If you have a child interested in the human body and how it works, this is a must have kit. We love the  information about all the systems of the body in the book, as well as the model of the human body that comes with the set.  The skelton also has body parts for hands on exploration. Remember the first time someone told you how long your intensines are?  Could you visual it?  Here you get to see it!  Unlike so many science kits and books directed to kids, the folks at Smart Lab hit the balance of information just right!  It's this kind of science toy that makes us so happy-- it really celebrates science and encourages kids to learn more. They also have more specific kit and book on the Squishy Brain and a fun Extreme Secret Formula Lab for 20 science experiments to try at home.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Spiders continue to be "hot" in toyland. Last year we had remote controlled spiders that would spin on the wall. This year, the remote control is old school. The spiders in this new collection from Uncle Milton are voice activated. With a click your fingers or saying something loudly, the spider will take off! Very cool if you're into creepy crawler fun. 

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Here kids are getting an introduction to reflective properties of light and how different materials affect what we see. The set requires kids to follow step by step instructions for putting the kaleidoscope together. Comes with lots of materials to put in the end piece, but you can also encourage your child to experiment with things from around the house (small buttons, Cheerios, etc.).  Kit says 5 & up--and while a 5 year old will love playing with this toy, they will need your assistance to put it together.   We'd say  more like 8 & up for independent play.  The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements.   We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Here's a chance to break open geodes (that are formed by prehistoric bubbles in lava). The kit comes with 15 geodes from 3 different mines so there will be a difference in the crystals that have formed that can include: quartz, fluorite, calcite and amethyst. The kit includes a pair of safety glasses (a must!). We also like their suggestion that you can put the geode in a sock- a much safer way to go with younger kids.  It does not come with a hammer or chisel (the two recommended tools for breaking them open).

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2011.

Comes with a black (UV) light that enables you to see the fluorescent quality in the six rocks included in the kit. Also includes a booklet for other experiments to try with the black light.  We recommend then taking your kids outside to see what kind of rocks they can find and then start a journal.  School-aged kids love collecting and it's a great way to encourage your kids to do a little reading and research. This is one of those kits that can inspire a long term hobby.  There are also quarries in parts of the country where you can go "dig" for your own fluorescent rocks!  

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2011.

This unusual lantern needs no batteries. Take it along on your next camping trip. It has a built-in self-generator that is powered with a crank that you turn. It also has a built-in compass and alarm whistle for emergencies. Pricey, but useful.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

One of a series of books designed to encourage kids to write or dictate original stories. There are forest related stickers in this one, blank spaces for original art and lines for writing the story on. They say 3 & up - we'd say more like 5-8.There are also matching games and story telling cards in this Mystery in the Forest line that use the same overall theme that can help expand children's vocabulary and recognition of forest creatures.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

A well-designed bug viewer that allows kids to see bugs from top or side. It can be used for viewing tadpoles or small fish, as well, for a short time, since it is water tight. Designed to be escape proof, it is still suggested that kids keep their creatures just for a short time and then, let them go. 4 & up.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Nothing like going on a backyard safari dressed for the job at hand. Tuck your gear into the many pockets, clip more gear onto the Six-D rings. Kids can zip their binoculars into the big pocket and there's a chest pocket for field guides and maps. The back of the vest has more mesh pockets and adjustable straps that makes this a one size fits all piece of gear.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

An interesting introduction to the art of 'moving pictures.'  It comes with a hand-powered spinning top with 18 disks that have images on them. Spin the top and then point the LightPhaser (a strob like light) at the images and they become an animated movie. Images of runners, animals leaping, cats , bugs, faces and others come to life. The hand held light only works when it is targeted at the disk, not a child's eyes. There are 18 disks and you can purchase an extra pack of images with another 18 disks. Kids can color in some of the black and white drawings or they might also be inspired to create their own drawings to make original animations. 6 & up.  The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.