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

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][?]

Forest Ant Ecoterrarium by NOTED CO

The Forest Ant Ecoterrarium measures 5” x 3-1/2” x 1” and features a unique gel formula that allows both ants and plants to cohabitate.  Made in Europe, the kit includes a magnifying glass, a handbook and a free gel refill kit.  Launch date: Spring 2007. 6/13/2007

Super Antquarium by NOTED CO

The S-shaped Super Antquarium measures 5-1/2” x 7” x 1-1/4”, which is allows ants a tremendous amount of space to dig their amazing network of tunnels in the blue transparent gel that is both their home and food.  Made in Europe, the kit includes a magnifying glass, a handbook and a free gel refill kit.  Launch date: Spring 2007. 6/13/2007

Microcontroller by THAMES & KOSMOS

This computer systems engineering kit introduces kids to microcontrollers, sensors and programming. The educational kit includes 100 experiments involving light, heat and sound sensors, data collection and more. Kids will learn about the inner workings of computers and programs and how to assemble circuits, design circuits and write programs. This product received a Spring 2007 Parents' Choice Silver Award.
— “This kit breaks down how computers actually work and thus is extremely relevant to the technology-dependent world in which children live and learn,” Christa Raimondo, customer relations manager for Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly.
— “Thames & Kosmos science kits do really well during the holidays,” Little Blue Choo Choo Manager Brandy Lindstrom in Scottsdale, Ariz., told TDmonthly.
— Five out of 58 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly named science kits as a popular gift item for older kids. 6/13/2007 (Price: $149.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Lab™ DUO-SCOPE by C & A SCIENTIFIC

This two-in-one combination microscope has two built in light sources: one shines up through the slide and another shines down on solid objects.  The lenses are made of real optical glass, which produces a very clear image.  The microscope uses AA batteries, which makes it portable and usable outdoors.  Launch date: December 2006. 6/12/2007 (Price: $86.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Desert Hothouse by DUNECRAFT INC.

With this kit, kids can create their own sandy, dusty desert scene. The Desert Hothouse comes with a variety of cacti and succulents including the giant sagauro, prickly pear, Joshua tree, century plant and more. Easy-to-grow plants will sprout in a week and last for years. They naturally mimic the art of Japanese Bonsai. “Children can learn all about water conservation and how certain plants are more adept at it. This exciting terrarium also shows how desert plants have adapted to life over numerous generations,” PR Specialist Alicia Borley of DuneCraft told TDmonthly. The product received the Holiday Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center in 2006. 5/24/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

zPix by CARSON OPTICAL

This digital microscope links to most computers for exceptional detailed viewing. Its power zoom mechanism goes from 26x to a super-strong 130x. An integrated camera allows for quick and easy snap shots that can be saved for later use. It also comes with a specimen base, forceps, eyedropper, USB cable, three blank slides, one prepared slide and CD-ROM software. This educational tool makes learning fun and inspires children and adults to discover more about their environments. “The zPix is educational and fun at a fantastic price,” Shannon Kelly of Images Group, on behalf of Carson Optical, told TDmonthly. The zPix has won the following awards: Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award 2007, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products Award 2007 and Dr. Toy 10 Best Educational Products Award 2007. Launch date: June 1, 2007. ( Watch Video) 5/24/2007 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

X-Scope by CARSON OPTICAL

This seven-function optical tool features the following: a 30x microscope, an 8x telescope, a 9x magnifier, a compass, an LED flashlight, a digital clock and a signal whistle. Launch date: March 1, 2007. 5/24/2007 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Culinary Herb Garden by DUNECRAFT INC.

This deluxe kit includes five seed packs (Basil, Cilantro, Sage, Dill and Parsley), a unique sprouting and growing dome, natural gravel, five delectable herb decals, five culinary herb stakes, planting and drainage mixture, comprehensive instructions and more. It allows children and adults to grow delicious herbs that sprout quickly and can later be used for cooking. “The Culinary Herb Garden provides hands-on teaching about plants and their many uses. It is great for teaching lessons on health and nutrition, as well as teaching about sustainability,” Public Relations Specialist Alicia Borley of DuneCraft told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2006. 5/23/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Trek Pak by WILD PLANET

The Trek Pak is a nature-lover's utility belt.  It comes pre-attached with six essential outdoor exploration tools: a compass, insect net, foldout wallet, tweezers, magnifying lens and storage canister.  The Trek Pak is ideal for camping trips and nature hikes: it gives kids all the tools they need to catch and examine bugs, and it comes with a compass to help kids find their way home.  Having all of the tools attached to the belt allows kids to keep their hands free for climbing and collecting. The Trek Pak encourages kids to engage in outdoor exploration.  Launch Date: April 2007.
― In spring 2007, Roberta Edwards, owner of Wishes Toys & Gifts in La Quinta, Calif., cited Wild Planet as a vendor who has “gone the extra mile.” 5/21/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

World Energy Ball by SAFARI LTD.®

Create sound and light with Safari’s World Energy Ball by touching the two embedded metal strips, demonstrating circuits and conductivity. Great scientific fun for individuals or groups. Put the whole world in the palm of your hand! View our entire collection at www.safariltd.com ( Watch Video) 5/14/2007 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Aromatherapy Complete Garden Kits by GIFTS THAT BLOOM

These aromatherapy kits are simple to use and enjoy. Individuals just add water and place them near a sunny window to watch them bloom. Lavender, Rose and Peppermint are available, and all garden kits are guaranteed to bloom in all four seasons. They have a two-year shelf life. Launch date: May 1, 2007. 5/7/2007 (Price: $7.95)