Science & Nature - a round-up of toys for curiosity-led learning

Great Gizmos

Blind them with science

Science and nature toys are as popular as ever, so what’s up next for this category, which is always a sure-fire winner for retailers?

Toys based around science and nature have experienced a real surge in sales over the past 18 months or so, and with more families spending time outside, has this increased interest, particularly in the nature part of the category?

Great Gizmos sales director Sarah Dayus thinks so. “With people spending more time at home and outside, we have seen a huge increase in sales across our science kits,” she says. “We have seen a particular rise across our Green Science range, which encourages children to learn all about renewable energy including solar power, wind power, and more. We have expanded this range to keep up with demand, and our customers are very happy with the innovation and variety.’’

The story is the same at Thames & Kosmos, says sales director Jo Drage: “Educational board games and STEM kits are our bread and butter, and we have various kits in our ranges which are designed to be used both inside and out.

“Take our bestselling FEAK range for example, which over the first half of 2021 has seen soaring sales - and particularly our Rubber Band Racers, Solar Powered Rovers and the Ultra Light Airplanes, which can be played with indoors or outdoors and provide educational fun while not breaking the bank.’’

Toynamics has also focused on its nature range, says managing director David Allan: “This year we have extended our Hape Nature Fun range, which has been very popular with shoppers interested in educational play, and an increased desire for toys for outdoor play, appealing to children engrossed by nature, bugs and watching plants grow.’’

So why has there been an increase in interest in this sector? Jo Drage at Thames & Kosmos thinks that “a lot of parents have rediscovered their passion for STEM while helping their children throughout the pandemic and have really enjoyed the learning journey together. This trend appears

Curiosity-led learning

Scientist Renee Watson, founder and head of explosions at The Curiosity Box which offers science-based subscription boxes, explains the benefits of curiosity-led learning

Toys that are made for curiosity-led learning, that help children to explore and understand the world around them, have so many benefits. Not only do they encourage curiosity, they also build confidence in science and engineering (STEM) skills and a connection to the natural world that we know boosts wellbeing.

Neuroscience tells us that when we are curious, the pleasure centres of the brain are switched on. Couple this with the benefits of being in nature, and it’s no wonder that creative, curiosity-catalysing toys are so popular with children and their grown ups.

Curiosity Boxes fuse a child-led approach to learning, similar to the Montessori method, with seriously fun handson STEM activities. What is important is that we move on from one-hit wonder STEM toys like the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar volcano, to exploratory toys that give children all the tools they need to lead their own discovery, and to understand something new about their world. That could be anything from what we can learn from our poo, to how CO2 changes our oceans.

to have continued through Q1 and Q2 of this year.

“Science has evolved so much over the past 20 to 30 years and we are all more aware of issues such as climate change, deforestation and the decline in wildlife. This promotes an appetite to educate the younger generation on how to improve the world.

“Our Nature Discovery 3D Animal Anatomy models, for example, are hugely popular and perfect for inquisitive David Attenborough enthusiasts as they offer an insight into animal anatomy and inspire children to learn about our world and the creatures that live in it.’’

Sarah Dayus at Great Gizmos agrees: “Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environment and the importance of protecting it. This trend has led to an increase in sales across our Green Science range. Kids also learn all about renewable energy at school, so we feel it’s important to have fun experimental kits that support this learning.’’

The rise in kids being taught at home has also helped, says Toynamics’ David Allan: “Our Hape Junior Inventor set has performed especially well over the past 12 months, with sales buoyed by home schooling.’’

So with interest at its peak, what does the future hold for the science and nature category? Thames & Kosmos will focus on combining education and fun with a green message, says Jo Drage: “Our research indicates that STEM toys with a focus on environment and nature will continue to With people spending more be popular and parents are particularly keen on toys which can either be time at home and reused or recycled which, outside, we have we are very proud to say, seen a huge all of our kits are. increase in sales across our “To spark children’s curiosity in the world of science, toys need to be science kits both educational and fun Great Gizmos sales director Sarah Dayus - which is always a key factor to be considered within the Thames & Kosmos R & D department. “Our offering in the Alternative Energy range, for example, has expanded over the years with our Signature Series kits such as Air + Water Power, Hydropower and the bestselling Wind Power V4 kits which are particularly popular Christmas sellers.’’ Great Gizmos, meanwhile, will also focus on the ‘green’ sector, says Sarah Dayus: “We see the category going from strength to strength, particularly as the ‘green’ message is becoming more important by the day. We continue to invest in our Green Science range to ensure there are plenty of new products to inspire customers.‘’

Ask the retailers

What brands do you stock?

