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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.

Specimen Stones: Bugs - 9 Stones
Item: 38033
Status: In Stock
$64.95
2 years & up. Support collaborative conversation and exploratory play with this durable set of  9 bug specimens in a shatter-resistant acrylic. Set includes 9 authentic specimens; wasp, bee, butterfly, ladybeetle, scorpion, cricket, pill bug, june beetle, and spider. Double-sided reference cards included with the set offer vivid images and fun facts to deepen observation, vocabulary, and scientific curiosity. Ideal for <strong>classroom science centers</strong>, discovery tables, or early childhood STEM activities, these specimen stones encourage children to observe, compare, and discuss the natural world. Each stone measures 2.25"L x 1.5"W x 1"H.  Also pair perfectly with the Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand (sold separately) for easy display and group learning.
Specimen Stones: Creepy Crawlers - 9 Stones
Item: 301316
Status: In Stock
$49.95
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.
Specimen Life Cycle Puzzle - Butterfly
Item: 301320
Status: In Stock
$59.95
2 years and up. Show children the life cycle of a butterfly with this Specimen Life Cycle Puzzle. Each piece features an authentic specimen that depicts a life stage. Children must correctly connect the pieces to one another to see the butterfly's life cycle from start to finish. As children assemble the puzzle, they will engage in early scientific exploration that can help create a lifelong love of nature. Largest piece measures 2.1"W x 1"H x 2.4"D; smallest piece measures 1.25"W x .6"H x 1.4"D.
Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand
Item: 38036
Status: In Stock
$68.95
Beautifully display the pieces from the Specimen Stones sets (sold separately) using the durable, beechwood Specimen Stone Tabletop Stand. Keep a complete set of 9 stones visible and organized during and between supplemental lessons using this easy-to-use display.
Specimen Life Cycle Puzzles - Honey Bee
Item: 301329
Status: In Stock
$59.95
2 years and up. Bring in-depth nature exploration to the classroom with the Honey Bee Specimen Life Cycle Puzzle. Using 4 acrylic pieces, this puzzle shows the honey bee's life cycle from start to finish. To see the whole cycle, children must correctly arrange and connect the pieces. As they put the puzzle together, children will engage in early scientific exploration that can help create a lifelong love of nature. Largest piece measures 2.1" W x 1"H x 2.4"D ; smallest piece measures 1.25"W x .6"H x 1.4"D.
Specimen Stones: Sea Creatures - 9 Stones
Item: 38034
Status: In Stock
$69.95
2 years & up. Durable set of sea creature specimens in shatter-resistant acrylic. Set includes 9 authentic specimens; sea star, shrimp, sea anemone, brown algae, hermit crab, crab, seahorse, tiger barb, and red algae. 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).
Magnetic Matching Aquatic Life Fossil Stones - Set of 8
Item: 302268
Status: In Stock
$59.95
2 years & up. Ignite scientific curiosity with the Magnetic Matching Aquatic Life Fossil Stones - Set of 8 from Kaplan Early Learning Company - a hands-on STEM learning activity that combines tactile play and discovery. Designed for young explorers ages 2+, this educational set features 8 pairs of magnetic stones that open to reveal lifelike fossil imprints of aquatic species. Kids build early science skills like shape recognition, matching, fine motor coordination, and scientific vocabulary while engaging with realistic textures and a naturalistic color palette. Perfect for classrooms, science centers, and home learning environments.
Specimen Stones: Plants - 9 Stones
Item: 38035
Status: In Stock
$49.95
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).
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.
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.
Sensory Leaf Tiles - Set of 12
Item: 32446
Status: In Stock
$44.95
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".
Specimen Life Cycle Puzzles - Moth
Item: 301328
Status: In Stock
$59.95
2 years and up. Put nature in children's hands with the Moth Specimen Life Cycle Puzzle. Each acrylic piece in this puzzle displays a different stage of the moth's life cycle. Children must correctly connect the pieces together to see the whole life cycle. As they investigate how a moth becomes a moth, children will engage in early scientific exploration that can help create a lifelong love of nature. Largest piece measures 2.1"W x 1"H x 2.4"D; smallest piece measures 1.25"W x .6"H x 1.4"D.
