PlayFoam From Educational Insights

PlayFoam
From Educational Insights

Unlike others, this lightweight, colorful foam sculpting material won't crumble, and it won't stick to skin or surfaces - no cleanup required. And PlayFoam never dries...you can use it over and over and over again! Includes 6 PlayFoam bricks (2.75 W" x 4" H x 1.25" D) in six vibrant colors and an idea sheet. Grades Pre-K and up.

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 1805
• Released on: 2006-06-12
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 4.50" w x 8.30" l, .25 pounds

Features

• Squish it, shape it, save it or smoosh it and start all over again. You've got hours of creative fun on your hands
• Unlike others colorful foam sculpting material won't crumble, and it won't stick to skin or surfaces and it never dries out, so you can use it over and over and over again
• Include 6 PlayFoam bricks in six vibrant colors and an idea sheet
• Is very lightweight

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Cross the texture of a crispy rice treat with the "mold-ability" of clay, and you've got PlayFoam, the lightweight foam sculpting beads that you can squish, stretch, and shape into hundreds of cool designs. It never dries out and won't stick to surfaces so use it over and over again. Plus, it's non-toxic. The classic PlayFoam six-pack includes 6 PlayFoam bricks in assorted colors. Bricks measure 2.75" W x 4" H x 1.25" D.

Customer Reviews
fun but poor quality
playfoam is great fun, but imagine the dissapointment my little gift receivers felt when what they opened was half useless. The foam was dry and crumbly. Only about half was useable. I've subsequently found out how to make floam myself from online tutorials at instructibles.com.

While this is a fun product what I received was junk. Obviously, either this brand was terrible or the seller stocked out of date or low quality stock.

Make your own and save money.

Does it all but Hold Together!
The product does everything it says= it retains its stickiness without sticking to things you don't want it to (your clothes, your floor, your furniture) but it's sort of like Post-It notes in that it sticks just BARELY. My son (4.5 yr old) and I have tried to make many shapes including just a simple roll and PlayFoam won't hold its shape. It falls, deflates, and pulls apart to easily. So, the only thing you really CAN do with it is squish and smash it. My son played with it a couple times before moving on to Moon Sand (much to my chagrin because Moon Sand is REALLY messy but he loves it way better than PlayFoam probably for that very reason)!

awesome stuff
I got the product today and had a blast myself (well - my 6 yr old included)...in fact as I type, I am still playing with it myself...does not stick - quite an addictive thing...this should be compared with play doh - which is almost a different product by itself..if ur looking at something which you can mould with precision, this is not the stuff. this is for quick make shapes - but dont expect this to give you precision...this is just the right kind of stuff...

Buy PlayFoam From Educational Insights

PlayFoam 12 - Pack From Educational Insights

PlayFoam 12 - Pack
From Educational Insights


The new PlayFoam Jumbo 12-Pack gives you more foam to squish, shape and mold. This double-decker package includes two amazing new colors -- purple and gray -- along with PlayFoam classic colors: yellow, blue, green, orange, pink and white. We've even doubled the colors kids use most (yellow, blue, green, white).

PlayFoam never dries out and won't crumble or stick to skin or other surfaces, so clean up is always a snap. PlayFoam is nontoxic and non-allergenic.

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 1808
• Released on: 2007-10-01
• Dimensions: 4.30" h x 6.30" w x 8.80" l, .40 pounds

Features

• A dozen bricks of squishable fun
• Never dries out and won't crumble or stick to skin or other surfaces, so clean up is a snap
• This double decker package includes two amazing new colors - purple and gray - along with PlayFoam classic collors : yellow, orange, pink, blue, green, and white
• Winner of several awards, including the Family Fun Toy of the Year Award, Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children's Products Winner, Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award, and more
• Preschoolers and parents can use it without concern as PlayFoam is nontoxic and non - allergenic

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
You've got more PlayFoam to squish, shape, and mold with the Playfoam 12-pack. This double-decker package includes yellow, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, gray, and white bricks. We've even doubled the colors kids use most (yellow, blue, green, white). PlayFoam never dries out and won't crumble or stick to skin or other surfaces - so clean up is a snap. Preschoolers and parents can use it without concern as PlayFoam is nontoxic.

Customer Reviews
Hmmmmm
My daughter seems to love this stuff, but the foam pellets do separate out and it's hard to pick them up. It's kind of like having tiny styrofoam "peanuts" all over your house. We were given a brick as a present and I'm glad, because now I know I don't like it enough to buy it.

Jumbo PlayFoam 12 Pack
Kids are really enjoying this. I was looking for a gluten-free alternative to playdough. It has a strong smell if you hold it up to your nose so I wonder about the chemicals used to have the foam stick together...

Pretty fun, but short life span....
This is a great moldable toy, and my kids had a lot of fun with it. They played with it as shown on the box for about 2-3 days, keeping colors separate and using them to make different creations.

But by day 4 even the older ones (7,9) couldn't resist mushing the colors together, and then Playfloam becomes a weird colored blob. The fact there was no special container to store it like playdoh (I suppose because it doesn't harden) meant that my kids just left it out. And when it dropped on the rug, fibers would get into the floam and then it really looked quite undesirable.

Eventually, 2 weeks later, I tossed the whole thing, thinking it just looked gross and unsanitary. My kids by then had lost interest in making anything out of the grayish blob, but they did still walk by and just mush it.

If you want to make this toy last a bit longer, I would suggest opening the box carefully and providing sandwich bags for each color for storate. Then I would supervise the kids a bit, and discourage wholesale mashing of all the colors together because while that may feel fun, kids will quickly lose interest in making stuff out of a grayish blob.

And even though it doesn't dry out, I would still encourage the kids to store the playfloam in sandwich bags so it doesn't pick up dust, dog hair, and/or other stuff from being dropped on the rug/floor/etc... Then you can store the sandwich bags in the original box. If you use it this way, it will probably last a very long time.

Overall, a fun activity. And even if you purchased it for a one time use, like a birthday party or a rainy day activity, it still is a pretty good value - not much more expensive than taking a child to a movie.

Buy PlayFoam 12 - Pack From Educational Insights

PlayFoam Creativity Kit From Educational Insights

PlayFoam Creativity Kit
From Educational Insights

Building gets squishy with this colorful set. Featuring nine PlayFoam bricks and more than 100 fun craft accessories, kids can mush, shape, and design any number of cool creations. Accessories include everything from pipe cleaners and wiggly eyes, to craft sticks, yarn, and jewels. Educational Insights. Ages: 3+

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 1801
• Released on: 2008-02-08
• Dimensions: 2.75" h x 1.25" w x 4.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• The Playfoam gives kids an utterly addictive new way to sculpt easy for little hands to mold, the tiny foam dots stick easily to each other, not to the carpet
• This accessory-packed Playfoam craft kit is filled with fun
• It includes a rainbow of nine assorted Play Foam bricks including sparkle and glow-in-the-dark and over hundred cool accessories
• Includes everything you need to make your creations come alive such as wiggly eyes, pom - poms, pipe cleaners, jewels, feathers, and more
• Play Foam doesn't stick to surfaces, never dries out, and is so easy to use, hence this kit is perfect for home and school, or even a birthday party activity

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
This accessory-packed PlayFoam craft kit is filled with fun. A rainbow of 9 assorted PlayFoam bricks (including Sparkle and Glow-in-the-Dark) and over 100 cool accessories. Includes everything you need to make your creations come alive: wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers, glittery pom-poms, craft sticks, yarn, jewels, noses, and colorful foam shapes. Because PlayFoam doesn't stick to surfaces, never dries out, and is so easy to use, this kit is perfect for home and school. It's also a great birthday party activity. Includes blue, yellow, purple, gray, Sparkle pink, Sparkle orange, Sparkle green, and Glow-in-the-Dark bricks.

