What kid hasn't dreamed of traveling through space to visitfaraway planets? Round up your wannabe astronaut friends and createouter space adventures all your own. The white helmet-style hood hassilver trim and is emblazoned with the American flag and the NASAinsignia; it also features a built-in "microphone." Dress-up is a greatway to stimulate imagination and creativity through role-play. So letyour imagination "blast off" anytime the mood strikes. --AlisonGolder ... Read more

Asin: B000034DKX
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Pretend Play    3. Occupations    4. Space    5. Costumes    6. Fashion    7. Fashion Accessories    8. Halloween    9. Hats   

Here’s a rare indoor toy that’s likely to make kids excited to get outside. The Star Theater II home planetarium can be used inside a darkened room to project a vast panorama of stars on the walls and ceilings. It comes equipped with an audio CD to guide budding astronomers through the learning process as well as a hand held "meteor maker" which allows you to reenact meteors without waiting around for decades to see them. We found the scientific information helpful, accurate, and, best of all, approachable for even novice stargazers. The kit can also be brought outside to illuminate (rather than project) and serve as a map to the heavens. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Asin: B0000696CO
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Activity    4. Astronomy    5. Games   

This video from the wise Big Adventure series gives kids a greatoverview of the space program using simple graphics, a soundtrack featuring kids' questions, and plenty of footage not seen on TV. The film follows one space crew through selection, training, and flight, providing some amazing facts about the mass of the space shuttle. Often the video goes on too long about specifics--reentry tiles, or the specific scientific experiments on board--but overall this kind of documentary has rarely been handled better. For ages 5 and up, but 3-year-old fans of space exploration will be happy to view the pictures. Parenting Magazine named it one of 1998's best videos for kids. The Big Adventure series scans a number of fascinating subjects (airplanes, aquariums, and even renovations) and is a series to seek out. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Asin: 0964458144
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

Sea-Monkeys on Mars
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $10.99
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Reviews (20)

Very reasonable.
This tank is very reasonable. if you were to buy the ocean zoo aquarium (not that its bad or anything.) you would only recive 6 pieces; The instuctions, tank, water perification, eggs, growth food, and a feeding spoon. Not only do you get all of the above (the tank is different of corse.) you also get the plasma which i think is almost a most have. (this ensure good health, and also makes sea monkeys larger)You also get the Aqua lesh, a device used for; cleaning, areating (This is a must if you do not buy the "million bubles air pump or aqua lesh, although there are other methods, your sea-monkeys probly will die without this. Honestly, don't waste your money on the "million bubble" air pump this does the same thing IF used properly.)Also the Aqua lesh transports sea monkeys, this can be useful for evacuating a tank if the sever "black spots" dieses strikes or if you want to put them in the other acsesories (maze, life boat, play pen, aqua watch etc.) overall this is a very ecinomical tank.

The Sea Monkeys are a hit!
I set up this sea monkey tank on my desk at my office.My baby sea monkeys are growing rapidly and are enjoyed by all my coworkers!Whenever I get stressed out, I just take five and watch the little guys swim around, then I am recharged and ready to jump back into my tasks.Thanks, sea monkeys!

the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this tank!! its harder to tip over the tank(but the lid is loose).buy this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00004UDPW
Sales Rank: 6016
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Wacky   

Mars 2020 Board Game
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This fun game will test your knowledge of astronomical science and technology. While Mars (a big red marble) orbits the outer ring of the game board, you'll navigate the inner three orbital rings in an effort to be the first to land on Mars. To take your turn, roll the red-and-white dice. The red determines the movement of Mars, the white controls your spaceship. Landing on Mars is not easy--it's a volatile planet that is constantly on the move. And Mission Control may have some bad news regarding the malfunction of your spaceship. To fix the malfunction, correctly answer a question on a Spaceport Repair Card. Each Repair Card has two questions, one easier and one more difficult; players decide at the beginning of the game at which level to play. At either level, get ready for the trip of a lifetime! The game booklet includes information about Mars as well as a glossary of astronomy-oriented words. --Wendy Slotboom ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fantastic Game
My 8 year old son got this for Christmas.What a great game! My son loves anything having to do with space and this game is fun AND provides so much information for him to learn.If you have a child who is interested in space this is a great family game for you!

A Good Family Game
We gave this to our daughter last Christmas. She's 9. It's one of the first games she wants to play on game nights. She's a good student, but not a genius by any means, yet still wins this game more often than her parents. She gets just the right mix of learning & play to make this a favorite game.

