learning about. Perfect for budding meteorologists and science lovers. Launch date: January 28, 2017.
— In a December 2011 survey Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashton, Va., told TDmonthly, "We sell a lot of the science and craft books from Ideals Books - such as Science Play and Weather Forecasting. They are brightly colored with great graphics on the covers and full of simple projects for kids."            12/6/2011 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

CHEM C2000 by THAMES & KOSMOS

CHEM C2000 is a complete introduction to the most important topics in chemistry, with over 250 unique experiments and a 96 page full-color experiment manual. A cartoon Professor Probenius guides kids through all of the experiments. Quality equipment, lab manual and chemicals provide the correct tools for serious learning. Ample chemicals for repeated experiments. Parental supervision required. 12/1/2011 (Price: $159.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Coral Reefs by Jason Chin by ROARING BROOK PRESS (HOLTZBRINCK PUBLISHERS)

During an ordinary visit to the library, a girl pulls a not-so-ordinary book from the shelves. As she turns the pages in this book about coral reefs, the city around her slips away and she finds herself surrounded by the coral cities of the sea and the mysterious plants and animals that live, hunt, and hide there. 11/23/2011 (Price: $16.99)

Recycled Paper Factory by SMALL WORLD TOYS

It's easy to turn old paper into custom-made new paper. Take any type of paper, add water, and grind away. Place pulp on the screen, press and let it dry. Easy, simple way to recycle paper while creating greeting cards, bookmarks, tags, announcement and more. Grinder, screen plus ribbons and jewels for decorating.
— In a November 2013 survey, Linda Graham, president and co-owner of Scheffel's Toys, Inc in Jacksonville, Ore., told TDmonthly that Small World science kits are among her store's best-selling educational products. 11/18/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Talking Electron Microscope by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Kids can view more than 180 amazing, up-close images with the Talking Electron Microscope. They can view various zoomed versions of 60 images and hear 5 fun facts about each image in Learning Mode – then switch to Quiz Mode and test their knowledge. Images include the human body, viruses and bacteria, plants, animals, and other “stuff.”
Awards: National Parenting Center Seal of Approval 11/18/2011 (Price: $64.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Space Exploration Mobile by PERISPHERE & TRYLON INC.

Space Exploration Mobile is a ceiling-mount mobile for kids intrigued by outer space and the history of space exploration. This fully motorized Space Exploration Mobile features rotating, realistic models of eight historic spacecraft: Sputnik, Mercury, Soyuz, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Mir Space Station. The colorful Earth globe lights up, and the mobile includes an infrared remote and educational booklet. Space exploration mobile requires four AA and two AAA batteries (not included). 11/17/2011 (Price: $32.99)

Midwest Tackle Box by REPLICA TOY FISH COMPANY

This toy is a box set of 12 realistic toy fish about 3 inches long.  The fish species are the ones we catch: Walleye, Northern Pike, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Crappie, Muskellunge, Tiger Musky, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. Made of plastic and hand painted. Box measures 7” x 3.8” x 1.4”. Launch date: November 2010. 10/24/2011 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ant Farm Revolution by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

Kids can watch ants create 3-D tunnels in nutrient-rich, translucent gel with the brand new Ant Farm Revolution from Uncle Milton. Ant Farm Revolution is the next generation in ant farm technology, with integrated LED light and projecting lens. This new ant habitat not only provides a home for ants, but also illuminates from within and projects GIANT ant shadows onto the wall or ceiling. Ants need to be ordered online.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: "Feels more like art than a toy;" interesting to all ages.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 1 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com. Cons: Reviewer said the ants got out of their container. 10/14/2011 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Live Bug Projector by INSECT LORE

Kids add friendly insects from their yard, watch them grow into giant supersized shadows on their ceiling, and move as they crawl about in the magnified-projector dome. The spacious observatory chamber is safe for bugs and kids. The projector’s buggy eyes light up, too. 10/14/2011 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bubble Gum Factory by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

Kids can make gobs of gum with this bubble gum factory. Create unique recipes by mixing and matching different flavors. Kit Includes citric acid packet, corn syrup, confectioner sugar, gum base, watermelon flavoring, blueberry flavoring, mint flavoring, 2 note cards, activity guide, and a plastic tin with lid.
— Andrea Scartozzi, from Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a September 2011 survey that Bubble Gum Factory is their bestselling science toy.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Penn., told TDmonthly that "a certain few of the kits from Scientific Explorer, mostly any one that has to do with food," are their second-best selling Science & Nature item.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that kits from Scientific Explorer are one of their top-2 bestselling educational products. They sell dozens each month. 9/19/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Ecotronics Hand Crank Flashlight by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Squeeze-powered, kid-sized flashlights. Each animal's nose lights up when switched on. Side lever stores inside the body—release and squeeze to charge up the light.
— June Hargrove, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in September 2011 that they sell 12 of this item each month. 9/12/2011 (Price: $10.99)

Skeleton Foam Floor Puzzle by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Encourages kids to explore the human body by piecing together a life-size puzzle. Invites children to make comparisons to their own bodies as they lie on top of the completed puzzle. Features 15 illustrated pieces with both formal and common bone names printed on the reverse side. Provides a fun activity for spooky-themed parties. Soft foam puzzle measures 4'H when assembled. 9/7/2011 (Price: $26.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Incredible Journeys by KINGFISHER BOOKS