Customer Reviews
fun modeling dough with texture
Good for any age (beyond toddler who might put it in his mouth). My grandson loves this foam. It doesn't seem to dry out and it sticks to itself, so when building something in separate pieces, they can be added and will stick together. The foam is apt to stick to floor, carpet, etc., but can be removed with little effort.

Buy PlayFoam Creativity Kit From Educational Insights

Color Scheme From Educational Insights

Color Scheme
From Educational Insights


Color Scheme is a dazzling game of color-blending strategy. Players scheme and strategize as they slip primary-colored tiles into the swiveling tower, attempting to create a row of three secondary colors. But, watch out! Every tile drop presents new opportunities for success – or recipes for disaster. Get three matching secondary colors in a row – and you win! Color Scheme is tactical color-mixing fun for the whole family.

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 2972
• Released on: 2007-05-01
• Dimensions: 1.30" h x 12.50" w x 12.40" l, 1.55 pounds

Features

• Get in the Chroma-Zone
• Color Scheme is tactical, two-player, color-mixing fun for the whole family
• Includes game tower, 30 dual - colored tiles, and guide
• A StrataGems Brain Building Game
• Fun for young and old

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Color Scheme is a dazzling game of color-blending strategy. Players scheme and strategize as they slip primary-colored tiles into the swiveling tower, attempting to create a string of three secondary colors. Overlap primary colors to create orange, green, and purple squares. Need a better view of the action? Just swivel the tower to see both sides of the game. But, watch out. Every tile drop presents new opportunities for success - or recipes for disaster. Get three matching secondary colors in a row - and you win. Color Scheme is tactical, two-player, color-mixing fun for the whole family. Includes game tower, 30 dual-colored tiles, and guide.


Customer Reviews
Echoing the storage issue!
Thanks to the previous reviewer for confirming that I was not missing something obvious in terms of how to store this once assembled! [It *is* possible to unscrew the base, with an eyeglass screwdriver, but not sensible.]

And yes: bright light is definitely needed. My 6 year-old son loved it, though.

Fun and Educational Toy
I bought this for my 8 year old daughter for Christmas. We have had a lot of fun playing it. My only complaint is that once you assemble the board and its stand, you can no longer lay it flat in the box or take it apart! So it's a pain to store because it practically needs its own space on the shelf because the lid is propped open. Other than that, it's a good, entertaining toy.

make sure you have good lighting!!!
When I read about how this game worked, it sounded ingenious! It's much like Connect Four but takes it a step further by trying to make a row with secondary colours with 2-tiled primary colours. However, it was hard to distinguish the secondary colours, for example, blue and yellow making green. From the blue side, it looked more blue and from the yellow side, it looked more yellow. You need good lighting to play this game! If the makers could improve on this colour matching, then it'd be a great game.

Buy Color Scheme From Educational Insights

Educational Insights MicroPro Elite Microscope Set - 98 Piece

Educational Insights MicroPro Elite Microscope Set - 98 Piece



98-piece Microscope Set 50x, 150x, 300x, 450x, and 900x magnifications With the GeoVision MicroProElite, young scientists can investigate the hidden wonders of the microscopic world. Perfect for individual or classroom use, the glass optics and power settings from 50x to 900x provide superior precision viewing. The 98-piece kit has professionally prepared slides as well as everything you need to make your own specimen slides. There is also a camera mount so you can photograph your findings and a projection/drawing device to display images for tracing or group viewing. The GeoVision MicroProElite is appropriate for learning at any age. New and Improved! Twice the components Glass lenses Die-cast metal body Two eyepieces Projector, deluxe case, color filter wheel included


Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 5302
• Released on: 2008-09-01
• Dimensions: 24.50" h x 4.70" w x 16.50" l, 8.50 pounds

Features

• Magnifications: 50x, 150x, 300x, 450x, and 900x
• Glass lenses and die-cast metal body
• Two eye pieces
• Power settings from 50x to 900x
• Also includes deluxe storage case, projector and color wheel

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Young scientists can investigate the hidden wonders of the microscopic world with the Geo Vision MicroPro Elite. It is perfect for individual or classroom use. This has glass optics and power settings from 50x to 900x which provides superior precision viewing. The 98-piece kit has professionally prepared slides and everything you need to make your own specimen slides. There is also a camera mount which helps you to photograph your findings and a projection/drawing device to display images for tracing or group viewing. The Geo Vision MicroPro Elite is appropriate for learning at any age. It requires 2 AA batteries for light (not included).


Customer Reviews
Good for just starting out
The microscope itself is nice and sturdy. The projector does not work very well but if you use the right eyepiece you can view things pretty well. There is a problem lining things up but once you get that down it is ok.

The big thing that disappointed me was the slides. They are plastic and scratched. I was expecting real slides and some specimens to dissect like the one I had when I was a kid. We will just need to catch things to dissect ourselves and then buy some better, real slides. It is a good starter microscope. I had high expectations because of the one I had as a kid but all in all it isn't all that bad. Just buy better slides.

Great for 7 year old
My 7 year old and her friends love this. It has great magnification, one lens tends to work much better than the other, so we mainly use that one, but it works great. We get to see many things up super close and in great detail. My only con is that the instruction book is a little lacking in instructions on how to use specific parts that it was a little confusing at first. I would use this for 6 (with help w/adult) to 10 year olds

My Grand Daughter loves this
My Grand Daughter is 8 years old, this is the perfect gift for the budding little Scientist in your family. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is the case is a little hard to close. You have to really think thru the process of closing to make it work without spilling it's gutts.

Buy Educational Insights MicroPro Elite Microscope Set - 98 Piece

Educational Insights Eggspert

Educational Insights Eggspert
From Educational Insights

Spice up classroom management and practice math facts, spelling, history, science terms anything in your curriculum with this clever, motivating answer system. Powered by an AC adapter (included) or batteries. Eggspert features two modes of operation:

Jeopardy Mode:Each of the half-dozen Eggspert lights connects to an Answer Button held by a student. After hearing a question, students who want to answer squeeze their Answer Buttons. The fastest 'squeeze' lights up the corresponding 'egg' light and the question goes to that student.

Wheel of Fortune Mode: The teacher squeezes the Control Button setting Eggspert's lights into 'motion.' The eggs light up in sequence, blinking and beeping one at a time, first rapidly and gradually slower and s-l-o-w-e-r, until only one egg remains lit. The student (or team of students) assigned that color answers a question or completes an activity.

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 7880
• Dimensions: 12.31" h x 7.00" w x 5.37" l, 3.20 pounds

Features

• Jeopardy mode and wheel of fortune mode
• practice on math facts, spelling, history, science terms
• The eggs light up in sequence

Customer Reviews
Eggspert for all
Great product,very durable. Makes learning very competitive, but fun. We used it at my parent's 40th anniversary party for a jeopardy game. It was a lot of fun. I also use it with my children who are homeschooled for a variety of school subjects. I use the wheel of fortune for my 2nd grade religion class and church. We play for candy. Well worth the cost. Can be used with batteries-comes with a plug & a built in timer. Have everyone test run their buzzer, so they know it works. It works, but people playing will say their buzzer is broken, it's not -someone else is faster. High schoolers love it too.

Eggspert
Eggspert was purchased to be used at my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary party. Our intention was to use it to play "Jeopardy". This was a fantastic purchase that didn't let us down. It's easy to use, works like a charm and great fun! I will use this over and over again. Thanks "Wizard of Math" for providing this item. You guys rock!