Brainstorm, John Adams, Wind Designs, Galt, and Great Gizmos. The Spy X Range from Wind Designs is hugely popular, as is the Brainstorm Earth & Constellations Globe. Is demand high for this kind of toy?

Yes, but more so towards the back end of the year.

Sharon Sheehan, manager Kellihers Toymaster, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

What brands do you stock?

Great Gizmos, Thames & Kosmos, Keykraft. What sells well for you?

Thames & Kosmos sell best for Christmas. But all science kits are always a good, steady seller. It’s very hard to offer something for older children, and science kits seem to fill that need as they are often recommended for ages six to eight and older. At the moment, crystal-growing kits, as well as solar and salt water-powered machines, are doing well.

Maggie Tibbenham, director, Imagine Toy Shop Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

What brands do you stock?

Great Gizmos, Learning Resources and Brainstorm. What’s your best seller?

Best sellers are magnifying glasses and binoculars from Learning Resources. Demand has dropped off a bit but these products are more popular when the children break up from school.

Dee Mellor, co-owner, Salter Street Toys And Models, Stafford, Staffordshire

Vivid

Let knowledge grow

THAMES & KOSMOS UK

01580 713000 | www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk

Roller Coaster Engineering brings together the physics of forces and fun in one kit. This product will provide hours of fun for budding engineers from the age of eight, while adding educational value. Children get to build and experiment with dozens of roller coaster models to make learning the physics of force, motion and energy as entertaining as a day at the amusement park.

They can also conduct an action-packed series of hands-on physics and engineering lessons with an easy, modular building system. Piece together the sturdy frame structures and then attach the flexible track to it.

There are 10 different models to build by following the large full-colour manual - or creative minds can just let their imagination run wild, make up their own designs and build their own working roller coaster models.

The kit additionally allows users to conduct a series of engineering challenges such as: what is the tallest roller coaster you can build? How about the longest straightaway? Can you build a loop-de-loop? The possibilities are endless with this plastic building system, which is durable, easy-to-assemble, reusable and truly a kit that will let knowledge grow.

Discovery time

H. GROSSMAN

01603 397 105 | sales@tobar.co.uk

Tobar has a wide variety of products to interest any budding Einstein or Attenborough. Combining both science and nature is the Projector Torch, which projects 24 full-colour images that can be scrolled through. Choose from an Animal Projector Torch or the Space version. There is also the Ocean Projector and, for those who love mythical creatures, the Unicorn Projector Torch.

The Junior Explorer range has everything that aspiring scientists need to discover more about the natural world. From butterfly nets to binoculars, the range includes bug collecting tubes, a bug catcher, magnifying glasses and a Bug Observation Dome for closer scrutiny. Grow a Venus Fly Trap or grow a Herb Heads.

Building on scientific concepts

Basic Fun UK!

0118 925 3270 Tim.Ives@basicfun.com

Ideal for teaching and reinforcing a child’s understanding of scientific concepts, K’Nex is a brand that recognises the value of fun, play and discovery within the learning process.

Within the K’Nex collection, there is a wealth of fun learning resources to help foster an interest in science. Not only is there a dedicated K’Nex Educational range of toys specifically aligned to the National Curriculum, including National Science, but there is now also a specific STEM range, which was recently launched to support homeschooling efforts, helping to expand the reach of K’Nex outside the classroom. This STEM range includes experiments and worksheets for parents to engage with their children at home.

K’Nex sets make for an ideal teaching resource to help children better understand many concepts from physics. For instance, children can produce 3D replicas of real bridges and structures to teach them about motion and forces. Teachers and parents can use K’Nex to help children grasp the science behind gears, as well as lever and pulley systems.

Plus, from A/W21, kids will be able to use K’Nex to study the science behind a roller coaster! Launching this autumn, the reintroduced K’Nex Roller coasters sub-category will see the return of two of the best-selling spiralising rollercoasters. Look out for the Amazing 8 Roller Coaster, as well as the Typhoon Frenzy: a two-inone build, with 19ft of track to construct.

