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

The "Original" Tornado Tube by TORNADO TUBES

The Tornado Tube is a fun and educational toy! Create a tornado in a bottle and watch the the whirling vortex! Add colored water and glitter and enjoy both creative and educational play. Made in the USA.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that they sell "dozens and dozens" of Tornado Tubes each month. 7/20/2009 (Price: $2.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ball Wizard by Nowstalgic Toys, Inc.

Kids can make their own bouncy balls with this kit that includes 25 packets of ball-making powder, 10 molds and instructions for creating the colorful balls. All it requires is pouring the powder into a mold, dipping it in water, and then waiting four minutes for the finished product. 7/20/2009 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spanish Planisphere for 40° North by ROB WALRECHT PLANISPHERES

This is one of two Spanish planispheres the company offers. It contains about 700 stars and more than 300 objects for binoculars: nebulae, open en globular clusters, galaxies, double stars, variable stars and more. "Our program includes planispheres in 11 languages (five of them only available through our customers), and English planispheres for 10 different latitude ranges, together covering the entire populated world," Rob Walrecht, director of Rob Walrecht Productions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2003. 7/19/2009 (Price: $14) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Qubits Construction Toy - Jumbo 330-Piece Kit by QUBITS TOY COMPANY

Qubits is a simple plastic toy that can be built up using a distinct, patented modular geometry. It is designed to quickly capture the imagination of those who might have visions of becoming architects, engineers, scientists or even nanotech designers. The pieces are flexible to allow for curved creations. The Jumbo Kit comes with 330 pieces. 120 flexible Qubits, 150 connectors and 60 bridges. Molded with high quality plastic featuring bendable pieces that allow curved shapes. Launch date: June 2009. 7/17/2009 (Price: $79.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Original Gyro-Ring by FASCINATIONS

The Gyro-discs spin up to 1000 rpm. Just hold the 11" metal ring and strike the smaller, colored discs. As you rotate the ring, the discs begin spinning faster and faster, like mini-gyroscopes. At first, the challenge is to keep all the discs spinning. Once you can do this, there are several tricks and stunts to master. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Star Wars Force Trainer by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

Utilizing NeuroSky's ThinkGear technology, the product allows kids to practice their Jedi Master skills, actually using their mind to control movement of a ball. Users wear a headset that measures and interprets brainwave activity, transferring it to the 10" training tower where a sphere moves up and down. It includes Star Wars sound effects and 15 levels of training. Launch date: July 2009. 7/13/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Discovery Box by D & D DISTRIBUTING

This hands-on, interactive science collection is full of fossils, minerals, marine life and insects that children can touch and examine. The wooden box includes more than 30 items, such as trilobites fossils, pyrite, geode, sand dollar, starfish, murex shells and an insect in lucite. Also included is a hand lens and activity guide. "It stimulates a child's sense of curiosity and encourages kids to make discoveries in the back yard, at the beach or on a hike. The Discovery Box becomes an heirloom that children will share with their own children and grandchildren in the future. The activity guide provides parents with great activities to do with their kids," John Skowlund, president of World Discovery Box, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2009 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toy award and was named a Homeschool.com Best Educational Gift 2008. Launch date: November 2008. 6/29/2009 (Price: $129.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Christmas VaseOver by DUNECRAFT INC.

Simply fill the vase 3/4 full with water, add Vase-Over powder and stir. After thirty seconds, add the fun, themed foam and glitter accents, and voila — a decorated, multi-dimensional container. All that's left to do is add flowers. "There is no need to change the solution, and most cut flowers will last longer in our patent-pending formulation than water! This is the only product on the market that revolutionizes vases and how they look, as well as being made in the United States," Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Make Your Own Snowman World by DUNECRAFT INC.

Kids can make three free-standing snowmen with this kit, which includes four types of polymers, a tray, whimsical instructions and information, and more. "This kit contains everything needed to make multitudes of snow-related items, and is completely made in the United States," Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Plants that Work Sweet Leaf by DUNECRAFT INC.

Stevia is known to produce a sweetener twenty to thirty times sweeter than sugar. The Sweet Leaf Plant is a sub-tropical plant that will grow 2' to 3' tall. "This product contains a plant that actually works! It is made in the United States and is guaranteed to grow," Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Tea House by DUNECRAFT INC.

Individuals can grow ingredients to make their own herbal teas. Plants include Lemon Balm, German Chamomile and Spearmint. These three herbs have many medicinal qualities, including promoting sleep, encouraging relaxation and lifting spirits. All make light, refreshing, aromatic teas. Decorative accents include natural gravel, decals, planting stakes, an instructions and recipe booklet and more. "The Tea House is completely manufactured in the United States, contains three types of herbal teas that can be harvested right from the terrarium, and has great educational value," Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft, told TDmonthly. It received a 2009 iParenting Media Award. Launch date: February 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wild Science™ Ant-O-Sphere Starter Pod by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Built in 3-D, the collectible, space-age ant colony modules and connecting tubes are made in daylight and night colors for a cool look. Each sphere features three lenses to easily observe the ants: one clear, one that magnifies and one fisheye. "The Wild Science kits are constructed of the highest quality materials and designed for extended play use. Each individual kit can be designed, customized and modified to an individual child’s liking," Vickie Cullen, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $14.99)

Wild Science™ Ant Mine by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Using the included molds and plaster of Paris, kids create their own reproduction of a complex leafcutter ant colony and rivet the special window to the casting for observation. Children can watch their ants as they organize the many intricate tunnels and chambers for different purposes, and take food and water around the colony. Launch date: June 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $19.99)