Students will love it!!
I purchased the eggspert towards the end of the school year. It is great for any trivia game in any curriculum area. I recommend it for those high tough to call games. It provides order and less arguing over who was first. The cords are adequately long allowing for space between the players and teacher as well as good mobility/spacing. I also like that you can use its adapter or batteries. We used it for our academic bowl during field day. The students loved it. We brought it down to the auditorium and dimmed the lights so the game lights would be more noticeable. The bowl was a hit!! Having the eggspert eased the process of who buzzed in first and made the game progress better. One thing to watch out for is remembering to reset the game after a student buzzes in and says an incorrect answer (the other players can not buzz in until the game has been reset using the teacher's buzzer). A second point would be to inform the players ahead of time that even though they hit the buzzer it doesn't mean they did it first so their light might not illuminate (they kept stating that they hit their buzzer and it wasn't working). Overall, it was a great experience and students as well as teachers were asking me where they could buy an eggspert.

Buy Educational Insights Eggspert From Educational Insights

Educational Insights MicroPro Elite Microscope Set - 98 Piece

Educational Insights MicroPro Elite Microscope Set - 98 Piece
From Educational Insights

98-piece Microscope Set 50x, 150x, 300x, 450x, and 900x magnifications With the GeoVision MicroProElite, young scientists can investigate the hidden wonders of the microscopic world. Perfect for individual or classroom use, the glass optics and power settings from 50x to 900x provide superior precision viewing. The 98-piece kit has professionally prepared slides as well as everything you need to make your own specimen slides. There is also a camera mount so you can photograph your findings and a projection/drawing device to display images for tracing or group viewing. The GeoVision MicroProElite is appropriate for learning at any age. New and Improved! Twice the components Glass lenses Die-cast metal body Two eyepieces Projector, deluxe case, color filter wheel included

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 5302
• Released on: 2008-09-01
• Dimensions: 24.50" h x 4.70" w x 16.50" l, 8.50 pounds

Features

• Magnifications: 50x, 150x, 300x, 450x, and 900x
• Glass lenses and die-cast metal body
• Two eye pieces
• Power settings from 50x to 900x
• Also includes deluxe storage case, projector and color wheel

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Young scientists can investigate the hidden wonders of the microscopic world with the Geo Vision MicroPro Elite. It is perfect for individual or classroom use. This has glass optics and power settings from 50x to 900x which provides superior precision viewing. The 98-piece kit has professionally prepared slides and everything you need to make your own specimen slides. There is also a camera mount which helps you to photograph your findings and a projection/drawing device to display images for tracing or group viewing. The Geo Vision MicroPro Elite is appropriate for learning at any age. It requires 2 AA batteries for light (not included).

Customer Reviews
Great for 7 year old
My 7 year old and her friends love this. It has great magnification, one lens tends to work much better than the other, so we mainly use that one, but it works great. We get to see many things up super close and in great detail. My only con is that the instruction book is a little lacking in instructions on how to use specific parts that it was a little confusing at first. I would use this for 6 (with help w/adult) to 10 year olds

My Grand Daughter loves this
My Grand Daughter is 8 years old, this is the perfect gift for the budding little Scientist in your family. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is the case is a little hard to close. You have to really think thru the process of closing to make it work without spilling it's gutts.

Good for starters but dont expect too much.
I bought this item after reading a little reviews about it, but it was just like was reviewed. It is good to get young children excited about learning about a "micro-world". But you can also quickly loose their attention if it doesn't work really well. The lens is not very clear to make out what you are looking at. You have to keep the specimen very close and still under the scope to make out anything. Not good for kids with little patience

Buy Educational Insights MicroPro Elite Microscope Set - 98 Piece

Educational Insights Sonic Sleuth From Educational Insights

Educational Insights Sonic Sleuth
From Educational Insights

Junior scientists and detectives can zoom in on the action with this ultra-high tech Sonic Sleuth hand-held listening device from Educational Insights. Perfect for science experiments, wildlife adventures and just eavesdropping, the device comes with a super-sensitive microphone and parabolic sound collection dish that pick up conversations and noises up to 300 ft. away. Compact, lightweight headphones are great for on-the-go eavesdropping and adventures. A built-in frequency controller blocks out harmful noise above 85 decibels for super-safe sonic sleuthing. Comes with sound targeting scope. For ages 6 and over. Imported. 7Hx10-1/2Lx1-1/2W".

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 5200
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 11.81" h x 10.12" w x 3.50" l, 1.30 pounds

Features

• Hand-held sonic listening device
• For science experiments, wildlife use and eavesdropping
• Super-sensitive microphone works up to 300' away
• Compact lightweight headphones
• Frequency controller blocks noise over 85 decibels
• Batteries Required (Sold Separately): 9 Volt Battery

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Super ears for your super spies! This powerful handheld listening device tunes in to sounds from over 300' away and features a high sensitivity microphone, parabolic sound collection dish, high quality headphones and sound targeting scope. Built-in frequency controller blocks out harmful noise above 85 decibels for super-safe sonic sleuthing.

Perfect for science experiments and wildlife adventures ù itÆs the ultimate eavesdropper!

Ages: 6 and up

Customer Reviews
beyond toying around
The Sonic Sleuth is an inexpensive item, but it can be used for more than a toy. It works nicely for listening to things in nature like birds and frogs. The gain control allows you to amplify the sound a lot, and there is a sound cut off to prevent you from getting your ears blown out.

Bang for the buck
This product is very in expensive. I considered much more expensive units, but what I needed was a device to listen to birds that were around a 100 feet away normally. I decided to spend a lot less money and hope for the best. Well let me tell you that the Sonic Sleuth was a welcome surprise. It is built very well, its very in expensive and it is very good.
Save your money, You don't need anything better.

Buy Educational Insights Sonic Sleuth From Educational Insights

GeoSafari SeaScope From Educational Insights

GeoSafari SeaScope
From Educational Insights

This 4X kid's underwater telescope is great for viewing distant objects on land, or attach it to the water-resistant SeaScope to magnify life in streams, ponds, lakes or tidepools! The Aqualite flashlight attaches to the SeaScope for viewing in dark or murky underwater conditions! A built-in ruler allows on-the-spot measurement of specimens, and a thermometer strip determines the temperature in or out of the water. Requires two AA batteries, not included.

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 5252
• Released on: 2006-06-12
• Dimensions: 3.40" h x 9.10" w x 17.30" l, 1.40 pounds

Features

• A telescope for exploring underwater or on land
• The Aqualite flashlight attaches to the SeaScope for viewing in dark or murky underwater conditions, and it has a built in ruler and a thermometer strip to determine the temperature in or out of the water
• Great for outdoor fun
• Built - in ruler allows on - the - spot measurement of specimens

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
This 4x telescope is great for viewing distant objects on land, or attach it to the water-resistant SeaScope to magnify life in streams, ponds, lakes or tidepools. The Aqualite flashlight attaches to the SeaScope for viewing in dark or murky underwater conditions. A built-in ruler allows on-the-spot measurement of specimens, and a thermometer strip determines the temperature in or out of the water. Requires two AA batteries, not included.

Customer Reviews
Disappointment
The optics on this toy leave much to be desired. It's a good argument for buying toys of this type in a store where you can try them out first.

Not worth the money for bigger kids.
I wish I could give this product good ratings. My kids were so excited to get them,and we took them camping. There is a really great wide stream near the campground that is a favorite exploring place and I thought these would be good for that. Well, the little light is a waste, it didn't illuminate enough to see anything, and when it got wet it quit working. The kids were careful to not murk up the water, and still you couldn't see. They wound up wearing their swim goggles and putting their faces in the water and that worked much better. As for the telescope part, you could get a decent kids pair of binoculars for about the price of this. Maybe my kids were too old (7 and 9) and we expected too much from this, it might be good for little kids to pretend with (telescope) and introduce to the underwater world with.

Save your money for the real thing
Great idea, poor execution. Very difficult to see a thing and keep it in focus, and the lighting function for underwater, which is why I bought it, doesn't really work unless you're in pretty clear water.

