TEACHER'S
PICKS
Cool robots, giant germs, and fast cars! Science really is fun.
BEST FOR LITTLE SCI-FI FANS
With the Roamer Robot kids can formulate and test programs that make the robot accomplish various tasks. "The robot can be used to find perimeter, solve problems, strengthen cooperative learning techniques-and just have fun!"
www.valiant-technology.com; $279.95 per unit.
BEST FOR SCIENCE CENTERS
CenterStage makes science centers a breeze. "Kids can independently learn, practice, and reinforce concepts," says one tester. "Plus set-up and storage are simple."
www.etacuisenaire.com $595 per set; $249 per kit.
BEST FOR SHOWING OFF
This portable document camera is "phenomenal" raves our tester. "No more need to create transparencies! I can demonstrate science labs by opening the book and zooming
right in. It doesn't get much better than this!"
www.aver.com/ppd/v150.html; $599.
BEST FOR NO-MESS DISSECTION
Use this cross-section of a human heart to bring biology to life. Each area is labeled
on the inside. "The students love that they can take it apart to see the details," exclaims
our tester. "It's colorful and multilayered. Kids really get an idea of what's inside a human heart!"
www.learningresources.com; $14.95.
BEST FOR YOUR MADDEST SCIENTISTS
Biology, chemistry, and physics all in one box! "This kit takes the frustration out of science experiments. The manual is kid-friendly with large fonts and colorful graphics."
www.thamesandkosmos.com; $69.95.
BEST TWIST ON THE POP QUIZ
The Smartlab Challenge is great for inquiring minds. "There are over 1,000 questions about science and nature so it doesn't get boring," says a tester. Students can work alone, or pair up with an opponent for an even greater challenge. Best of all, "it's durable."
www.smartlabtoys.com; $19.99.
BEST NEXT-GEN MICROSCOPE
The ProScope magnifies images right onto a computer screen. "When used with an LCD projector, my whole class can easily view microscopic specimens. No more huddling
around a traditional microscope," says our tester.
www.elementary.vernier.com; $345.
BEST FOR HIGH-TECH CALCULATING
The FX-9860 graphic calculator comes with interactive games and 1.5 MB of Flash
memory. "With the USB attached, I can demonstrate its use to students," says a
tester. "Plus kids can connect to each others' calculators with the included cable."
www.casio.com; $80.
BEST WAY TO SPREAD GERMS SAFELY
The Giant Microbes are colorful and easy for small hands to manipulate. "We can pass them around to see how germs are transmitted," says our tester. They let kids get up close to something that usually can't be seen without a microscope."
www.giantmicrobes.com; $6-$8 each.
BEST SPOOKY SCIENCE
A hole in the palm of your hand? A barrel rolling uphill? Kids love the optical illusions and special effects in this kit. And they learn the science behind the magic, from balance to gravity, air pressure to magnetism. "Kids have a great time while gaining real science knowledge!" raves a tester.
www.educationalinsights.com; $40.