Wild Science™ Worm Farm by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

With the Worm Farm, kids can discover the abilities of worms and their importance in the ecosystem through a series of safe and humane experiences using real worms. This kit features a high-quality, large-volume worm colony that allows children to plant seeds and grow vegetation in soil strata that is separated by colored sand horizons — great for tracking worm activity. The farm also contains removable privacy screens to bring worm tunnels into closer view. "The Wild Science kits are constructed of the highest quality materials and designed for extended play use. Each individual kit can be designed, customized and modified to an individual child’s liking. In addition, all of the kits within the system are designed to be interconnected, providing kids and creatures with endless possibilities to explore, learn and grow," Vickie Cullen, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $19.99)

Solar Motor by THE SOLAR POWERED SHOP LLC

This Solar Motor is ready to go right out of the package. Designed for demonstrating the principles of solar power, this kit includes a 1.1-volt, 75mA high-quality solar panel, propeller, and a state-of-the-art coreless DC motor capable of up to 22,000 rpm. This Solar Motor is a good way for introducing alternative energy concepts or just having fun outside while the sun is shining. Launch date: 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $7.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Digital Microscope by BARSKA

This 10x-300x digital microscope is compact and connects directly to a PC via the included USB 2.0 cable. There is no software installation required. Once connected, it's easy to magnify and view endless kinds of specimens and materials — from fabrics and coins to leaves and insects. Six LED lights illuminate the specimen and there are four brightness levels that are controlled by a button on the front of the microscope. Launch date: June 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Explore . . . The Rainforest by ONE SMART COOKIE PRODUCTIONS LLC

From the "It's Our Planet" series, this DVD is designed for kids to learn about the animals, people and plants that call this region home. They can discover what a rainforest needs to survive, and how this beautiful natural resource is disappearing. In collaboration with rainforest conservation organizations, One Smart Cookie has compiled an educational and informative DVD that uses imagery and video. "The DVDs in the 'Let's Explore' series and in the 'It's Our Planet' series use a multi-level format to cover background knowledge, as well as appealing to a wide age group (pre-K through age 10). Multi-level learning (or differentiation of instruction) is a critical factor in our children's education. Being able to move at their own pace allows your child to feel a sense of pride as they complete a level and move onto the next. Each level in the 'Let's Explore' series expands on the teachings of the previous level, adding more facts, vocabulary and scientific knowledge," Keli M. DiRisio, CEO of One Smart Cookie Productions, told TDmonthly. It was named a 2009 Dr. Toy Vacation Product of the Year and was a 2009 Gold Award winner in the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA). Launch date: May 2008. 6/29/2009 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Giant Evolution Timeline Play Mat by CHARLIE'S PLAYHOUSE LLC

This 18'-long Giant Evolution Timeline Play Mat displays 600 million years of evolution with weird ancient creatures, fun facts and activities. It collapses to the size of a coffee-table book. The mat is lightweight, durable and environmentally friendly. It was named one of Dr. Toy's 10 Most Socially Responsible Products of 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/21/2009 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Giant Evolution Timeline Poster by CHARLIE'S PLAYHOUSE LLC

Our 12-foot-long Giant Evolution Timeline Poster displays 600 million years of evolution with colorful ancient creatures, fun facts and plenty of awesome activities! With the same great graphics as the floor mat, this poster version is just as engrossing for kids. Includes 12-page Activity Guide. Retails for $29.99. ( Watch Video) 5/21/2009 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ancient Creature Cards by CHARLIE'S PLAYHOUSE LLC

This deck of large illustrated cards includes one card for all 67 creatures on the Giant Evolution Timeline. Each card includes an illustration, creature name and pronunciation, size comparison figure, paragraph of fun facts, and more. Great alone or in combination with the Giant Evolution Timeline Play Mat or Poster. Retails for $19.99. ( Watch Video) 5/21/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Firefly Attractor by SUMMIT PRODUCTS

This product is designed so that realistic flashes attract real fireflies, which can fly in but can't fly out. It allows kids to see fireflies up close and could serve as a house for nocturnal insects. It offers five light modes for five firefly species. The Firefly Attractor "safely attracts fireflies and captures them without anyone touching or harming them," a representative of Summit Products told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robotic Science Construction Kits by TOYSMITH

These kits are designed to offer everything kids need to learn about the basics of robotic science while constructing fun machines. There are four styles: Robotic Bird, Robotic Ball Collector, Robotic Bubble Blower and Robotic Beeper. All parts snap together with easy to follow instructions. Each kit requires 2 AA batteries, not included. Launch date: 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bladder Plush - Urine for a Treat! by I HEART GUTS

The bladder stores pee until an individual is ready to go. Most bladders hold as much liquid as a can and a half of soda. Nerves in the bladder wall tell when it’s time to go. "This super-soft, bright yellow 6" x 4" urinary bladder plush is perfect for telling someone when urine love," Founder Wendy Bryan of I Heart Guts told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 5, 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $16) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spleen Plush - Smells Like Spleen Spirit! by I HEART GUTS

The spleen keeps the blood tidy and fresh. This queen of clean serves as the primary blood filter and largest lymph organ. It brings blood into contact with lymphocytes, which happily attack foreign bodies, and cleans worn-out red and white blood cells. "This adorable 6" x 6" plushie is perfect for the lymph enthusiast lurking within us all," Wendy Bryan, founder of I Heart Guts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 5, 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $16) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Stomach Plush - I Ache for You! by I HEART GUTS

The stomach creates a highly acidic environment used to digest cookies, ice cream, bacon and more. This lil' guy's digestive juices help break down food for the intestine, which absorbs the actual nutrients. This orange 8.5" x 5.5" tummy is part of the I Heart Guts collection, which is "icky yet adorable," the company's founder, Wendy Bryan, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 5, 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $18) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]