Buy GeoSafari SeaScope From Educational Insights

GeoSafari Talking Telescope From Educational Insights

GeoSafari Talking Telescope
From Educational Insights

5 yrs. & up. Explore the world with a up close view! Includes 20 full color slide images for microscope use, or detach and use as a regular telescope with 3x magnification. Instruction guide included. Two game modes - facts andd quiz - speak 200 fun facts and questions.

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 8805
• Released on: 2007-06-01

Features

• 200 facts and questions
• Features beautiful images from NASA, built in storage for all 20 slides, and detachable telescope (3x magnification)
• Two motivating game modes speak 200 fun facts and questions with realistic sound effects
• Detachable telescope for on - the - go exploring
• Press Letter buttons to answer questions

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
With the GeoSafari Talking Telescope, kids get an up-close VIEW of 12 animals and 8 space-age phenomena. They can HEAR cool facts or TEST their knowledge in fun quiz games. Features beautiful images from NASA, built-in storage for all 20 slides, detachable telescope (3x magnification) for on-the-go exploring, and battery-saving automatic shut-off. Two motivating game modes, Facts and Quiz, speak 200 fun facts and questions with realistic sound effects. Requires four AA batteries (not included).


Customer Reviews
Nice present
We have talking microscope. It's great.
Now we are waiting for next occasion to surprise our 5 and 8 y.o. grandsons.

My almost-4-yr-old loves it
My son has been asking for this since last Christmas This year we bought it for him and have no regrets. He is fascinated by the slides and retains a lot of the information. The toy is reasonably well-constructed, but we have only had it for a few weeks, so I can't say for sure how well it will hold up to the abuse the kids give it.

could get boring
The removable telescope does not have good focus. Although the included slides are educational, I don't think kids will want to listen more than once. Also there are not enough "scientific" slides; too many pictures of animals.

Buy GeoSafari Talking Telescope From Educational Insights

GeoSafari Talking Microscope From Educational Insights

GeoSafari Talking Microscope

From Educational Insights

Kids can examine all sorts of critters on 12 prepared interactive slides while details are spoken in fact mode or as a fun quiz game. Features 5X focusing magnifier and a light for easy viewing. Comes with Talking Microscope unit, 12 prepared interactive slides, and slide storage box. Requires three C batteries (not included)."

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 8800
• Released on: 2007-06-01
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 5.70" h x 8.20" w x 10.10" l, 1.55 pounds

Features

• The ideal first microscope
• Features 5x focusing magnifier and a light for easy viewing
• Comes with Talking Microscope Unit and 12 prepared interactive slides with storage box
• Press the Quiz button to test your "Bug I.Q."
• Turn the Fact Dial to hear more bug facts

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Kids get an up-close VIEW of 12 fascinating bugs, as they HEAR cool facts or TEST their knowledge of each critter in fun quiz games. Features 5x focusing magnifier, and a light for easy viewing. Comes with Talking Microscope unit and 12 prepared interactive slides, with storage box. Requires three C batteries (not included).

Customer Reviews
Super fun and educational
My [...] triplets LOVE this microscope. Not only do they enjoy playing with it, they've learned a ton from the interactive quizzes built into it. A great buy for your budding scientists.

Great, educational toy...but...
it would be better if you could purchase additional slides. My son is a science nut, but even he has tired of looking at the same group of slides over & over. You can put other slides under and look at them but you don't get the great info you do with the set that the microscope came with. It is a wonderful toy for a budding scientist or entymologist, though!

Greatly disappointed
I purchased this toy for my son and when we first opened it up, he was very excited after looking at the slides on the microscope. However he was highly anticipating learning facts about the bugs on the slides and when I put the batteries in for him, that feature did not work. We entered the codes just as the directions stated and it never not once told us a fact about any of the 12 slides included. I am very upset, my son is upset and I regret buying this product. I will write to the company and ask for a replacement or that I get a full refund.

Buy GeoSafari Talking Microscope From Educational Insights

Commemorative Quarter Map From Educational Insights

Commemorative Quarter Map
From Educational Insights

Every year through 2008, the U.S. Mint will be releasing five specially designed commemorative state quarters in the order that the states joined the Union.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin collecting all 50 coins in this incredible map display. The open display board is a beautiful U.S. map measuring 26-inch wide by 16.5-inch tall, and each state has a pop-out where you will place the new coin when it is released. The back showcases the 50 state flags along with the year each quarter is to be released.

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 3001
• Released on: 2006-06-12
• Dimensions: .30" h x 12.90" w x 16.40" l, 1.50 pounds

Features

• Begin collecting all 50 coins in this incredible map display
• Display board is a beautiful U.S. map measuring 26-inch wide by 16.5-inch tall
• Each state has a pop-out where you will place the new coin when it is released
• The back showcases the 50 state flags along with the year each quarter is to be released
• Features sturdy construction and elegant artwork with gold foil stamping

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Every year through 2008, the U.S. Mint will be releasing five specially designed commemorative state quarters in the order that the states joined the Union. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin collecting all 50 coins in this incredible map display. The open display board is a beautiful U.S. map measuring 26-inch wide by 16.5-inch tall, and each state has a pop-out where you will place the new coin when it is released. The back showcases the 50 state flags along with the year each quarter is to be released. Features sturdy construction and elegant artwork with gold foil stamping.

Customer Reviews
Durable construction, educational
I love this quarter map that's actually a "map", so when I look at a state quarter I know where it is on the US map. It also has the state flags. Only problem is the state flags are on the backside, (there's also a fold in the middle), so if I mount it up as a picture the state flags won't be seen.

Quarter Map
Nice quarter map for quarter collection and educational purposes for kids. It's bigger than expected, but it folds in half. Quarters don't fall out of their designated slots.

6 six year old LOVES it!
This was a great purchase! It's fun for both my daughter and myself. It's a fun way for her to learn geography and learn a bit of state history. The fact it's a topographical map allows for the imagination to envision what each state may appear to look like. And seeing those quarters spread out on the map, and easily seeing what quarters we still need to find. Too bad it doesn't have slots for US territories that will have quarters of their own starting next year. But, that's my only con... which I don't think you'll find with ANY quarter map out there. Enjoy!

Buy Commemorative Quarter Map From Educational Insights

MicroPro 48 - piece Microscope Set From Educational Insights

MicroPro 48 - piece Microscope Set
From Educational Insights

Perfect for individual or classroom use, the glass eyepieces, power settings from 50x to 600x and built in light provide users with bright clear images. The 48-piece set includes prepared slides and everything needed to make your own slides. Ages 8+.

Features

• 50x, 100x, 150x, 300x, and 600x magnifications
• Perfect for individual or classroom use, the glass eyepieces and power settings from 50x to 600x provide users with superior precision viewing - The 48-piece kit has professionally prepared slides and everything users need to make their own specimen slides
• Not a toy, but a scientific instrument, the GeoVision MicroPro includes high - quality components and features that make it appropriate for science learning at any age
• The built - in light an drack - and - ponion focusing help deliver bright, clear images
• Includes glass lenses, die - cast metal body, and two eyepieces

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
With the GeoSafari MicroPro, young scientists can investigate everything from cells to crystals. Perfect for individual or classroom use, the glass eyepieces and power settings from 50x to 600x provide users with superior precision viewing. The built-in light and rack-and-pinion focusing help deliver bright, clear images. The 48-piece kit has professionally prepared slides and everything users need to make their own specimen slides. Not a toy, but a scientific instrument, the GeoVision MicroPro includes high-quality components and features that make it appropriate for science learning at any age. Requires 2 AA batteries for light (not included).

