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Inquiry & Investigation

Promote inquiry and investigation in the classroom and help children learn about science topics, such as the solar system, ecosystem, astronomy, weather, and gravity. Kaplan offers a variety of science sets, microscopes, and other science resources for teachers.

Translucent Arch Tiles - 90 Pieces
Item: 302270
Status: In Stock
$44.95
3 years & up. Enhance open-ended building play, loose parts play, light play and more with this durable, versatile set of colorful arches. This 90-piece set features vibrant colors and concentric arch pieces that work together beautifully to create organic shapes and patterns. Curved shapes encourage children to explore relationships in balance and organic geometry. Double-sided build cards included to inspire 2D and 3D builds and deeper play experiences. Largest piece measures 3.5"L x 1.8"W x .3"H. Smallest piece measures 1.2"L x .6"W x .3"H.
All-Weather Magnifying Glass - Set of 4
Item: 37849
Status: In Stock
$35.95
18 months & up. Bring the world into focus through hands-on discovery! The All-Weather Magnifying Glass Set encourages children to explore, investigate, and observe their surroundings with curiosity and confidence. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, these magnifiers feature 5x magnification to help children closely examine plants, insects, textures, and everyday objects-supporting early science and STEM learning. Molded from new Poly+,a composite material made from 30% less plastic, this waterproof set is the perfect companion for every indoor and outdoor adventure. Solid glass lenses are scratch resistant and protected by over-molded soft-touch plastic. Set includes 4 magnifying glasses. Each magnifying glass measures 7.5" x 3.6" x .9".
Liquid Tile Mats
Item: 145753P
Status: In Stock
$52.95 - $219.95
3 years & up. Step on and watch it move! Create a colorful floor space with this bright, futuristic Liquid Tile Mat. Made from super durable, leakage-proof material and filled with non-toxic, cosmetic liquid. Features an anti-slip back side and easily wipes clean. No weight limit. Mat measures 19.5" x 19.5". Please note: mats need to be placed on an even surface and handled with care, may break if dropped. Do not adhere mat to the floor.
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Design and Drill Robot Workshop XL - Build 6 Robots - 150 Pieces
Item: 301665
Status: In Stock
$99.95
3 years and up. Give young engineers a space where they can blossom. The Design & Drill® Robot Workshop equips young children with everything they need to build multifaceted, mobile robots. Playing with robots helps young children explore concepts of engineering, coding and math in an engaging way. The collection's many interchangeable pieces empower children to construct any kind of robot that enters their imagination. Set includes 150 pieces, enough to build 6 different robots.
Transparent Light and Color Blocks - 108 Pieces
Item: 31535
Status: In Stock
$74.95
3 years & up. A rainbow assortment of 6 different colors and 6 different shapes make up this set of plastic translucent building blocks. These colorful Transparent Light and Color Blocks area great way to promote creativity. They also make a perfect accessory for a light table. Encourage children to get creative and build a unique block structure. For further learning encourage children to identify the colors and shapes of the blocks they are using. Largest block measures 3.9" x 1.3". 108 piece set.
3-in-1 Discovery Tool
Item: 302715
Status: In Stock
$44.95
2 years & up. Spark curiosity and hands-on learning with the 3-in-1 Discovery Tool, a compact and kid-friendly device that combines a compass, loupe, and level in one exciting tool! Set includes 3 tools. Perfect for classrooms, outdoor adventures, and STEM lessons, this multi-functional gadget helps young explorers investigate their world from every angle. Use the loupe to examine leaves, rocks, and bugs up close, the compass to learn basic navigation skills, and the level to explore balance, slope, and early engineering concepts. Designed with children in mind, it's lightweight, easy to use, and built for both indoor and outdoor discovery. Whether you're a teacher planning a nature walk or a parent encouraging outdoor play, the 3-in-1 Discovery Tool makes science fun, interactive, and accessible.
Safety Goggles - Set of 6
Item: 302710
Status: In Stock
$34.95
3 years & up. Keep young scientists safe during hands-on fun with this set of 6 safety goggles. Designed for comfort and protection, each pair features clear lenses and an adjustable head strap for a secure fit. Perfect for classrooms, STEM projects, crafts, and messy play.