Play & Explore Bug Stones - 8 Pieces
Item: 63566
Status: In Stock
$34.95
2 years & up. Support children's growing understanding of the world around them with this realistic set of 8 bugs. Set includes an ant, beetle, butterfly, centipede, dragonfly, ladybug, spider and woodlouse. Made from a special stone mix for added durability makes these bugs perfect for outdoor use. Each stone measures approximately 3.5". Magnifying glass and brushes are not included.
Sensory Play Stones: Birds - 8 Pieces
Item: 300921
Status: In Stock
$34.95
2 years & up. Enable play to take flight with this stunning collection of Sensory Play Stones: Birds. The tactile, realistic detailing will inspire curiosity and conversation while providing lots of wonderful sensory feedback. Sturdy bases make the birds versatile for imaginary play and create solid foundations for children's vocabulary and storytelling skills to grow. To top it all off, the birds are easy to clean and able to withstand water, soil, mud, and clay. Set features 8 different types of birds.
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.
Specimen Stones: Fossils - 9 Stones
Item: 301315
Status: In Stock
$64.95
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.
Light and Color: Toddler Loose Parts STEM Kit
Item: 38012P
Status: In Stock
$299.95 - $329.95
18 months & up. The possibilities of discovery are multiplied when rich variables are at children's fingertips. Light and Color: Toddler Loose Parts STEM Kit is a laboratory of opportunity to experiment and explore various shapes of different colors that enhance light play.
See Options for Light and Color: Toddler Loose Parts STEM Kit
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.
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.
Big Bones Set - 20 Pieces
Item: 300654
Status: In Stock
$54.95
2 years & up. Encourage experimentation and curiosity with an authentically inspired set of Big Bones. Exploration of big bones can be an engaging and educational experience for young children, sparking their curiosity about the natural world and fostering a deeper understanding of anatomy, history and science. Children can take this easy-to-clean, weighted set outside for exploration with messy materials like dirt, mud, or water, or use inside during loose parts activities. A variety of lengths encourages the discovery of size relationships, counting, and patterning.
Sensory Prehistoric Teeth Stones and Activity Cards Set
Item: 301591P
Status: In Stock
$39.95 - $79.95
2 years and up. Introduce children to the creatures that roamed the earth long ago. This collection of prehistoric teeth and activity cards gives children an in-depth look at prehistory. The teeth enable children to see and feel the anatomy of ancient animals, and the cards locate the teeth in their contexts by showing children what the animals looked like, how big they were, and what they ate.
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Itsy Bitsies Plush Spotted Owls - Set of 3
Item: 142709
Status: In Stock
$29.95
These cute little owls are a great addition to a child's toy collection! Encourages dramatic play and imagination. Learn about different types of owls and their habitats with cute cuddly stuffed animals. Set includes 3 cuddly owls measuring 4.5 " each. Perfect size for little one's to cuddle with, not only at home, but on the go as well!
Organic Pattern Rollers: Mushroom
Item: 301332
Status: In Stock
$39.95
2 years and up. Create beautiful, nature-inspired designs with this set of 6 Mushroom Organic Pattern Rollers. Each roller in this set has its own unique patterns that children can stamp or roll onto malleable substances like sand, clay, and play dough. These rollers will enable children to make their own unique imprint on their surroundings while also developing fine motor skills and creative thinking skills.
Vinnie Banana Slug 8" Plush
Item: 300930
Status: Only 13 left
$16.95
$14.95
2 years & up. Encourage an interest in science with Vinnie Banana Slug 8" Plush. Help children learn about different types of bugs, their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors with this cute and cuddly critter. For children who may feel fearful or apprehensive about insects, playing with Vinnie may help desensitize their fear and promote a more positive attitude towards these creatures. Vinnie Banana Slug is made with 100% recycled stuffing and covered in super soft plush.