Customer Reviews
Great for budding little scientists!
My son (8) did have a little trouble learning to focus the slides at first, but quickly got the hang of it. We've only had it for a month or so, but the die cast metal body seems very durable. The light underneath is not great, it works much better for us on a table near a window or below an indoor light. We have not yet tried making our own slides, but he has had fun so far looking at the prepared slides. We bought "The World of the Microscope" with this and it has helped a lot to explain things and give him new ideas.

fun and easy, but with one problem
We bought this for our 6-year-old daughter, and she enjoys using it. It is simple enough that she can do it herself. However, within the first hour, the bulb burned out. We replaced it with the spare bulb that came in the box, and that one burned out less than a month later (and we do not use the microscope very much at all, she maybe turns it on a couple of times a week and never for very long). The slides that come with it are not very exciting, but we collected things from the yard to look at, and they showed up well.

Not overjoyed with the quality but...
Got this for my 8yo daughter and she has fun with it. In the product description it touts itself as having a die-cast body but in reality, it is mostly plastic and is a rather flimsy piece of equipment. The optics are "cloudy" at best and not very good. I have not experimented much with trying to improve the clarity however we have observed some things under low power with some success. The higher power settings are marginal because the light requirement goes up and the optics are just as bad as the low power setting. The tools are cheesy plastic with a "look of metal" to them. Still, my daughter likes it and that is what counts - she doesn't have anything to compare it to.

For the $35 I paid, I would expect a little bit better of a piece. Maybe I'm expecting too much in remembering the all metal one I had when I was a kid that I wish I still had now.

Buy MicroPro 48 - piece Microscope Set From Educational Insights

MathShark From Educational Insights

MathShark
From Educational Insights

Kids will want to practice their math on this portable skill-building ELA that turns math into a video game. MathShark quizzes eight different skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, AND works as a full-function calculator with the press of a button. Problems are displayed on the LCD screen either vertically or horizontally. Answers receive immediate feedback with colorful flashing lights and tones. Sets are timed, and the elapsed time plus a message appear at the end of each set.

As they see their time improve, kids are continually motivated to beat it, just like when they play a video game. The more they play, the more they learn. Requires two "AA" batteries (not included). Measures 10" x 6.1" x 3.9".

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 8490
• Dimensions: 9.81" h x 6.00" w x 3.87" l, .90 pounds

Features

• Electronic flash cards
• Quizzes eight different skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Works as a full - function calculator at the press of a button
• Answers receive immediate feedback, with colorful flashing lights and tones
• The more the kids play, the more they learn

Editorial Reviews
Editorial Review
Educational Insights brings a terrific idea to life in Math Shark, a combination skill-building tool and calculator. The shape, colors, flashing lights, and beeps--all reminiscent of a hand-held electronic game--will appeal to kids who may not otherwise be interested in practicing math. (Parents: the sound is unobtrusive, but can be turned off.) Math Shark offers eight different skill levels and seven skill groupings: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and percentages. After every question a red or green flashing light and a corresponding beep let you know whether or not you answered correctly. If you get one wrong, the right answer flashes, and the question keeps appearing, along with any others answered incorrectly, until you get it right. After each set an encouraging comment--"You did it!" or "Way to go!"--comes up on the screen. The sets are timed, and your score, based on how long it took to answer all the questions correctly, appears at the end. When practice is done for the day, Math Shark becomes a handy calculator. Requires two AA batteries, not included. --Rachel Radway

From the Manufacturer
Kids will want to practice their math on this portable skill-building ELA that turns math into a video game. Quizzes eight different skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, AND works as a full-function calculator at the press of a button. Problems are displayed on the LCD screen either vertically or horizontally. Answers receive immediate feedback, with colorful flashing lights and tones. Sets are timed, and the elapsed time PLUS a message appear at the end of each set. As they see their time improve, kids are continually motivated to beat it, just as they do a video game. The more they play, the more they learn. Two AA batteries required (not included).

Customer Reviews
LCD is too hard to read!
It is a great concept -- but the LCD is just too hard to read, even when the contrast is set to high.

Screen Needs a Backlight!!!!
Not sure why more reviewers didn't mention the fact that the numbers are very difficult to see on the screen. Regardless of the fact that you can adjust the contrast it was still frustrating and requires you to strain your eyes to see the math problems. We love all of the functions but are going to return this product and have already purchased the Math Whiz. It doesn't do all of the functions that the Shark does but it's a good start and you can actually see the math problems on the screen very well!

good educational game for car rides
I have this and 2 LeapFrog game things in a bag we take for car rides. I am just glad my 7 year old son plays with this at all, which he does. The only strange thing is they seem to be Purple now, not Yellow (which was kind of a surprise when I first got it), and the batteries go pretty fast, we use rechargeables anyway but it's another thing to keep up with. and it was a little bit overpriced in my opinion, but the pros outweighed the cons if you have a reluctant kid with math.

Buy MathShark From Educational Insights

Design and Drill Activity Center From Educational Insights

Design and Drill Activity Center
From Educational Insights

Children love using the Design & Drill Activity Center to create their own designs, or following the set's activity cards to make pictures and patterns, from trains and boats to flowers and fish. Just snap any one of the drill bits into the power drill or the screwdriver handle, grab a handful of big bolts, and turn on the learning fun. Twenty activity cards (10 make-a-picture cards, 9 follow-the-pattern cards, and one make-your-own card) provide young learners with tasks from simple to challenging. Requires 3 "AA" batteries (not included).

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 4112
• Released on: 2006-06-12
• Dimensions: 12.50" h x 11.80" w x 5.40" l, 5.20 pounds

Features

• Children love the Design and Drill Activity Center to create their own designs, or following the set's activity cards to make pictures and patterns
• Just snap any one of the drill bits into the power dreill or screwdriver handle, grab a handful of big bolts, and turn on the learning fun
• Set includes 20 activity cards, 120 big bolts, power drill with realistic sounds, 3 drill bits, wrench, and board
• Provide young learners with tasks from simple to challenging
• Ages 3 and up

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Children love using the Design and Drill Activity Center to create their own designs, or following the set's activity cards to make pictures and patterns, from trains and boats to flowers and fish. Just snap any one of the drill bits into the power drill or the screwdriver handle, grab a handful of big bolts, and turn on the learning fun. Twenty activity cards (10 make-a-picture cards, 9 follow-the-pattern cards, and 1 make-your-own card) provide young learners with tasks from simple to challenging. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

Customer Reviews
My boys love it!
My two and five-year-old boys love to play with this. My youngest just loves drilling in and out, but by oldest uses the pictures and makes designs. This toy is also very durable. This is a great toy for boys!

Awesome
This play set is wonderful! It is easy to use and entertaining for preschool to early school age children. While kids are having fun playing, they are improving their fine motor skills and patterning. They can be creative with their own designs or learn to follow one of the included pattern cards. The set includes 3 bits for use with the drill or screwdriver handle and 5 different colored large screws. The drill has forward, off, and reverse settings and makes drill sounds at a reasonable volume. Overall a great buy.

Buy Design and Drill Activity Center From Educational Insights

Wooden Sudoku Board Puzzle - A must have for the Sudoku fan

Wooden Sudoku Board Puzzle - A must have for the Sudoku fan
From Monkey Pod Games



A must have in every home and a great gift for every Sudoku fan. Solve any Sudoku puzzle without paper and pencil and constantly erasing by using this board with its included numbered pegs. (Doesn't include puzzles) Dimensions: 5.5" x 5.5"

Features

• Double-sided two color pegs.
• Used it to solve any Sudoku puzzle.
• No paper or pencil required.
• The pegs are stable enough to allow moving the board without dropping numbers.

Buy Wooden Sudoku Board Puzzle - A must have for the Sudoku fan

Leapfrog Fridge Words Magnetic Word Builder

Leapfrog Fridge Words Magnetic Word Builder
From LeapFrog


With LeapFrog's Word Whammer Fridge Phonics, you can create over 325 three-letter words with magnetic letters that sing and teach. These interactive, magnetic letters are based on the LeapFrog Talking Words Factory video. What's a Word Whammer' It's a machine that teaches kids letter names, letter sounds and how letter sounds blend together to make words. It features three modes of play. In Letter Hunt, children learn letter names and sounds through fun songs. With Word Builder, children explore letter combinations and create over 325 words. In Word Hunt, children can spell three-letter words, then replace letters to make rhyming words. Lights follow each letter during play to reinforce the learning. Includes letters A through Z, plus six additional letters (E, O, D, G, M and P), so kids can spell words like MOM and DAD. Letters and magnetic letter reader attach securely to the refrigerator. Volume control and 2 "AA" batteries (included).

