Science Materials & Discovery Activities

3 years & up. Encourage children to explore the five senses with this interactive, easy to follow game. This game will also help children with identifying facial expressions and parts of the body. Use this game in an interactive lesson about the five senses and how they help us function. Includes 2 game boards, 40 laminated game pieces, and a draw-string bag for easy transportation and storage. Made in the USA.

3 years & up. Strengthen memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills with the Shadow Matching and Memory Game. This engaging game encouages children to match familiar objects to their corresponding shadows while building important cognitive and visual discrimination skills. As children compre shapes, identify silhouettes, and make visual connections, they develop critical thinking, concentration, memory retention, and observation skills through hands-on gameplay. The interactive matching format encourages children to think carefully about object characteristics and visual differences. Perfect for individual exploration or small-group learning, this game supports collaborative play, turn-taking, and communication skills. The set includes 2 double-sided boards and 36 matching tiles, perfect for use with 3-4 players.

Birth and up. Keep babies calm and captivated with these Calm Down Bottles. Each bottle has a glittery liquid inside that will swirl and sparkle as babies play. In addition to glitter, the liquid contains small objects such as stars and snowflakes that reflect a rainbow of colors off their surfaces. So, babies will receive visual stimulation as well as emotional relaxation. The set includes bottles in blue and mint colors.

3 years & up. Take a closer look and explore the world around you with the Kaplan Magnifiers with Built-In Light! This set of three magnifiers feature 3x to 5x magnification of objects. Turn on the built-in light to improve visibility. Magnifiers measure 5.75", 6", and 6.75" long. Each individual magnifier requires 3 AAA batteries (not included).

12 months & up. Alter the world around you with these Easy Hold Discovery Viewers by Learning Advantage. Different lenses provide different views. Change the color of everything you see with the red, blue and yellow lenses. Distort and magnify things around you with the giant magnifier and the two different types of mirrors. Frame size: 7.25" x 4.75" x 7.5" (insert size is 3.25" in diameter). Included: 6 Easy Hold Discovery Viewers: Magnifier (3x magnification), Concave Mirror, Plane Mirror, Transparent Red, Blue and Yellow Lenses.

3 years & up. This 90-piece set includes a variety of items to create working waterways. Children can experiment with the effects that construction, gravity, and distance have on water pressure and flow as they create endless waterway configurations. Materials are transparent to allow for easy viewing of water flow. The Build a Waterway STEM Kit builds on children's natural curiosity by providing the materials and freedom to explore. The funnels, measuring pitchers, connector tubes, blockers, and water wheel provide endless opportunities for child-guided learning. Children should be encouraged to build, create, and invent on their own. Experimentation and use of the included materials can be encouraged at the water table, in small groups, and for independent learning. Activity card(s) included.

12 months & up. Learn the science behind magnetism while building wild, colorful Safari Animals. Magnets have a magnetic North and South Pole. Opposite poles attract each other and identical poles repel. Match the warm colored pieces with the cold colored pieces to form each animal and mix and match pieces to create new breeds. Included: 18 Magnetized, chunky pieces that make up 6 different kinds of Safari Animals in a variety of colors: Giraffe, crocodile, lion, hippo, rhino, and elephant.

2 years & up. Children can experience many fascinating optical discoveries about color, light, reflections, and more with these 5 easy to hold framed panels. Each durable plastic frame measures 7.75" x .625" and contains either an unbreakable mirror, see-thru acrylic colored panel in red, yellow and blue, or a multi-faceted panel for visual explorers. Includes activity guide.

3 years & up. Dive into the wonders of the underwater world with the View-Master Marine Life Reel set! Featuring 21 3D images across 3 reels, this set invites children to discover marine animals and their habitats in detail, sparking curiosity about the natural world. The larger brighter images provide a more immersive experience, making storytelling, imaginative play, and science discussions come alive. Compatible with all View-Master viewers, this reel set makes an excellent addition to classrooms or home learning environments, encouraging a love of nature and exploration.

4 years & up. Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with the Butterfly Farm. Each Butterfly Farm kit comes with a voucher that you can redeem to receive 5 baby caterpillars, their food, and a Chrysalis Holding Log™. After you transition the caterpillars to the Butterfly Farm, watch them go from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly! Please note that live caterpillars can only be shipped to destinations within the Continental US and Alaska. Caterpillars cannot ship to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Canada. Pop-up habitat measures approximately 12"L x 12"W x 12"H.

2 years & up. Compare, explore, investigate, sort and match eight different familiar farm animals by their footprints. Perfect for sensory exploration and learning about animals. Each stone shows a raised footprint on the front and the owner's image imprinted on the back. Raised impressions on the stones allow to tracks to be made in the ground. Set includes 8 stones.

Birth & up. Nurture multisensory play with this set of Sensory Reflective Balls! Engaging and vibrant, the reflective surfaces of these balls change color in the light as children manipulate each sphere. Providing a slightly distorted reflection in their iridescent surface, these mirrored balls will fascinate children and encourage explorations in facial recognition, descriptive language, and self-esteem. Smooth, lightweight, and easy for small hands to grasp, this set is chemical-free, non-porous, and easy-to-clean. Made of durable, tarnish-resistant, stainless steel, these sensory balls are ideal for all play environments. Measure 2.4", 3.2", 3.9" and 5.9" diameter.