Inspiring curiosity

GREAT GIZMOS

01293 543221 | www.ggtrade.co.uk

Great Gizmos has a comprehensive range of educational kits that focus Great Gizmos has a comprehensive range of educational kits that focus particularly around the science and nature category. The company has seen a particularly around the science and nature category. The company has seen a huge increase in sales across this category this year as the green conversation huge increase in sales across this category this year as the green conversation continues to grow and gain momentum. continues to grow and gain momentum.

Green Science is a whole category of science and nature hands-on learning through play. Great Gizmos combines basic science, thoughtful design, and a through play. Great Gizmos combines basic science, thoughtful design, and a touch of technology to create toys with excellent playability. Understanding touch of technology to create toys with excellent playability. Understanding the science behind a Salt Powered Robot or a Wind Turbine is enlightening the science behind a Salt Powered Robot or a Wind Turbine is enlightening and inspires curiosity and confi dence in children as they develop socially and and inspires curiosity and confi dence in children as they develop socially and intellectually. intellectually.

Kids can keep track of weather changes with the Weather Station Kit, learn Kids can keep track of weather changes with the Weather Station Kit, learn facts about the weather and experiment with the greenhouse effect. The bottle facts about the weather and experiment with the greenhouse effect. The bottle can be recycled to make a mini greenhouse too. Build Your Own Wind Turbine can be recycled to make a mini greenhouse too. Build Your Own Wind Turbine allows children to watch a working wind turbine capture the wind’s energy allows children to watch a working wind turbine capture the wind’s energy and turn it into light. The kit will teach how this vital renewable-energy and turn it into light. The kit will teach how this vital renewable-energy technology works. technology works.

Be amazed by Grow-A-Maze - plant a bean in the soil and watch it grow Be amazed by Grow-A-Maze - plant a bean in the soil and watch it grow and fi nd its way through the maze! Observe the root development inside the and fi nd its way through the maze! Observe the root development inside the soil chamber and water base pot. Or create a robot powered by charcoal and soil chamber and water base pot. Or create a robot powered by charcoal and saltwater with the Salt Powered Robot - no batteries are required for this fun saltwater with the Salt Powered Robot - no batteries are required for this fun and educational kit. Plus, learn how to make a moving Solar Robot using solar and educational kit. Plus, learn how to make a moving Solar Robot using solar panels and a motor: put all the parts together and teach your robot to do panels and a motor: put all the parts together and teach your robot to do simple tasks. Finally, there’s the Creepy Crawly Digging Kit. Dig through the simple tasks. Finally, there’s the Creepy Crawly Digging Kit. Dig through the plaster rock to unearth a bunch of creepy crawly bugs. You can mount the plaster rock to unearth a bunch of creepy crawly bugs. You can mount the bugs on the specimen cards and learn cool facts about insects. bugs on the specimen cards and learn cool facts about insects.

Science gets creative

RAVENSBURGER

01869 363830 www.ravensburger.co.uk

The GraviTrax universe expands even further with the brand new GraviTrax Starter-Set Obstacle. Experiment with the power of gravity with this impressive interactive track system. This construction toy allows builders to create and assemble marble runs while experimenting with gravity, magnetism, and kinetics.

Featuring all the components from the GraviTrax Starter-Set, plus fi ve additional Extensions - the Trampoline, Zipline, Transfer, Spiral and Bridges – the set fosters STEM learning, where kids can experiment and problem solve, while trying to include all the additional accessories in their tracks. Each Extension helps to educate children about the laws of motion and magnet fun. Children will need to think carefully about the speed of their marbles as they negotiate the Extensions in this pack; the marble can’t go too quickly as it goes down the Spiral, so focus is needed to make sure they are in full control.

It’s not all about learning though - children can perform crazy and impressive trick shots with this set that contains some dynamic Extensions. The openended building concept offers endless combinations to create a different track every time you play. All components in the Starter-Set Obstacle are readily available on the GraviTrax app, giving plenty of opportunity for children to practise at home. If children want to learn more, resources are available online with GraviTrax Academy. Ideal for up-and-coming engineers or architects.

Experiment and explore

TOYNAMICS UK & IRELAND

0116 478 5230 www.toynamics.com

Toynamics UK & Ireland distributes educational play brand Hape, which offers a range of science and nature toys for a mix of ages and price points.

The bestselling Hape Junior Inventor sets let children explore the basics of physics and learn how scientifi c principles apply to the real world. The Hape Deluxe Scientifi c Workbench is packed with 79 accessories and offers 15 different science experiments for children to explore, involving cranes, wind makers, and boom gates.

