specialty toys & gifts
PREDICT.
PLAY.
Science Toys Pave the Way for Educational Play
by STEPHANIE GRASSULLO
WITH NEW ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY HAPPENING DAILY, WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE “impossible” is just a temporary state of mind. That being said, the next innovative scientist or groundbreaking inventor may already have his or her thinking hat on during playtime. From personalized labs to cutting-edge chemistry kits and toys that take science to the next level, kids have all the tools they need to take their curiosity one step further. While they learn through play, kids will test theories and challenge their ideas. Check out some of our favorite new science toys below.
EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS extends the Nancy B’s Science Club line with the Nancy B’s Science Club Mighty Microbes Lab & Germ Journal. The kit, designed for kids ages 8 and up, teaches kids about germs as they grow different types of bacteria. The Mighty Microbes Lab includes a spreader for spreading bacteria, tweezers, gloves, a nutrient agar packet, and other tools to help explore how microbes affect everyday life.
The Ultimate Secret Formula Lab, from SMARTLAB TOYS, includes 40 experiments that use a pressurized valve and plunger system to transport and mix liquids. Made for kids ages 8 and up, the kit allows kids to observe different chemical reactions. The set also comes with a 32-page book that includes instructions for experiments on topics that cover chemistry, fluid dynamics, and pressure.
BLUE ORANGE GAMES will extend its collection of science-themed games with Dr. Microbes. In this game designed for kids ages 7 and up, two to four players must race to help Dr. Microbe complete her research. Young scientists must sort the microbes into their petri dish with their tweezers and figure out the missing microbes and superbugs. Whichever player is the fastest to find the missing element and retrieve it is the winner of the game. Dr. Microbes will be available in February.
ALEX BRANDS’ Project MC² We Heart Chemistry Kit, designed for kids ages 6 and up, comes with 10 chemistry experiments that allow kids to create a color-changing mixture, a rolling wave, a glowin-the-dark test tube, and other chemical reactions. The set will be available this fall and comes with two test tubes with caps, a pipette, two color tablets, and more tools that kids need to complete the educational and fun experiments.
104 THE TOY BOOK | September/October 2016 | TOYBOOK.COM