Little Lab Explorers Science Kit
Item: 302708
Status: In Stock
$49.95
3 years & up. Encourage curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning with the Little Lab Explorers Science Kit! Designed especially for young learners, this engaging science set includes real lab tools sized just right for small hands-perfect for classrooms, homeschool lessons, or everyday experiments at home. The kit includes, a handheld magnifying glass, set of 3 jumbo eyedroppers, 3 jumbo test tubes with stand, safety goggles, a flask, a beaker, and a pair of tweezers. With durable components and a kid-friendly design, the Little Lab Explorers Science Kit supports early STEM skills, fine motor development, and scientific thinking-all while making science feel like play!
Specimen Jars - Set of 6
Item: 302707
Status: In Stock
$64.95
2 years & up. Bring science to life with this set of 6 durable specimen jars, perfect for curious young explorers and classroom investigations. Whether collecting leaves, bugs, rocks, or other tiny treasures, these clear jars help kids observe the world up close. The transparent design allows for 360 degree viewing, encouraging observation, discussion, and scientific thinking. Ideal for science centers, nature walks, and group activities, these jars make exploration engaging and educational-whether you're in the classroom, on a field trip, or exploring the backyard!
Specimen Jar
Item: 302409
Status: In Stock
$10.95
2 years & up. Collect and observe bugs and natural specimens using this durable, easy-to-clean jar. Complete with a magnifying lid and a convenient carrying strap, this specimen jar makes the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, experimentation and exploration. Jar measures 3.4"L x 3"W x 3.75"H.
Wooden Preschool Light Table
Item: 89683
Status: In Stock
$445.95
3 years & up. Encourage your children to explore their building block with this Wooden Preschool Light Table. This exciting table promotes exploration and curiosity. Children can explore the features of their blocks, natural elements, or even art projects. The sturdy, freestanding table fits where space is limited. This light table accommodates four prism bases for block play. Prism bricks and plates sold separately. Minor assembly required. Measures 23"W x 24"H x 23"D.
STEM Journals - Set of 10
Item: 86303
Status: In Stock
$24.95
3 years & up. This 8 page STEM Journal outlines how to utilize the scientific process in an early childhood classroom. Each of the 11"L x 8.5"W pages provide a space for children to draw pictures along with developmentally appropriate lines to write text as they utilize the scientific method. Perfect addition to any science center! Set of 10 journals.
Ramptastic - STEM Ramp for Testing Velocity
Item: 63780
Status: In Stock
$74.95
3 years & up. This sturdy wooden incline ramp invites children to explore STEM concepts through prediction and experimentation. The six varying textures give children the opportunity to test the effects of surfacing, weight, and velocity on the potential speed and function of different objects. Ramptastic also introduces simple machines to children and is the perfect addition to the STEM toys in your classroom. Activity card(s) included. Cars sold separately. Measures 12.5"L x 4.75"W x 4.25"H.
Nature View Microscope
Item: 63230
Status: In Stock
$36.95
2 years & up. Introduce children to the fun of scientific discovery with their first microscope. With award-winning design, this Nature View Microscope is an exciting method of introducing STEM learning into the classroom. The three interchangeable lenses offer differing perspectives of the ten detailed nature slides. Encourage children to explore the different settings and become familiar with this beginner's microscope. The base plate rotates for varied viewpoints. Lenses include magnified, tinted, and kaleidoscope settings. Measures 8"H.
Inclined to Exploration: Loose Parts STEM Kit - 155 Pieces
Item: 38016P
Status: In Stock
$139.95 - $199.95
3 years and up. The possibilities of discovery are multiplied when rich variables are at children's fingertips. Inclined to Exploration: Loose Parts STEM Kit is a laboratory of opportunity to experiment and explore the relationships of how materials relate to basic physics principles. Children can build, create, investigate, and invent while focusing on the process rather than the end product..
