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Life Science

Help children explore living things with life science materials that support observation, inquiry, and hands-on discovery. Kaplan’s selection includes life cycle kits, specimen sets, x-rays, figurines, posters, puzzles, terrariums, feeders, egg incubators, stamps, and nature tools that help educators teach plants, animals, habitats, metamorphosis, classification, vocabulary, and meaningful STEM exploration.

Branches and Leaves Stamps - Set of 18
Item: 302267
Status: In Stock
$54.95
3 years & up. Encourage artistic expression and natural discovery with this beautifully crafted set of 18 branches and leaves stamps. Perfect for preschool and early learning environments, these stamps feature chunky, easy-grip handles and durable rubber surfaces that create clear impressions. Children can explore textures, patterns, and nature-inspired designs while learning about different types of trees, leaves, and branches. Each stamp includes a printed image for easy identification, helping young learners connect visual recognition with hands-on creativity. Ideal for art centers, sensory tables, and STEM activities, this versatile set supports fine motor development, creativity, and early science exploration through open-ended play. Set includes 18 stamps, each with a printed image on one side and clear patterns on the other, and a leaflet with additional information. Largest stamp measures 2.75"L x 2.75"W x 1.2"H.
See-Through Composter
Item: 89312
Status: In Stock
$54.95
PreK & up. Children can easily explore decomposition, composting, life cycles, and environmental education. Three separate, aerated compartments enable children to view the entire decomposition process clearly and make side-by-side comparisons between different materials. Ecological education includes composting, decomposition, and life cycles. Teacher guide included. Composter measures 12"W x 4"D x 8"H.
Insect Rubbing Plates - Set of 16
Item: 37174
Status: In Stock
$19.95
3 years & up. Use these rubbing plates to create colorful textured pictures of creepy crawlers! You can use them with crayons to create simple color images on paper or try making impressions with modeling dough! 16 rubbing plates.
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.
Realistic Discover Bugs
Item: 47549
Status: In Stock
$22.95
3 years & up. Discover bugs up close or through a magnifying glass with these Realistic Discover Bugs from Different Ecosystems for Science Learning. This set of crawlers promotes STEM learning, color recognition, sensory learning, and exploration. Use these bugs for counters, dramatic play, or science observation. Includes two different beetles, ant, praying mantis, spider, ladybug, grasshopper, scorpion, roach, and honeybee.
Nancy B's Science Club® Hydroponics Kit
Item: 145608
Status: In Stock
$30.95
8 years & up. Is it magic or is it science? Watch plants grow without any soil with this incredible Hydroponics Kit! Your child will be able to see root systems clearly through water-filled flasks, monitoring not only the top of a plant's growth, but the bottom as well. Just put sprouted seeds in the included seed baskets, place them in the flasks, and observe the science behind the Aztec's amazing floating gardens! Included: 2 flasks with thermometers, 2 trellises with rulers, 2 seed baskets, 22-page activity journal
Wild Republic 10-Piece Insect Collection
Item: 142705
Status: In Stock
$19.95
3 years & up. Learn all about the different insects that live in our world! Encourages dramatic play and scientific learning. Set of 10 insects. All plastic insects are phthalate-free. Products have been tested to different international toy safety requirements.
Dig & Discover Dinosaur Tactile Skeletons - Set of 6
Item: 301838
Status: In Stock
$99.95
2 years & up. Spark a love of science and discovery with the Dig & Discover Dinosaur Tactile Skeletons - Set of 6, a hands-on exploration resource that brings prehistoric learning to life. Embark on a prehistoric adventure with this set of 6 puzzles, each features 4-5 pieces. Made from a durable stone mix, these chunky dinosaur pieces are perfect for repeated excavations. Children will enhance their spatial awareness while engaging in sensory-rich activities. These versatile puzzles can be assembled on a table or buried in sand or mud for an exciting digging experience, unearthing fossils and piecing together dinosaur skeletons. This hands-on adventure sparks endless conversations about dinosaurs and their ancient world. Set features 6 different dinosaur skeletons.
Mini Greenhouse with Cover
Item: 63011
Status: In Stock
$35.95
3 years & up. Mini greenhouse with elevated storage shelf is perfect for small spaces indoors or outdoors. The zippered closing cover is constructed with waterproof transparent plastic which can be rolled back and secured with ties. Powder-coated, steel frame. Measures 17"W x 12"H x 10"D.
What's Inside Animals?
Item: 91183
Status: In Stock
$41.95
4 years & up. 16 double-sided photo/x-ray cards engage students in science exploration from the inside out! Images are protected with a special scratch-resistant coating. Examine the photos and then place them on a light table or in a window to reveal the skeletal system of the animals! An excellent way to introduce children to animals and anatomy. Flip the cards over to get a better look at the skeleton. Teacher guide included. Cards are 8.5" x 11".
Treasure Tubes - Clear - Set of 8
Item: 31286
Status: In Stock
$54.95
3 years & up. Children can easily collect, curate, experiment with, and display found objects and liquids with these sturdy, clear acrylic Treasure Tubes for 360 degree viewing. The lids sit on top of the tubes and do not secure, making it easy to add trinkets, natural materials, and sensory objects to observe, display, and rattle. Ideal for color and sound exploration and light table activities. Holds marbles, beads, twigs, leaves, small toys and more. Stack the tubes on top of each other to customize play experience. Easy-to-remove wooden top keeps objects securely in place until ready to be replaced. Set of 8 tubes. Largest Tube measures: 3" diameter x 5.75"H. Smallest Tube measures: 3" diameter x 3.5"H.