Great Game
Bought this for my 7 year old proto-astronaut... she loves it, she learns from it, and thanks to her lucky dice rolling, she usually beats me. Great game for kids interested in space/astronomy. ... Read more

Asin: B00000ISUX
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Science    4. Space    5. Learning    6. Activity   

The budding, serious astronomer will love this solar-system mobile that features actual NASA photographs. The planets, made of thick, high-quality card stock, are double-sided, highlighting each orb's individual colors and features. The accompanying 16-page guidebook is a great primer and includes some nice passages like, "Perhaps you will someday rocket from Earth to land on the moons, race the comets, or play tag with Saturn's rings." It's enough to make any mobile watcher and potential astronaut starry-eyed. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Asin: B00000ISGS
Subjects:  1. Space    2. Astronomy    3. Activity    4. Learning    5. Science   

Large Space Dome Play Tent
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Made of black and gray nylon, the "Space Dome" is a somewhat intimidating object that all but screams, "No Adults Allowed--Especially Mothers." If there ever is to be a tent in space, this is it. This generously sized tent has a rip-resistant floor and a perfectly sized hole in which to insert a 5-foot-long pop-up tunnel (sold separately by Pacific Play). All accessories--storage bags, stakes, window ties, and Velcro fastener--are well made. This thing is not going to fall apart on you after one use. It'll last outdoor season after outdoor season, and even then it won't seem right to throw it away. Pacific Play Tents are more difficult and time-consuming to put up than other tents, but they prove to be much sturdier and weather resistant. --Claire Dederer ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My son loved it!
My son loved this tent. I was able to put it together with relative ease. It has plenty of space inside and doesn't take up too much space. (He had it set up in his room) It is very durable. There were a dozen kids going in and out of the thing for months. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Lot's of fun when you get the other pieces (tunnel)
This tent is fun, especially for us overgrown kids when we can sneak in. Mommy & daddy will fit easily and can even enter through the round openings on the side.If you get the tent, also buy at least one tunnel (ASIN: B00000IURY). Yes together they will take a good chunk of your family room, but the combo is what makes this a true fort.Might save you a trip to Chuck-e-Cheese.The tent is nice because it gives the little ones their own space to chill out in.The tent is pretty easy to put together as long as you read the very short one page instructions first.Also make sure you keep anything sharp away from the tent (like toys under the floor).Although this tent won't fall apart with regular use, it does warn against sharp objects.

It's too bad they Pacific didn't make their tents with fabric that was just one grade better.Still the nylon used in this is thicker than what you can generally buy in stores, and the seams appear to be durable.You can take it outside, although right now it's way too cold to try.I can't wait until spring!

I'm putting the other accessory tunnels (ASIN: B00005KGOJ) (ASIN: B000067817) on our wish list!Also the tent that is still available is this one (ASIN: B00000IUX9).It looks like the same design only more colorful. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IURW
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Outdoor Play    3. Play Tents    4. Space    5. Playtents    6. Camping   

Polaris 60mm AZ-D Telescope
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $129.99
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Editorial Review

The Meade Polaris 60 AZ-D is a quality refracting telescope for land or sky viewing. It is perfect for observing celestial objects like Saturn, Jupiter,and the moon. It has an attractive design and fits in any room. The Polaris 60AZ-D is a cost-efficient telescope for the beginner. ... Read more

Features

• Model Number: 4304
• Objective Lens: 60 Millimeters
• Focal Length: 700 Millimeters

Reviews (6)

Telescope
Its nice and you can look at the stars and its so fun.

You get what you pay for
with this cheap and cheerful 'scope from Meade. I liked their 90-AZ-F model far more, but it's [$$$] more expensive and you have to purpose build a stable viewing platform out of red brick in order to use it, so as a compromise, the 60-AZ-D is a much better choice. For children wishing to spy on school friends two blocks down you can't go wrong with this. Does exactly what it says on the box - "Warning - this product may contain nuts."

eyepieces serverly limit view-here are tips for you...
not a bad little telescope but the eye pieces are of the poorest
quality .not what i expected from a company with such a good name.
if you use the scope with out the 3x barlow (total junk) and with out angle mirror (also very poor resoslution )and use the eye piece dirrectly its just ok . then add a stone or other near by heavy object on tripod stay and the shaking will stop..
adjust the thumb screws so you get just enough resistance to move scope -good luck -and buy better eye pieces if you plan to keep it .. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TDPP
Subjects:  1. 60 AZ D 60AZD    2. Learning    3. Science    4. Astronomy    5. Space    6. Telescope (Telescopes)    7. Star Gazing (Gaze)    8. Refractor (Refractors)   

3D Solar System Kit
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (3)

awesome !
I added this toy to my son's xmas list. With much luck he did get it; and we are pleased ! I would not say that it's a "fun to play with" toy but the entertainment value still exists. The planets are large enough without being overbearing up on the ceiling. They glow at night..which is the best part !! At 36 years old I can't wait fornighttime to hang in my sons room to check out theplanets!The stars the set comes with are perfect. They are NOT the bulky plastic ones that can be seen day or night. They are paper stickers that disappear during the day (on the celing they do anyway) The planets come with name stickers which adds educational value. My son is five and LOVES, LOVES, LOVES these planets. I say get 'em !!