Hape Nature Fun is a range of sustainable, eco-friendly outdoor toys for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Made from sustainable bamboo and bioplastic - by the time a set of the Nature Fun toys is in a child’s hand the bamboo used to make it has already grown back!

Big fun for budding gardeners

SIMBA SMOBY TOYS UK

01620 674 778 sales@sisotoysuk.com

From the family favourite Smoby brand comes a feature-packed playhouse that will inspire children to create endless playtime memories, while cultivating an early interest in gardening, nature, and the natural sciences.

The Smoby Garden Playhouse is a must-have for families that love the great outdoors. Bringing the natural real world into the roleplay world for lots of green-fingered fun, this playhouse comes complete with 15 accessories. There’s guttering to filter rainwater and fill up the water butt, a watering can, a plant trellis, and a detachable worktop, which can be attached to the inside or outside of the house. Also supplied are three gardening tools (a shovel, rake and dibble), as well as six pots. Stands and storage spaces are included too, so kids will always have the necessary equipment to hand.

Suitable for little ones aged two years and over, this little piece of gardening real estate is sturdy, secure, and anti-UV treated, so the colours won’t fade in the sun.

Feeding inquisitive minds through play

VIVID

01483 449944 | vividtoysandgames.co.uk

The focus around STEM & STEAM related products continues to grow with the importance and power of play becoming a key consideration for parents. Science4you continues to deliver inspiring, fun and educational science kits across a variety of classic and innovative new themes.

Children can become explorers of the natural world and discover the power of the plant and animal kingdom with Nature Explorer: plant and transplant different fruits and vegetables, and learn all about the animals and creatures that live in the world around you.

STEM-focused product stimulates education through play, enabling children to develop skills like concentration, memory and creativity. Products in the Eco-Science range are made with 80% less single-use plastic and use recycled materials. Included are six eco-experiments with 20 pieces of content and a 36-page educational book.

Meanwhile, there’s new emphasis on offering product to a variety of age groups with the addition of Science Junior products, aimed at children aged four-plus. Whether you want to understand more about the human body, explore space or learn what it takes to become a vet, there’s a kit for you.

My First Science Kit is perfect for inquisitive minds with 26 mini experiments ready-made for scientific beginners. Fun experiments include making crazy dough, learning all the colours of the rainbow and growing your own flower patch.

A/W21 also sees the introduction of Be a YouTuber, unleashing the creativity of viral experiments that you can share with friends. Start your own channel and create wow moments on video with crazy dough, erupting volcanos and magical visual experiments. Science4you will continue to be supported by a strong TV and digital campaign across the A/W21 season, targeting both children and parents with engaging content from across the product range.

Tools to learn

BANDAI UK

0208 324 6160 www.bandai.co.uk

The STEM range from Bandai continues to go from strength to strength with the expansion of ranges, creating a solid category within its overall business portfolio.

The award-winning National Geographic toy range from Bandai has firmly established its position as an evergreen, go-to STEM range. This trusted science brand focuses on exploration, conservation and education which is incorporated into each kit, providing children with the tools to learn and inspiring an interest in the world around them.

The collection of themed Dig Kits continue to be best sellers, offering kids the chance to excavate for a genuine piece of the natural world and learn about their findings with the full-colour guide. Bandai has introduced four large sets including Explorer Science Sensory Kit, Explorer Science Earth Kit, Glow-In-TheDark Mega Science Kit, and Ultimate Gemstone Dig Kit. Each includes multiple specimens, equipment for hands-on learning and science activities for conducting experiments at home.

In addition, the Rock Tumbler Starter Kit is a great way to start a new rock tumbling hobby and is a fun activity for children of all ages, promoting an interest in science and geology. This comprehensive kit has all the features and accessories needed to transform rough rocks into polished gemstones. Including a leakproof tumbling barrel, four-stage grit polishing system, and half a pound of rough rocks, there are easy-to-follow instructions and five jewellery settings to help create wearable pieces.

Meanwhile, The Original Sea-Monkeys brand continues to grow since joining the Bandai family in 2018 and has firmly established itself as a heritage property with strong retro appeal. Sea-Monkeys has thrilled children for decades, allowing them to learn about nature by growing their own aquatic pets. A newly-launched range includes the glow-in-the-dark Magiquarium, Martian-inspired On Mars, and pink Magic Castle.