Children Educational Toys » 8 yrs to 11 yrs

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0

ToyLover — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:12:54 +0000

Take LEGO to the next level with MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system with a microcomputer brick and intuitive programming software, this building kit enables you to construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. Designed for ages 10 and up, the 2.0 robotics tool set features everything you need to create and program your first robot in approximately one hour. After that, you can create an endless lineup of robots that do what you want--if you can dream it, you can build it. MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Ages: 10 and up Pieces: 619 Requires: 6 "AA"/LR6 batteries (not included) What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Brings LEGO to life. The Challenging: Booklet only includes instructions for one basic robot. In a Nutshell: Everything you need to build and program robots -- jump starts inventive play. With MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0, you can construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. View larger. Use the included software to program your robot and watch it come to life. View larger. Build, Program, Go Creating a MINDSTORMS robot is challenging -- but not too difficult -- with an illustrated step-by-step booklet and software showing the way. The booklet gives you instructions for building a basic "Quick Start" robot only, which is an easy introduction to the MINDSTORMS experience. This robot took our two adult testers about 30 minutes to build and 30 minutes to program. After that, they spent a lot of time just playing with their creation and testing its abilities. Once you master the basics of MINDSTORMS, you'll need to use the included software to get instructions for more advanced creations. You can also use the MINDSTORMS web site to find instructions for many other robots, or you can create robots on your own. No matter what you choose to create, the principles are the same: just build the robot using the LEGO elements in the kit, and program it on your computer using the software. Then watch your robot come alive. NXT Technology Brings LEGO to Life MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 features the latest in robotic technology: an advanced programmable microcontroller, Interactive Servo Motors, smart sensors, icon-based drag-and-drop programming software, interactive challenges, and wireless Blue tooth and USB connections -- all the smart technologies you need to create your custom robot. First, the brain of the MINDSTORMS robot is NXT, an intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO brick that features a 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, input and output ports, and a speaker. Second, three Interactive Servo Motors give you precise control over the robot and ensure that the robot moves with precision -- the built-in rotation sensor can measure one-degree steps. Third, there are four robotic sensors. The first is the Ultrasonic Sensor, one of two sensors that gives your robot vision. You can use it to make your robot avoid obstacles, sense and measure distance, and detect movement. And fourth of all, two Touch Sensors give your robot a sense of touch. They detect when they are being pressed or released, and you can use them to make your robot pick up things or act on command. For example, by pressing a Touch Sensor you can make your robot walk, talk, close a door, or turn off your TV. There's also a Color Sensor that functions three ways: it distinguishes colors -- black and white, as well as a range of bright and pastel colors -- it distinguishes light settings, and it can be used as a color lamp. And finally, the MINDSTORMS Software lets you program your robot. Use the software to create a program, and then download the program to the NXT by using the USB cable or the wireless Blue tooth connection. Mac- and PC-compatible drag-and-drop software gives you 16 building and programming challenges, from beginner to expert. Overall, this set scores an excellent rating for its clever design elements. Our testers enjoyed the way the set brought a new level of interaction to their LEGO experience, and appreciated how easy it was to create their first robot. They also loved the way this set encourages inventive play -- all the cool hardware that makes up the set can be used to build any robot you dream up. Finally, our testers liked how this set offers a great balance of learning and fun, and encourages interest in science, computers, and engineering. Microsoft Windows Requirements Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 or newer Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended) Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or newer Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 1 GHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended) CD-ROM drive Apple Macintosh Requirements Apple MacOS X v10.4 or v10.5 PowerPC G3, G4, G5 processor, 600 MHz minimum Intel processor (1.3 GHz or better recommended) DVD drive General System Requirements 512MB of RAM minimum 700MB of available hard-disk space XGA display (1024x768) 1 available USB port Compatible Blue tooth adapter (optional) What's in the Box NXT programmable LEGO Brick, Ultrasonic Sensor, Color Sensor, two Touch Sensors, three Interactive Servo Motors, USB cable, 7x6-wire cables, building instructions for four robots, user guide, software, test pad, and 619 LEGO pieces.