Lifecycle Puzzles - Set of 3
Item: 300655
Status: In Stock
$69.95
2 years & up. Enhance science lessons and encourage conversations about the life cycles of familiar favorite creatures with this set of 3 Lifecycle Puzzles. Each puzzle features smooth-sanded, nesting pieces that stack into the larger wood cookie. Beautiful, easy-to-understand illustrations show a frog, butterfly, and a turtle at different phases of their life, starting with the egg stage and ending with the adult version of the bug or animal. Sized just right for little hands, this is the perfect educational toy for children.
Exploring Leaves
Item: 27227P
Status: In Stock
$12.95 - $29.95
4 years & up. Children will enjoy exploring leaves with these beautiful sets. The Crafty Leaves set includes a variety of 266 realistic leaves printed on both sides of high quality paper which can be used to make gorgeous natural crafts and posters. The Color Diffusing Leaves set includes 80 leaves in which children can create spectacular patterns and designs using liquid watercolor paint, crayons, markers, or glitter. Available separately or in a complete set.
See Options for Exploring Leaves
Sequencing Stories
Item: 63760
Status: In Stock
$32.95
3 years & up. Develop skills in sequencing, memory, observation, and logic with 12 sets of four-step sequence stories. Includes 48 thick and durable real-image picture cards, activity card, and a carton to hold all the pieces. Pocket chart sold separately.
Acrylic Specimen Stones: Plants - 9 Stones
Item: 38035
Status: In Stock
$54.95
2 years & up. Durable set of plant specimens in shatter-resistant acrylic. Set includes 9 authentic specimens; rose, rice, fibrous root, taproot, clover, wheat, maple leaf, daisy and fern frond. Double-sided cards featuring detailed images, fun facts and important information included. The stones fit perfectly inside the Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand for display in classroom centers (sold separately, item 38036).
Clear Treasure Blocks - Set of 8
Item: 91346
Status: In Stock
$49.95
3 years & up. What can we find today? Collect trinkets, natural materials and sensory objects to place in the beautiful Treasure Blocks. Smooth hardwood frames with inset, transparent acrylic windows have a removable panel to place small objects to observe or display. Ideal for color exploration and light table activities. Holds marbles, beads, twigs, leaves, small toys and more. Two screws on the removable panel keep objects securely in place until ready to be replaced. Set of 8. Largest Block measures 5.5" L x 5.5" W x 2" H.
Sea Beans Loose Parts - 2 lb Bag
Item: 55505
Status: In Stock
$47.95
Sea Beans are seeds from trees and vines that grow along tropical shores. They wash into the ocean, drift and are collected. The seeds are a beautiful, natural element for investigations, sorting, sand and water play and more.
Acrylic Specimen Stones: Creepy Crawlers - 9 Stones
Item: 301316
Status: In Stock
$59.95
2 years and up. Inspire scientific inquiry by giving children an in-depth look at a few of the world's creepy crawlers. Set in acrylic, these authentic Creepy Crawler Specimen Stones enable children to examine crickets, spiders, and other interesting insects. Additionally, the stones come with reference cards that will extend learning with colorful images and fascinating facts.
Acrylic Nature's Cross Sections
Item: 302266
Status: In Stock
$79.95
2 years & up. Spark curiosity and give children an up-close view at the cross-sections of beautiful, natural fruits, plants and creatures. Authentic specimens encased in durable, shatter-resistant acrylic give children a unique view into nature and encourages deeper exploration. Set comes complete with 9 cross sections and double-sided informational cards to foster meaningful learning experiences. Largest stone measures 5.5"L x 2.5"W x .5"H.
Butterfly Farm with Prepaid Voucher
Item: 300990
Status: In Stock
$59.95
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.
Organic Textures Ocean Discovery Set - 22 Pieces
Item: 301330
Status: In Stock
$49.95
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.
Acrylic Specimen Stones: Fossils - 9 Stones
Item: 301315
Status: In Stock
$69.95
2 years and up. Spark curiosity and scientific exploration by giving children an up-close view of the ancient world with this set of Fossil Specimen Stones. Encased in clear, shatter-resistant acrylic, these authentic specimens show children shells, stones, shark's teeth, and other artifacts from prehistoric times. The set's reference cards feature colorful images and fascinating facts that will enhance any science activity.
Magnetic Matching Fossil Stones  - 6 Early Science and Stem Fossils
Item: 300656
Status: In Stock
$59.95
2 years & up. Children can learn through play with the Magnetic Matching Fossil Stones set. Interesting textures, a subdued natural color scheme, and authentic replicated fossils will spark a deeper interest in science activities inside and outside the classroom. Set features 6 matching sets of fossil stones, that when opened, reveal a fossilized imprint of a different species; Megalodon Tooth, Tyrannosaurus Rex Claw, Ammonite, Trilobite, Gastropods, and Velociraptor Claw. Encourage color matching and shape recognition while children learn about extinct species. A satisfying magnetic click will indicate a correct match has been made. Each matching fossil measures 3.03"W x 3.41"H x 1"D.
Insect Life Cycle Game - Investigate Bees, Ants, Butterfly and Firefly
Item: 70502
Status: In Stock
$44.95
3 years & up. Instant activity center for children to learn and begin to understand step by step the sequencing life cycles of 5 different insects. Game includes 2 laminated activity game boards along with 4 life cycles cards for each insect. An activity guide is included to show the many different ways to play the game and to get kids interested in the life cycle process.