Lisa Avilio-Meyer

good toy
I bought this set for my 10 year old daughter and she loves it. The planets are easy to snap together and there is plenty of paint. My favorite feature is the glow in the dark paint. It can be painted on after the regular paint dries, or you can mix it with the colored paint for a different effect. It didn't glow as bright as I'd hoped, but that wasn't a big deal. The paint dried surprisingly fast, we were able to apply two coats of colored paint and the glow in the dark stuff in under two hours. I would recommend using a smaller paintbrush than the one included. We used a q-tip for the details. The sun and Saturn come with plastic rings, and there is even aposter of the solar system. The mobile was pretty easy to put together, and the instructions are very clear, my daughter did most of it by herself. We have it hanging on the ceiling in my daughter's room, so no one can touch it. When we were hanging it up, I accidentally scratched Pluto and some of the paint came off. Overall this is a great toy. I would recommend this toyfor older children. I can't see a five year old painting details on the little planets and putting together the mobile.

good toy
I bought this set for my 10 year old daughter and she loves it. The planets are easy to snap together and there is plenty of paint. My favorite feature is the glow in the dark paint. It can be painted on after the regular paint dries, or you can mix it with the colored paint for a different effect. It didn't glow as bright as I'd hoped, but that wasn't a big deal. The paint dried surprisingly fast, we were able to apply two coats of colored paint and the glow in the dark stuff in under two hours. I would recommend using a smaller paintbrush than the one included. We used a q-tip for the details. The sun and Saturn come with plastic rings, and there is even aposter of the solar system. The mobile was pretty easy to put together, and the instructions are very clear, my daughter did most of it by herself. We have it hanging on the ceiling in my daughter's room, so no one can touch it. When we were hanging it up, I accidentally scratched Pluto and some of the paint came off. Overall this is a great toy. I would recommend this toyfor older children. I can�t see a five year old painting details on the little planets and putting together the mobile. ... Read more

Asin: B00007L12U
Sales Rank: 6713
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Astronomy   

Space Explorers (Magic School Bus Chapter Books (Library))
by Eva Moore
Average Customer Review:
School & Library Binding (01 March, 2001)
list price: $11.80 -- our price: $11.80
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (1)

A Synopsis For My Classroom Library
I had to review at least two books for reluctant readers for a Graduate class that I am taking and I would like to share my synopsis of this particular book.(I had to come up with a classroom library of at least 50 books from a variety of genres and award winners.)

This book is #4 in the series of The Magic School Bus; A Science Chapter Book.It includes black and white illustrations, some informational excerpts, and some written work by the kids in Ms. Frizzle's class.There is a lot to be learned in this story about their adventure through space.It can be enhanced by viewing the video The Magic School Bus Gets Lost in Space and/or by reading The Magic School BusHello Out There:A Sticker Book About the Solar System or The Magic School Bus Fact Finder:Space and the Planets.Children can even get on-line at and view the web site, www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus for a "space tour".
The book would be a good book for reluctant readers because it is easy to read with large print and easy vocabulary.It is also a fun story about an interesting topic.(The book itself lists a reading level of 3; ages 6-9.) ... Read more

Isbn: 0613330781
Sales Rank: 572923
Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Adventure and adventurers    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. School & Education    8. School field trips    9. Science & Technology - Astronomy/Space    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic   

Monopoly Game : Astronomy
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Reviews (2)

Hard To Believe
It's hard to believe this will teach or even be modestly helpful in teaching some astronomy. The game is the same as the standard monopoly with the property names changed to astronomical objects. There are no astronomy concepts taught. A list of object names and pictures for properties is not of much help. The price is also way out of line for what it represents....You are kidding. I believe the game has been discontinued. If you want to introduce a youngster to astronomy, then buy one of H. A. Rey's books, The Stars: A New Way to See Them, or Find the Constellations.

An Excellent Spin-Off of an Excellent Game
I've seen many variations of the classic "Monopoly" game (some of which probably were unauthorized) but this is easily the best.The standard "Monopoly" set has been altered to be loaded with astronomical terms.The result is a game that's lots of fun and has all the educational aspects of standard "Monopoly" plus the astronomical spin.While it doesn't teach much astronomy, it does introduce the topic and get kids asking, "What's that?" -- a question that opens the door to further exploration.Enjoy and learn! ... Read more

Asin: B00005IX8Z
Sales Rank: 17575
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Games    3. Family Favorites