Lego Make & Create Designer Prehistoric Creatures (4507)

ToyLover — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:26:13 +0000


Return to the world of the dinosaurs. Create a mighty T-Rex with moveable jaw, head and tail. Then take him apart and build your own incredible world of dinosaurs. Includes 10 instructions and inspiration for 26 models. Includes 719 LEGO pieces.

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Wild Planet Hyper Dash [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

ToyLover — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:17:11 +0000

Wild Planet and Amazon.com have teamed up to offer this item in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging, a recyclable, easy-to-open alternative to traditional packaging. A Frustration-Free Package comes without excess packaging materials such as hard plastic clamshell casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. Itâ��s designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging during shipping.

LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

Rubik’s Professor Cube 5×5

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:29:50 +0000


Everybody loves the standard 3x3 Rubik's Cube, but see what kind of brain-teasing fun you can have with this oversized 5x5 cube. This is a must-have for the true Rubik's aficionado. Includes one 5x5 cube.

Rubik’s Twist

Rubik’s Twist

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:04:16 +0000


A twisting puzzle challenge that takes the form of thousands of shapes. Solve one shape and move onto another - or devise your own creation to defy your friends. Rubik's Twist - it'll charm you!

Rubik’s Professor Cube 5×5

Educational History Puzzle with Booklet

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:49:13 +0000


A 500 piece puzzle is ideal to educate your child in fun and amusing way. The puzzle can be constructed by using the images or by reading the booklet and finding the pieces to the history.

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EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:28:24 +0000

Enjoy the thrill of real night vision technology with EyeClops Night Vision stealth goggles! These super stealth goggles allow kids ages eight and older to see in absolute darkness using infrared illumination so they can explore the dark landscape around them. These fun goggles are the perfect companion for slumber party sleep-overs or camp-outs. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td.think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td.glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } Red LEDs can be turned on or off for maximum surveillance or for stealth. View larger. Soft rubber ensures a secure and comfortable fit. View larger. What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Experience the thrill of real night vision technology. The Bad: The display screen will leave you wanting more. In a Nutshell: A fun and entertaining toy that will keep older kids entertained for hours. At a Glance Ages: 8 and up Requires: 5 AAA batteries Darkness Is Your Ally... With the EyeClops Night Vision goggles, your child can explore dark environments with advanced infrared technology. Set-up is easy. Simply insert five AA batteries into the battery pack at the back of the head-set, and slide the power switch to turn on the goggles. Once the screen display lights up inside of the right eye-piece, you can fit the goggles to your child's head by adjusting the soft rubber straps around top and sides. EyeClops Night Vision goggles come equipped with a hinged, flip-up eye-piece that can be opened when the goggles are turned off, or closed when the goggles are in use. Your child can choose between the maximum surveillance mode which emits a barely-visible ring of red LEDs around the eyepiece so they can see up to 50 feet in absolute darkness, or go for the stealth mode to remain completely invisible while they explore the dark landscape immediately around them. A small switch on the side of the goggle head-set allows them to switch from a black-and-white to a green screen display. Enhance Your Nighttime Stealth Operations The futuristic design of the durable plastic head-piece adds to the fun of these exciting night vision goggles. Soft rubber molding around the goggles and adjustable straps across the top and sides makes them comfortable and easy to wear. While the EyeClops Night Vision goggles provide a crisp, clear image of dark landscapes, they should always be used under adult supervision. Because the display screen is small and provides limited peripheral vision, these goggles should only be used in environments that are free of potential tripping hazards. As a nice safety feature, the goggles' handy flip-up eye-piece over the left eye provides immediate access to normal vision if your child becomes disoriented or needs to take a break from viewing through the small display screen located in the right eye-piece. Durable and lightweight, these fun goggles work so well that you might just find yourself borrowing them from your child so you can have your turn enjoying some super stealth, covert nighttime missions of you own! What's in the Box EyeClops headpiece with goggles, battery pack and adjustable straps.