Product Details

• Brand: LeapFrog
• Model: 20320
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 12.10" h x 11.20" w x 2.40" l, 2.25 pounds

Features

• Build over 325 words with magnetic letters that teach and sing!
• Includes letters A through Z, plus three additional letters so kids can spell words like MOM.
• Features three ways to play: Load a Letter, Word Builder and Word Hunt learning modes.
• Lights follow letters to reinforce the learning.
• Helps develop rhyming skills and teaches word building for three-letter words. Help reading skills rise and shine with this magnetic letter set!

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Learn to build over 325 words through three different levels of play including Load a Letter, Word Play and Word Building. Using the included 29 letters your child's reading skills can take flight. All pieces attach securely to any magnetic surface. -Includes 3 modes of play. Recommended age range 3+ years old

Customer Reviews
Only one complaint
This toy is very nice, what you would expect from LeapFrog. My only complaint is that when it's in the sounding out mode- the child can put in 3 letters and it sounds it out. This is great for learning letter sounds and putting them together. However, if it is a real word, first it says the word and then sounds the letters and the says the word one more time. I'd like my child to get a chance to try and put the sounds together, before it tells him the word.

Other than that it is very fun, and my 6 year old loves playing with it even more than my 4 year old.

Word Builder and Fridge Phonics (new version)
The Word Builder (with the jet shape) has only lower case letters and the new Fridge Phonics (yellow and blue with the star-like shape) has only upper case letters. You can use these upper and lower letters on both toys. I know cos I have both toys.

I don't know if the letters from the The Word Whammer and the old Fridge Phonics (with Tad the frog on it) would work with The Word Builder and the new Fridge Phonics though. I read that they don't.

The Word Builder is useful and fun only if your child can read a little or at least knows his letter sounds. I would suggest starting with Leapfrog Letter Factory DVD, with your 2 1/2 or 3 year old, and perhaps complementing his learning with the Fridge Phonics.

Once he knows his letter sounds, it is easier to teach him to blend letters. I strongly recommend The Reading Lesson: Teach your child to read in 20 Easy Lessons (cheapest on Amazon). The Word Builder would be a useful and fun supplement to your child's reading lessons.

My 4 year old son gets frustrated only because he can't make 4 or 5 letter words but he got over it when he realised he could form whatever words he wanted on the whiteboard using the magnetic letters, instead of in the toy itself.

The Word Builder includes 2 each of the letters, "d", "e" and "m" (so your child CAN spell dad and mom) as well. And if like me, you have both the Word Builder and the Fridge Phonics, your child can spell a lot more words.


Fun for kids, but not super educational
We got this for my eldest daughter hoping to help her learn her letters and letter sounds. I must say that I'm extremely disappointed in the phonics portion of it (I am a teacher as it happens). It only gives one possible sound when often a letter makes two or more sounds. Additionally, the sounds it claims the letters make are inaccurate and difficult to discern. It consistently adds some type of vowel sound to the ends of consonants. For example, it says that the letter m says "muh" when it should say that the letter m says "mmm." So if you are looking for a toy that will teach your child phonics accurately, this is not that toy. Also, the thing chews through batteries like no one's business. My daughter does love sticking letters on it though and listening to the songs, so for entertainment value I give it a slightly better rating. And in case you were wondering, it will not say anything remotely like a cuss word (not that I tried or anything...).

Buy Leapfrog Fridge Words Magnetic Word Builder

Goofball Rally From Educational Insights

Goofball Rally
From Educational Insights

Product Description
Match colors and have wacky fun at the same time. Players launch "goofballs," one color at a time, down twisty race tracks. The object: Get all the goofballs to the finish line in the correct order. Great for reinforcing color recognition and promoting hand-eye coordination. Educational Insights. Ages: 5+

Product Details

• Brand: Educational Insights
• Model: 2905
• Released on: 2008-02-04
• Dimensions: 19.50" h x 2.50" w x 13.50" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• The race is on
• The first player to race all ten goofballs across the finish line, and match the card, wins the race
• It includes goofball stadium game board, ten race cards, and twenty goofball racers in ten bright colors No batteries required
• It is for two players
• It is easy to learn, easy to play and fun for the whole family

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer It's time for Goofball Rally, the fast-paced, color-matching marble race. Place your goofballs on the starting line and get ready to go. On your mark, get set¿roll. Launch your goofballs one by one down the winding race tracks. When all of your goofballs have crossed the finish line, hit the red button. The first player to score 20 points is the Goofball Rally Champ. Includes goofball stadium game board, 10 race cards, and 20 goofball racers (in 10 bright colors). For 2 players

Buy Goofball Rally
From Educational Insights

200-in-One Electronics Lab

200-in-One Electronics Lab
From Elenco Electronics Inc

For 30 years, Ramsey has provided educational hobby kits giving thousands and thousands of kids their start in electronics. Weve searched and searched for an Electronics Lab specifically designed to teach the youngest experimenter the fun and excitement of electronics. The PL200 does just that! Learn the basics and theory of electronics the fun way, while building 200+ projects that you actually see working when youre done! The detailed 162 page instruction manual covers the hows and whys of every circuit, theory, parts identification, and description. Weve looked at a lot of these kits, and have turned them down because of the documentation. This one is a winner! Detailed content within the owners manual includes: -Entertainment Circuits (sounds) -Basic Semiconductor and Components Circuits -LED Digital Display Circuits -Digital Circuits -Transistor-Transistor Logic -Application Circuits Based On the Oscillator -Basic Operational Amplifier Circuits -Communication Circuits -Testing and Measuring Circuits Owners manual provides simple, clearly-written instructions which help you operate and experiment with each project. Schematics/ diagrams accompany the later projects. For Children 10 and Older. Six Double A Batteries Required, Not Included. All components for the projects are included.

Product Details

• Brand: Maxitronix
• Model: 179
• Dimensions: 3.30" h x 10.70" w x 16.80" l, 3.81 pounds

Features

• Start a great hobby in electronics!
• No prior knowledge of electronics needed!
• Solderless connections for safe assembly
• Build 200 different circuits, and see them work!
• Includes a comprehensive instruction and theory manual written for the youngest novice to understand

Customer Reviews
GRANDSON AGE 15 OUTSTANDING PROJECT FOR HIM AND GRANDPA.

PRICE OK, STUDYBOOK OUTSTANDING, VERY EDCTIONAL FOR BOY AGE 15,PROJECTS VERY GOOD, NEED ALSO A SOLDERING KIT AND A TUBE TYPE RADIO WITH A 120 POWER SUPPLY. OTHERWISE A 5 STAR KIT. THANK YOU FOR STOCKING. GRANDPA TOM GRIFFIS.

Buy 200-in-One Electronics Lab
From Elenco Electronics Inc

Power Tech Super Chem 120

Power Tech Super Chem 120 From Elenco Electronics Inc

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco
• Model: EDU-8355
• Released on: 2007-07-10

Features

• Make a gas cannon and invisible ink
• Create a cola volvano and chocolate lava
• Another great science kit from Elenco, the Snap Circuit company

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer

Power Tech Super Chem-120 offers 120 fun chemistry activities and experiments. Make 3-D soap bubble sculptures and learn about surface tension. Make Monster Dough, grow crystals, and create and use invisible ink. Make your own shaped soaps,, a volcano, and chemistry propelled boat. Observe the way plants react to chemicals and light. A full-color easy to use manual is included.

