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

Dinoworks Fossil Kit by SKULLDUGGERY

Dinoworks is a fascinating, educational and fun-filled kit that will show you what it is like to be a paleontologist in the field. It goes from casting the bones of the Tyrannosaurus to the complete construction of it. An illustrated educational booklet is included with the kit along with glue and magnets to display one's creation. 12/9/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Space Age Crystal Growing Kit: Rose Quartz Cluster by KRISTAL EDUCATIONAL INC.

This kit includes chemicals needed to grow a Rose Quartz crystal cluster of up to 4" in diameter. It comes with the Space Age Crystal Growing chemical, a stirring rod, a display pedestal and instructions. Within just a few hours of transferring the chemical to hot water, pouring the mixture into the vessel and letting it cool, crystals will begin to form and then continue growing for many days. 12/2/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rock Tumbler by NSI INTERNATIONAL INC.

Heavy duty rock tumbler changes rough stones into beautiful, high-luster semi-precious gemstones. Make jewelry with settings included in this set. U.L. Listed. ( Watch Video) 11/25/2009 (Price: $33.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magnificent Manicure Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

Designed to teach girls about cosmetic chemistry, this kit includes ingredients to make custom scents and indulge in a crystal mud treatment and a sea salt scrub. Girls can also buff and shine their nails for a finished look.
— Two of 40 retailers cited Scientific Explorer as a best-selling educational brand in fall 2009. The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., sells dozens of Scientific Explorer kits per month, Owner Mary Porter told TDmonthly. 11/24/2009

Strange Attractor Thinking Putty by CRAZY AARON ENTERPRISES, INC.

Deep black with subtle green sparkles, this slightly stiffer Thinking Putty has a mind of its own. Near a powerful magnet it comes alive! Strong enough to defy gravity. It can even lift tacks and paperclips on its own after charging in a magnetic field. One would be mesmerized by the invisible forces at play.
— Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, told TDmonthly in July 2010 that this product is one of her top-three best sellers. She cited sales of 12 in the last month and three in the last week.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, three out of 12 retailers said Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty was their bestselling novelty item. Richard Gibson, owner of Learning Express of Newton in Newton, Mass., told TDmonthly that the putty brings in $5-6,000 a year, and "the best is the magnetic one."
— In a Fall 2013 survey, three out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty was their best-selling novelty toy. ( Watch Video) 11/19/2009 (Price: $10.95)

The Particle Zoo Subatomic Particle Plushies by THE PARTICLE ZOO

The Particle Zoo is a collection of more than 36 plush versions of subatomic particles from the worlds of physics and astronomy. Often compared to Giant Microbes, these handmade soft toys represent the familiar neutron and proton as well as lesser-known particles like the charm quark and muon. A favorite of physics students can make unique birthday and graduation gifts, especially for physics students. The particles are handmade in the USA. "There are no other companies making plush subatomic particles, so they are a unique concept. Because they are weighted according to their relative masses, they can serve as a teaching aid or novelty gift," Julie Peasley, owner and seamstress for The Particle Zoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008. 10/29/2009 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Science - Soda Can Robug by TOYSMITH

The Green Science - Soda Can Robug is an imaginative way for children to explore mechanics and electricity. The kit includes a plastic mechanic body, wire wings, wire legs, motor with wires, screws and detailed instructions.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, Gary Green, owner of Toy Box of Asheville Inc in Asheville, N.C., told TDmonthly that the Soda Can Robug from Toysmith was one of their best-selling science toys. ( Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Magic School Bus Series – Going Green by THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

In this kit built around eco-friendly activities, kids get to shrink plastic, make a compost tube, make paper, decompose food, learn about reducing, reusing and recycling, and more.
— Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly in August 2009 that her store sold 36 of the Magic School Bus series kits in one month. 9/8/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Drinking Bird by BRI-GUY PRODUCTS

This classic novelty toy, the thermodynamic Drinking Bird, is available either with red or blue liquid. Once the bird begins drinking, he doesn’t ever stop.
— Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., sells about 20 per month of the Happy Drinking Bird, Owner Shana Hack told TDmonthly in August 2009. 9/8/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ant Farm® Live Ant Habitat by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