This 128 page, fully illustrated book features the migration habits of many different animals in a colorful, informative, and easy-to-read format. From Animal Planet's new line of children's books. Launch date: September 27, 2011. 9/6/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Weird and Wonderful: Show-Offs by KINGFISHER BOOKS

This new line of books feature the expert knowledge of Animal Planet in a fun, easy-to read format for kids. This book features the unique visual attributes of many different creatures in the Animal Kingdom. Launch date: September 27, 2011. 9/6/2011 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Weird and Wonderful: Attack and Defense by KINGFISHER BOOKS

This new line of books feature the expert knowledge of Animal Planet in a fun, easy-to read format for kids. This book features the attack and defense mechanisms of many different creatures in the Animal Kingdom. Launch date: September 27, 2011. 9/6/2011 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puzzle Doubles Giant Backyard Bugs by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

Puzzle Doubles! Giant take the concept of a traditional puzzle to a whole new level!  Each product in this series includes a 30-piece, 3’ X 2’, beautifully illustrated “talk about” floor puzzle.  Once children have completed the puzzle, they can turn it over and color the giant illustration themselves using the four write-on/wipe-off crayons enclosed.  The crayons can be wiped off with a dry cloth.  Puzzle Doubles! provide children with multiple learning activities combined in one great product!  Ages 3+ years.    8/3/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jumping Brain Mini Figure Assortment by Toy2R

From Spanish designer Emilio Garcia's original creation, The Jumping Brain, Toy2R offers a smaller 2 inch scaled version that comes blinded boxed in a display of 25 randomly packaged figures. Each colorful figure comes with a keychain attachment to hook the brain on anything. Ideal for shops catering to the brainiac or geek shoppers. Launch date: February 2011. 8/2/2011 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond by DAWN PUBLICATIONS

Old MacDonald had a … pond? Come along with Jo MacDonald and learn about the wild creatures at the farm pond, including fish, frogs and ducks – and a few surprises. This riff on “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” introduces youngsters to the concept of ecosystems. Author Mary Quattlebaum engages little ones with rhythm, repetition, wordplay, and onomatopoeia, while illustrator Laura Bryant charms them with lively watercolors of a pond community. A resource section in the back features both outdoor and indoor activities and games sure to encourage young naturalists at home and school. Jo MacDonald’s pond discoveries closely resemble those that Mary discovered, too, when she grew up in the country with fields, gardens and ponds. 8/1/2011 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gobble, Gobble by DAWN PUBLICATIONS

Arrow-shaped footprints lead a young backyard naturalist to a flock of funny-looking birds with big strong feet: Wild Turkeys. Once nearly extinct, these comical critters now gobble their way across North America. Follow Jenny through a year of enchantment as she shares her discovery of these wonderful birds. Gobble, gobble! Jenny wrote a journal, too, with lots of fascinating stuff about a distinctly American bird. Although it once numbered in the millions, wild turkeys nearly disappeared with over-hunting and habitat destruction, but are now making a comeback. The unique illustrations are block prints over collages. The collages are made from cut and torn paper plus all sorts of things from nature – bark, leaves, feathers, even wasp nests. Author Cathryn Falwell also offers tips for children to make their own cut-paper pictures and how to keep a nature journal. Also available in Hard Cover. 8/1/2011 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lava Blasting Volcano Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

Volcanoes are one of the most awesome forces found in nature. They can shoot rocks and gases miles into the air and their lava flows can outrace a speeding car.  Now kids can try that at home.  In this kit, everything is included to create a volcanic blast.  Volcano really explodes and lava flows, and the kit includes cool science that explains how volcanoes form and why they explode.  Volcano erupts up to 10 times. Launch date: August 2010.
— In a September 2011 survey, three out of 13 retailers said products from Scientific Explorer were their bestselling science & nature toys. Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Brynn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that "Scientific Explorer's line features colorful, good sized boxes and some great titles." 7/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Crime Catchers Spy Science Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

With this kit, kids can investigate crime scene clues and learn about how science plays an important role in solving crimes.  They'll also learn how to make & match DNA, analyze mysterious fingerprints, decode secret messages, and more. Launch date: August 2011. 7/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Disgusting Special Effects Make Up Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

With this kit, kids can make gruesome fake cuts, burns, and bruises, just like in the movies, use tricks professional make up artists use, and learn the science behind the movie make up. Launch date: September 2011. 7/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

DIG! & DISCOVER: 3D T-Rex by KRISTAL EDUCATIONAL INC.

Kids carefully dig into a block of soft, sedimentary rock and discover an ancient, 70 million year-old 3D Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Then solve an ancient puzzle and assemble its scattered bones into a 10 inch “museum quality reproduction.” A fun filled, educational, hands-on experience for all explorers ages 7 and up.  Contents: excavation block with bone replicas, excavation tool, excavation brush, and instructions.  WARNING! CHOKING HAZARD – contains small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Conforms to ASTM F-963-08. Launch date: 2010. 7/11/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]