Buy Power Tech Super Chem 120 From Elenco Electronics Inc

Tree of Knowledge Solar Power Science Kit

Tree of Knowledge Solar Power Science Kit
From Elenco Electronics Inc

150 Challenging Experiments. Convert solar energy. Build a solar electric generator, motor, water heater, furnace, thermometer, crane and solar energy mobiles. Unique experiments with colour optics, electroplating, stroboscopes, thermodynamics and Moire patterns.

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco
• Model: EDU-8405
• Released on: 2006-06-12

Features

• Comes with 150 challenging experiments
• Convert solar energy
• Build a solar electric generator, motor, water heater, furnace, thermometer, crane and solar energy mobiles
• Perform unique experiments with color optics, electroplating, stroboscopes, thermodynamics and Moiré patterns
• For ages 10 and above

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer

150 Challenging Experiments. Convert solar energy. Build a solar electric generator, motor, water heater, furnace, thermometer, crane and solar energy mobiles. Unique experiments with colour optics, electroplating, stroboscopes, thermodynamics and Moire patterns.

Buy Tree of Knowledge Solar Power Science Kit

iBOTZ TriBotz Kit From Elenco Electronics Inc

iBOTZ TriBotz Kit
From Elenco Electronics Inc


It's Tribotz!A robot is always a big hit. But three times the robot! . . . Well, you are in for some unprecedented fun! You'll revel in all Tribotz's capabilities: Sound Operating Mode: Moves toward you, then backs up and chooses a new route when you make noise Avoider Mode: Changes direction to avoid obstacles Line Tracer Mode: Follows a black line drawn by a felt tip pen You'll feel like a true engineer when you put it together. A hands-on experience with sensors, electronic circuit boards, motors, mechanical gears and shafts that will in-the-end leave your mind replete with knowledge of sensor technology. Think you've outgrown toys? Think again. Tribotz brings back the excitement of play. Offering a creative element for recreation and prompting covert missions by junior special agents--they'll be waiting in line to play with this one--guaranteed. Whether you are 8 or 108, you'll take pride and pleasure in building and directing the course of Tribotz. Learn the fundamentals for sensor technology in a format that is exciting for adults and children alike! Tools Needed: Cutting Pliers, Small Hammer, Long Nose Pliers, Small Phillips Screwdriver (No soldering required) Movement: 2 Wheels Driven by 2 DC Motors Control: Sound Sensor Including Condenser Microphone, Infrared Light Sources, and Light Detectors Power Source: 1 9V and 2 AA batteries (Required) Dimensions: Height: 4.4 inches, Length: 5.8 inches, Width: 6 inches Detailed Instructions Included Educational Background Information Provided for Each Component Ages 8+

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco
• Model: MR1005
• Dimensions: 5.50" h x 7.00" w x 15.00" l, 1.39 pounds

Features

• Tribotz can operate in 3 different modes
• The Tribotz is three robots in one
• Maximum current is 120mA (while operating motor)
• Power Voltage: DC 3V
• Length: 5.8 inches (requires assembly)

Customer Reviews
Great entry level robotics kit. I bought this for my 15 year old nephew for Christmas. He built it in a couple of hours with some help. It took a bit of troubleshooting since he (we) ignored the errata sheet at first. Well, that's part of the fun. He went on to experiment with it. It comes with full schematics and theory of operation for someone to learn beyond the simple assembly and emperical experimentation.

Buy iBOTZ TriBotz Kit From Elenco Electronics Inc

75-in-One Project Lab

75-in-One Project Lab
From Elenco Electronics Inc

With these all-in-one labs, you'll learn about electronic parts, how to read schematics, and wiring diagrams. Ages 10 and up.

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco Electronics
• Model: 174
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 4.50" h x 15.00" w x 19.00" l, 8.75 pounds

Features

• Learn the basic principles of electricity/electronics, physics and magnetism
• 75 different experiments you can build
• Projects include burglar alarm, light dimmer, touch switch and much more
• Build an electronic project, Identify electronic parts, Read schematic diagrams, Learn how the elect
• Projects you can build are Resistors in series and Parallel, Switching Circuit, Comparator, and MANY

Customer Reviews
GREAT FOR LEARNING THE BASICS OF ELECTRICITY/ELECTRONICS!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR KIDS

I bought the 75-in-One Project Lab for my 11 yr. old boy for Christmas. He could not wait to sit down with me and start learning how to build the electronic projects. When we did sit down and start learning about the kit, his interest grew even more and he really enjoys building the projects. This is an excellent tool for teaching the basics of Electricity/Electronics. I would recommend that parents start out by making sure to have your child read the book from the beginning and make sure that he/she understands the basics before starting on the projects.

Fun and varied, but lacking in educational quality

The 75 projects in this lab are interesting and many customers will enjoy putting them together. It is a worthwhile item for use as a toy, but don't expect a novice to gain any relatively deep understanding of circuitry.

The projects are delivered in "cookbook" fashion, i.e. this-connects-to-that-connects-to-the-other. Reasons for why a circuit should be set up this way are minimal. Sometimes it will say something like "the transistor and capacitor provide the signal, while the other capacitor and resistor control the frequency." Why we should use one capacitor over another is not addressed.

The manual also attempts to teach the reader how to read the schematics, but this instruction is also lacking.

Overall, though, this is an enjoyable kit, and worth the price in terms of how much there is to do. Someone looking for something more educational, though, might look elsewhere.

sparks the imagination

This thing is fantastic. It has 75 possible experiments that can be done without help if you stay within the age group recommended. Kids can use the included wires to make bells, buzzers, lights, sirens, and more. It's all about following the diagram and connecting the included wires to the terminals. That's all there is too it. It travels well too for hours and I mean hours of fun in the car. The parts are all connected to the board so there's nothing to fall out. You can buy extra wire anywhere. This "toy" is a great value.

Buy 75-in-One Project Lab From Elenco Electronics Inc

Elenco MX-908 300-in-1 Electronic Project Lab

Elenco MX-908 300-in-1 Electronic Project Lab
From Elenco Electronics Inc


NO TOOLS OR SOLDERING REQUIRED!These "Electronic Science Labs" will teach you about electronics from A to Z. With these all-in-one labs, you'll learn about electronic parts, how to read schematics, and wiring diagrams. All this while building up to 500 different projects. These kits use two quick and easy hook-up methods:Spring Method: Simply slip pre-cut wires and components into special springs for a safe, secure connection.Breadboard Method: Featured in our advanced kits, this system is used by professionals and engineers. Just plug the components and wires into the special breadboard socket holes.No soldering is required. Everything uses safe battery power - no dangerous AC is required, so it's safe for all ages. Labs come with all components and wires needed to build each project. NO TOOLS ARE REQUIRED. No prior knowledge is needed to assemble and build these exciting projects. Easy-to-read, illustrated, lab-style manuals take you through each electronic experiment step-by-step. All are designed for ages 10 & up, so these are ideal for MIDDLE SCHOOLS and HIGH SCHOOLS.Everything you need to build 300 Exciting Electronic Projects: Transistor Radio IC Organ Burglar Alarm Delayed Timer Electronic Game Optical Volume Multiplier Multiple Counter Digital Light Dimmer Tone Burst Generator Audio Signal Tracer Electronic Candle Voice Level Meter Metal Detector Rain Detector Voltage Drop Alarm Logic Checker Function Generator Voltage Controlled Amplifier Requires 6 "AA" batteries.

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco

Features

• Transistor Radio
• IC Organ
• Burglar Alarm
• Delayed Timer
• Electronic Game

Customer Reviews
Great all round

This product was being sold at my school for 70.00 more than I paid for it on Amazon. I received it within 7 days and it was in perfect condition.