This 9” x 6” living space for ants includes four ports that attach to other ant habitats in the line, an ordering form to send off for receipt of live ants in the mail, and an illustrated “Ant Watcher’s Manual.” The break-resistant, escape-proof habitat is situation on a tip-proof stand.
— Two of 38 retailers named Uncle Milton’s Ant Farms as one of their best-selling science toys in August 2009, citing sales of three to five per month. 9/8/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Samurai Scorpion by OWI INC.

OWI’s aluminum, non-venomous invertebrate building kit features a Scorpion to be assembled from metal and bendable aluminum parts. The Samurai Scorpion is comprised of two major parts: head and body. The head consists of a pair of eyes, mouth and claws used to capture prey. The body contains eight legs, tail and a curved aculeus (stinger). The kit contains 30 hard and soft pre-punched aluminum parts, seven screws, seven nuts, three springs and assembly tools. Its claws, arms, legs and tail are moveable. Launch date: April 2008. 8/27/2009 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mega Mantis by OWI INC.

OWI’s aluminum insect building kit features a praying mantis insect that the owner assembles from metal and bendable aluminum parts. The average size of the scientifically named “stagmomantis carolina” is 3" to 4" in length. Mega Mantis is twice this size, hence its name. Kids can hold it, bend it, and even move its legs, wings, head and fore legs. The kit contains 25 hard and soft pre-punched aluminum parts, seven screws, seven nuts, four metal springs and assembly tools. Launch date: April 2008. 8/27/2009 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Attacking Inch Worm by OWI INC.

Attacking Inch worm has orange, spiky limbs to ward off any predator who seeks to challenge it as a delectable delight. Its initial defensive mechanism may fool intruders for a moment, but still requires a way to heed out of harm’s way. The sun’s rays power this mini solar kit to slither along to safety. The mechanical movements are designed to simulate the movements of its soft-bodied derivative. Because its home is above ground, Attacking Inch Worm has a hard plastic body to protect itself. No batteries or tools are required, and there are less than 50 parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Happy Hopping Frog by OWI INC.

This little green amphibian friend leaps with a joyful sense of freedom using its hind legs and rubber feet. Happy Hopping Frog jiggles its eyes as a dog would wag its tail, acknowledging its love and appreciation to its owner. The tailless, leaping mini solar kit is activated by the power of the sun’s rays; no batteries are required. Happy Hopping Frog is designed for easy assembly with approximately 25 parts, and demonstrates alternative energy principles. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Solar Racing Car by OWI INC.

Powered by the sun's rays, this alternative-energy toy car requires no batteries or tools, and contains less than a dozen parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Walking King Crab by OWI INC.

Methodically, eight legs work in harmony to create a ballet style “tippy-toe” movement. Similar to its cousin from Alaska, the Walking King Crab scurries along to safe passage when powered by the sun's rays. Walking King Crab is powered with a mini solar cell (included) and demonstrates alternative energy principles. No batteries or tools are required; there are 35 parts to assemble. "Because of its entry-level price point, retailers will grow fond of its movements; both off the shelf and after assembly. If a make-it and take-it type product is what you are looking for, this hands-on terrestrial tantalizer will make you the local hero," Craig Morioka, president of OWI Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Photo Gems by ASPEN LIGHT IMAGING

This 7/8"- square glass pendant comes with a 24" color-coordinated ball chain, a silver-plated bail, paper, acrylic sealer, a cello hanging bag, and a color-coordinated card with interpretive information on the back. Water resistant only. Launch date: August 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $15.00)

4D Vision Frog Anatomy Model Kit by JOHN N. HANSEN CO. INC

This frog kit contains 31 parts. It has fine detailed sculpting and hand-painted parts. Organs and body parts detach. Display platform and illustrated guide book are included. Recommended for ages 8+. WARNING: Choking hazard - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years. 8/11/2009

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][?]