3 years and up. Learn about the weather without interrupting playtime. This set of Explore the Weather Counters depicts 6 different weather patterns (lightning bolt, snowflake, cloud, raindrop, wind, and sun) for children to investigate. The child-sized pieces are perfect for small hands, and each weather pattern has a different surface pattern to spark sensory stimulation. As they play, children will gain valuable scientific knowledge about the world around them.

Birth & up. Iridescent discs change color in the light. Children love observing their reflections. Mirrored multi-color discs with slightly flattened centers and graduated sizes provide a distorted reflection. Constructed of stainless steel, they're lightweight, smooth and durable. Improves fine motor skills, dexterity and problem solving as children manipulate these smooth discs. Can be used for stacking, sorting and sensory play. Sizes from 2" - 5.5" diameter.

3 years & up. Help your children identify these great creatures with these high quality Animal Skin Picture Cards Matching and Identifying Activity. These cards are perfect for children to identify animals they've learned about. Is it a cow, giraffe, or elephant? Use the close up cards to match the skin to the full picture of the animal. These cards promote problem solving, identifying, and critical thinking. Includes 50 cards.

2 years & up. Dive into the wonders of the ocean with this set of 8 beautiful, tactile fish. With their realistic markings and textures, these fish encourage sensory exploration and imaginative play as children tell stories about the watery habitats they create. Made from a durable stone resign, these vibrant creatures are perfect for use in water or sand, and are easy to clean after a day of nautical adventures. The markings can be felt as well as seen, and children will enjoy making imprints of the fish in play dough, sand, or clay. Set includes 8 fish with stunning details: Blue Tang, Golden Butterfly Fish, Blue Spotted Ray, Plaice, Peppermint Angel Fish, Jewel Cichlid, Clown Fish, and Sergeant Major Fish. Each stone measures between 2.5" - 3.5".

3 years & up. Each of these adorable stuffed animals are designed to bring these birds to life straight from the great outdoors and into your home. Listen to the various birds as they sing their different songs. Babies are fascinated by their sounds, and older kids love to take them outside and compare them to the actual sounds of the birds in their backyard. Press the backs of these realistic plush beanbag birds to hear them sing with authentic sounds. Birds that are indigenous to your area often respond to the sounds of these realistic-sounding birds. These birds are weighted on the bottom and easily sit up on a level surface. Measures approximately 4.5 to 5 inches long.

2 years and up. Inspire hands-on discovery and early science exploration with the Organic Textures Ocean Discovery Set. Designed for toddlers, this 22-piece collection of realistic natural replicas-featuring shells, fossils, seeds, and coral-invites children to explore textures, shapes, and patterns through tactile play. Perfect for use in sand, water, or classroom environments, the durable pieces encourage curiosity, observation, and critical thinking. Ideal for STEM learning and sensory development, this open-ended set helps young learners make meaningful connections to the natural world while building foundational cognitive and fine motor skills. Largest piece measures 4.1"W x 1.3"H x 3.8" Diameter; smallest piece measures 2"W x 2"H x 3" Diameter.

3 years & up. These colorful Magnetic Marbles are so much fun to play with! Set of 24 Magnetic Marbles are great to use in learning activities at school and during at-home play. Incorporate Magnetic Marbles into sensory play centers, early science explorations, counting, sorting and fine motor development activities. Assorted colors; red, yellow, blue, green, orange, and purple. Each marble measures 0.625" in diameter.

3 years & up. Over 300 pieces contribute to this kit's endless building possibilities. An assortment of activity card(s) illustrate possible animal and pattern configurations and encourage children to design their own creations. The Build an Animal STEM Kit builds on children's natural curiosity by providing the materials and freedom to explore. The Animal Building Cards give children a start by building a giraffe, lion, elephant, chicken, frog and bird. Children should then be encouraged to build, create, and invent on their own. Use these and the Number Sense and Pattern Cards at interest areas, in small groups, and for independent learning.

Birth & up. A set of four reflective mirror surface balls provides a distorted fish-eye lens reflection in which children will want to observe. They will be fascinated to see items placed close to the mirrors including their own faces enlarged and close-up. Made from hard wearing stainless steel, these beautiful, smooth tactile balls are robustly constructed without being too heavy and therefore can be handled by young children with ease. They can be used indoors or outdoors and provides a focal point for displays. Sizes are approximately: 2.4", 3.2", 3.9", and 5.9" in diameter.

18 months & up. Explore shapes and patterns in nature with this set of 12 wooden leaf tiles. Bring the outside in by using the tiles to make leaf rubbings, printings and molds of each leaf species. Includes 2 tiles of 6 different leaf patterns: oak, birch, aspen, maple, sweet chestnut and beech. Made from sustainably sourced beechwood. Tiles measure 2.5".

3 years & up. Engage children's senses and strengthen their memory while playing this nature-inspired version of a classic matching game. Pieces representing flowers, spider webs, ladybugs, turtle shells, eggs, pine cones and other naturally occurring materials children already relate to the outdoors, allow for easy recognition and recall during play. Over-sized, wood cookie bases will naturally wear over time, revealing cause and effect behaviors and natural evolution to children. Set includes 24 pieces and canvas bag to use during playtime and after as storage.

4 years & up. Show children the life cycle and metamorphosis of a living organism with Ladybug Land! Ladybug Land is just what it sounds like, a habitat where ladybugs can grow from larvae into adults. Each habitat comes with a voucher you can redeem to receive a tube of 10 to 15 living ladybug larvae and the food they need. Once they are in your habitat, watch the larvae eat and drink from special gels, form cocoons, and emerge as adult ladybugs!