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Live Butterfly Garden

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:16:26 +0000

Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with this reusable, collapsible habitat. Fine, transparent mesh lets you see butterfly metamorphosis up close. Product includes easy-to-use feeder and complete instructions for habitat. Butterfly larvae with food shipped directly to your home. The habitat collapses for storage when not in use. You can adopt and raise a handful of caterpillars, watch them transform into painted lady butterflies, then lift the garden cover to release your beautiful specimens into the wild. This exciting habitat makes a fabulous introduction to the miracles of nature. The larvae and food available round the year.

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My First Lab Duo-Scope

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:05:50 +0000

My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscopes uses are unlimited with dual lights. It has the flexibility to view both slides and solid items. View slides with the light shining up from below and view solid objects with the light shining down on the specimen. It is fun and educational for scientists of all ages. It includes over 50 pieces of accessories for hours of scientific research. It requires 3 AA batteries, which are not included. It contains glass and sharp instruments. Also it includes: vinyl dust cover, five plain slides, one concavity slide, four prepared slides, cover glass, plastic dropper, two bottles of stain, slide labels, lens paper, forceps, scalpel, plastic test tube, plastic Petri dish, straight teasing needle, and instruction manual and helpful hints. It features: 10X eyepiece; 4X, 10X, 40X objectives, 40X, 100X, 400X Magnification, real optical glass lenses, dual focusing knobs, two LED lights, and six hole disc diaphragms

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Snap Circuits SC-300

ToyLover — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:20:30 +0000

Electronic Snap Circuits by Elenco is an award-winning toy for budding engineers eight years old and above. The SC-300 model includes over 60 parts for creating more than 300 exciting projects. With lights, sounds, motors, and more, you'll not only enjoy creating beeping games, but also learn about basic electronics as well! .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td.think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td.glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } Making a simple flying UFO took only a few minutes. View larger. Create your own complex inventions using parts such as the fan motor, alarm speaker, and over 60 other pieces. View larger. What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Makes learning about electronics fun. The Bad: Physics principles can be difficult to understand. In a Nutshell: Interactive, hands-on way of playing with electronics that is fun and educational. At a Glance Ages: 8 and older Requires: 4 AA batteries Real Electronic Parts Electronic Snap Circuits includes real circuit components just like the circuit boards inside radios, televisions, computers, and other electronic devices. This set makes it easy for anyone to create simple electronic circuits and devices. To operate, you simply snap the electronic elements onto a plastic grid, and then connect them together with wire pieces that snap easily into place. The SC-300 lets you build electronic devices such as a whistle chip, speaker, alarm circuit, LED, lamp socket, fan motor, and a speaker. Additional pieces can be purchased separately, or in different models, and they can all be used together to create larger and more elaborate projects. Making Electronics Fun and Easy The included instruction manual offers 305 projects ranging from a simple light switch to a noise-activated burglar alarm. We found the color-coded instruction manual clear and easy to understand, and we had no problems creating any of the projects we tried. The projects are organized by levels of difficulty, and each project teaches an objective such as "To show how electricity can only pass in one direction through an LED." We definitely experienced a sense of satisfaction as we completed each project, and we definitely learned about electronics concepts. The manufacturer recommends the set for ages 8-108; younger engineers should be able to easily follow the diagrams for each project, but will probably require their parents to help explain how everything works. So a word of warning to parents: Brush up on your high school physics! Although the instruction offers some good information, we found that we still needed to brush up on the physics we learned years ago so we could understand concepts such as the difference between a circuit in parallel and in series. Unique Learning Experience Creating a flying UFO from "scratch" with rudimentary electronic pieces was highly satisfying to us, and we think Electronic Snap Circuits may well help young students gain and foster an appreciation for, and interest in, how electronics work and are built. For students who are already learning about electronics in school, this set creates a hands-on experience that makes for more fun than reading about how these things work in a textbook. So don't be surprised if report cards come back with higher grades after playing with this toy. Parent-Child Bonding Experience The Elenco Electronic Snap Circuits would make a great parent-child bonding experience that is both educational and fun. As you work through each project with your child, don't be surprised when you, too, are learning something new and interesting. And after you've completed all the projects, you can create your own! The combinations are limitless! What's in the Box Plastic "circuit board," over 60 pieces including wire, resistors, speaker, battery holder, motor fan, red led, and lamp module.

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