Buy Elenco MX-908 300-in-1 Electronic Project Lab

Snap Circuits Musical Recorder

Snap Circuits Musical Recorder
From Elenco Electronics Inc

The newest "Recording Artist"! Exciting play and a dose of electronics fun. Record up to eight seconds and play the musical recorder back to hear your voice followed by music! Play the tunes and sing along! A perfect harmony of electronics education and fun. Build your own working musical recorder. This fun & educational Snap Circuits Kit uses electronic blocks that snap onto a clear plastic base grid to build different circuits. The blocks have different colors and numbers making it easy to identify and put your snap circuits together with ease. 4 Easy To Build And Fun To Play With Variations: Musical Recorder Eraser Playing Music Loudness Control Parts Included: Base Grid 12 Snap Wires Diode Battery Holder NPN Transistor Slide Switch Press Switch Speaker Recording IC Microphone Requires 3 AA Batteries (Not Included) Ages 8-108

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco
• Model: SCP-01
• Released on: 2006-06-12
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

• Records music or sound and Plays after recording.
• Parts snap together-no soldering
• Clear and concise Illustrated Manual Included and Available Online.
• Easy to build using Easy to follow directions.

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer

Elenco's Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun! Just follow the colorful pictures in our manual and build exciting projects such as AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and much more! You can even play electronic games with your friends. All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. Enjoy hours of educational fun while learning about electronics. No tools required. Uses "AA" batteries. Not included.

Customer Reviews
Great for the budding engineer

My son has the original snap circuit unit. He bought this as an add-on. It is really educational and so fun. He can record any sound from his voice to our cats meow. He finds it really hilarious. When friends come over they want to make up new combinations too. My son is 10 and I can see him playing with this for years! BUY IT!

Buy Snap Circuits Musical Recorder

Snap Circuits Fyling Saucer

Snap Circuits Fyling Saucer
From Elenco Electronics Inc

Curious young minds can learn the basics of electronics as they build a flying saucer, plus four other exciting projects. Engineer a flying saucer; then press and release the switch and watch the saucer rise into the air! Easy to build and fun to use. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, not included. Saucer measures approximately 6" diameter.

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco
• Model: SCP-06
• Released on: 2006-06-12
• Dimensions: 8.00" h x 6.10" w x 2.60" l, .50 pounds

Features

• Saucer rises into the air
• Parts snap together-no soldering
• Clear and concise Illustrated Manual Included and Available Online.
• Easy to build using Easy to follow directions.

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer

Elenco's Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun! Just follow the colorful pictures in our manual and build exciting projects such as AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and much more! You can even play electronic games with your friends. All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. Enjoy hours of educational fun while learning about electronics. No tools required. Uses "AA" batteries. Not included.

Customer Reviews
Happy kids!

I bought this for my 8 year old nephew and he LOVED it! I have since added other Snap Circuit kits to his collection, and these are things he uses over and over. He and his Dad have used them with their Scout troop, big hit there as well. I was so impressed that I added the Snap Circuit line as a suggestion for toys on a Christmas list for a charity I work with, and many members of the group purchased them for an orphanage in Africa where there are many older kids. They were delivered at Christmas and our representatives showed the workers how to use them. I was thrilled recently to receive a video of the kids (and the adult workers there!) just having a ball with them! The huge smiles, laughter and eyes wide with wonder were amazing to watch! One of their favorites is the Snap Circuits Musical Recorder, they received several, and the kids fight over this one! They provide a very unique learning experience for the kids there who otherwise would not have a chance to see how these kinds of things work. Very, very highly recommended!

Buy Snap Circuits Fyling Saucer From Elenco Electronics Inc

Elenco Solar Deluxe Educational Kit

Elenco Solar Deluxe Educational Kit
From Elenco Electronics Inc

Children can do a series of do-it-yourself experiments to acquire the basic knowledge of solar energy with this kit. They will learn how to make an electrical circuit, make a solar circuit, how to increase voltage and current, and how to use solar power to produce energy for a radio, calculator, battery charger, a cassette player and more!

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco
• Model: SK-40
• Released on: 2007-07-10
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 9.50" w x 10.00" l, .90 pounds

Features

• 5VDC solar cells pre-wired in sets of 3 and mounted in a 5" x 4" x 7/16" black-plastic frames
• 5 volt DC motor with leads and a mount, a fan blade and (4) plastic discs from 5/8" dia to 2" dia for mounting on the motor shaft, a 1 5V incandescent bulb with leads, a sound module with leads, and graphic cards to mount on the discs
• Another great science kit from Elenco, the Snap Circuit company

Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer

Elenco's Solar Delux Education kit introduces users to a series of do-it-yourself experiments to acquire the basic knowledge of solar energy. They will learn how to make an electrical circuit, make a solar circuit, how to increase voltage and current, and how to use solar power to produce energy for a radio, calculator, battery charger, a cassette player and more! Comes with a 14-page instruction/experiment booklet, including info on increasing voltage and amperage, powering battery charges, radios, games, etc. Lots of science project potential.

Buy Elenco Solar Deluxe Educational Kit

Electronic Playground 50-in-one From Elenco

Electronic Playground 50-in-one
From Elenco

Begin Electronics! Cool kit to introduce the beginner (age 10+) to the fabulous world of electronics. You will learn the basics of putting together circuits through over 50 projects building actual devices like an alarm, a radio, a metal detector and much more. The simple but complete instructions explain voltage, current resistance etc. The kit is a giant "breadboard" and wires that can be connected to form the circuits as explained in the instructions and all without soldering!

Product Details

• Brand: Elenco
• Model: EP-50
• Released on: 2006-06-12
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 10.00" h x 3.00" w x 12.00" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

• Build over 50 Electronic projects including finger touch lamp, metal detector, transistor radio, alarm
• Learn about voltage, current, resistors, capacitors and much more
• Uses spring hook-up method
• Requires 1 "9V" battery

Editorial Reviews

Editorial Review

The Electronic Playground & Learning Center is a great way to introduce kids to the world of electronics. Easy-to-build circuits teach the operation of over 50 electronic circuits, without requiring the use of any tools or soldering. Learn about the use of voltage, currents, resistance, resistors, capacitors, and about many other electronic principles and components. The Electronic Playground & Learning Center is easy to understand and comes fully assembled with all electronic parts and step-by-step instructions. It requires one 9-volt battery (not included). --Chris Livesay

From the Manufacturer

A Great introduction to the Field of Electronics. Learn about Voltage, Capacitors, Transistors and the terms and procedures to use them. Understand resistor color coding, and follow precise diagrams to complete all 51 experiments included in the comprehensive User's Manual.

Customer Reviews
Great kit ... Well Done... Very Educational

The Electronic Playground reminds me very much of the type of electronics kit I had when I was young. I bought this for my son who is 6. While the instructions and details were a little above his head the kit was not. The projects are very straight forward and the the wiring guides are as easy as "connect the dots" (really!). My only minor complaint is that the frame is a bit flimsier (paper and plastic)then I would like.

My son and I did two projects in about 2 hours (two of the smaller ones) and I was able to use the kit to make some customizations (leverage the variable resistor add a light to the electronic buzzer etc.) and show him how circuits/components can be expanded and improved.

But beyond the ease of use the instruction booklet is really quite an excellent resource on basic electronics. For an older child the kit could/should provide a pretty good grounding (pardon the pun). The combination of straight forward instructions (so you get get things to work) and well written explanations (so you know why they work) is great.

I really can't wait to do more projects with my son or ....maybe I'll just borrow it at night and do them myself.

The perfect way to start learning electronics!

This IS the best educational toy I have ever seen! With all the bells and whistles you could possibly want, it's the perfect way to start your kid learning electronics. I would suggest being at least 11 years old though because the going can get a little tough for younger kids after the 10th of 50 experiments! The only problem is you might not want to put it on something unstable because it is a little delicate. Otherwise enjoy a nice gift for someone just starting electronics!

Buy Electronic Playground 50-in-one From Elenco