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Timeless Treasures: Loose Parts STEM Kit - 240 Pieces
Item: 38015
Status: In Stock
$199.95
$159.95
3 years and up. The possibilities of discovery are multiplied when rich variables are at children's fingertips. Timeless Treasures: Loose Parts STEM Kit is a laboratory of opportunity to experiment and explore the allure of timeless, unique treasures like old coins and keys and a variety of gem stones. Children can investigate, explore, and sort into felt bags using open-ended items. The kit includes a frosted plastic tray for storage and classification of loose parts and measures 12.5"L x 12.5"W x 2.9"H.
Random Robots: Loose Parts STEM Kit - 400 Pieces
Item: 38014P
Status: In Stock
$219.95 - $269.95
3 years and up. The possibilities of discovery are multiplied when rich variables are at children's fingertips. Random Robots: Loose Parts STEM Kit is a laboratory of opportunity to experiment and explore pieces and tools that children can use to create robots. Children can build, create, investigate, and invent while focusing on the process rather than the end product.
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All-Weather Two-Handed Magnifier - Set of 2
Item: 37850
Status: In Stock
$32.95
18 months & up. Encourage children to get a closer look at the world around them with a Two-Handed Magnifier. Molded from the new Poly+ material, this easy-to-hold waterproof magnifier is the perfect companion for every indoor and outdoor adventure. Solid glass lenses are scratch resistant and protected by overmolded soft touch plastic. Set includes 2 magnifiers. Each magnifier measures 8.3" x 5.1" x .8".
Traveling Treasures Discovery Lab
Item: 301349
Status: In Stock
$59.95
2 years and up. Enhance scientific exploration with the Traveling Treasures Discovery Lab. This lab is a great portable storage unit for natural materials, bugs, sensory objects, and anything else young children find fascinating and want to examine more closely. The magnifying lids, tweezers, and additional handheld magnifier help children investigate the items in the natural environment or in the classroom.
Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle - Trilobite - 6 Pieces
Item: 300799
Status: In Stock
$59.95
3 years & up. Inspire a deeper interest in science, extinct creatures and basic geology principles through this Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle. Chunky pieces feature interesting textures and a subdued natural color scheme. A satisfying magnetic click will indicate a correct match-up of pieces, encouraging children to complete the puzzle and create a realistic replica of a Trilobite.
Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle - Ammonite - 6 Pieces
Item: 300798
Status: In Stock
$59.95
3 years & up. Inspire a deeper interest in science, extinct creatures and basic geology principles through this Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle. Chunky pieces feature interesting textures and a subdued natural color scheme. A satisfying magnetic click will indicate a correct match-up of pieces, encouraging children to complete the puzzle and create a realistic replica of an Ammonite.
Carry and Discover Magnification Containers - Set of 2
Item: 300786
Status: In Stock
$39.95
18 months & up. Carry and Discover Magnification Containers are the ultimate adventure companion for children. Children can collect and closely observe natural materials, special treasures, and interesting specimens. A completely clear container and a magnifying top enhance possibilities for scientific discovery and nature-based exploration. Use this set of stacking, easy-to-clean containers during experimentation with wet and dry materials.
Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle - Megalodon Tooth - 6 Pieces
Item: 300662
Status: In Stock
$59.95
3 years & up. Inspire a deeper interest in science, extinct creatures and basic geology principles through this Magnetic Fossil 3D Puzzle. Chunky pieces feature interesting textures and a subdued natural color scheme. A satisfying magnetic click will indicate a correct match-up of pieces, encouraging children to complete the puzzle and create a realistic replica of a Megalodon Tooth.
Nesting House Mirror Set
Item: 300650
Status: In Stock
$139.95
18 months & up. Discover reflection, symmetry, and imaginative play! The Nesting House Mirror Set invites children to explore light, reflection, and perspective through engaging, hands-on play. Featuring a series of house-shaped frames with mirrored interiors, this unique set encourages children to observe how objects change, repeat, and interact-supporting early STEM learning and visual discovery. Children can nest, stack, and arrange the houses in multiple ways, building spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and fine motor control. The reflective surfaces create fascinating visual effects that spark curiosity and inspire open-ended exploration, whether used with loose parts, blocks, or natural materials. Ideal for light tables, sensory areas, or block play centers, this set promotes language development, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. Durable and classroom-ready. Largest piece measures 10"W x 10"H x 7"D.