Products Archive

Spy School – Secret Ciphers

Hide secrets in plain sight with invisible inks, codes, cyphers, and disguises with this “noteworthy” secret message kit for two!

The second installation in SmartLab’s hilarious, retro Spy School series, Spy School – Secret Ciphers includes two fully equipped secret message cases for spies in training. Each case contains everything two kids need to keep their secret messages top secret, including UV ink pens, UV lights, red filters, codes wheels, and more. From secret codes to secret folds, this kit has more than 30 undercover ways to write and send messages—even when people are watching!

Learn and practice real-world codes such as Caesar’s Cipher, the Dancing Man, Pigpen Code, Moon Code, and Zig Zag. Practice hand signals and use message masks to thwart “enemy” agents. Learn the science behind invisible inks, light waves, acids and bases, and fluorescence.

There’s so much to cover, you may need a clandestine meeting to test your skills!

Immersive intro to cryptography: Enter the fictional BREK Industries Spy School of Secret Ciphers, where kids use science to hide—and reveal—messages and learn to encode and decode information using codes and ciphers; the humorous illustrated instruction book provides guidance on ethical espionage
13-piece kit includes two sets of supplies—one for you, one for your spy partner: 2 decoy cases, 2 UV ink pens with UV lights, red filters, 2 red markers, 2 spray bottles, 4 code wheels, 2 phonetic code cards, 2 message masks, 2 decoder cards, and 24-page activity book
30+ sneaky secret message missions: The comical in-world activity book is packed with techniques for sharing secret messages and the science behind how they work; create an invisible message that appears when sprayed with grape juice while learning about acid-base reactions, make a hidden note that can only be read through a red filter as you learn how light waves make color, and more
Some projects require easy-to-find household ingredients: including baking soda, banana, dish soap, food coloring, lemon juice or vinegar, purple grape juice, purple or red cabbage, water, and white wax crayon
Perfect for budding cryptographers ages 8+: Great activity for sleepovers, play dates, and family fun nights

Aftershock! Earthquake Lab

Learn the science of structures and seismology as you construct different kinds of buildings and then test them against the multi-speed shake table just like a real engineer!

Did you know that skyscrapers can withstand some types of earthquakes better than a single-story house? Aftershock! Earthquake Lab gives you the information and materials you need to build dozens of different buildings. Once built, use the motorized, variable-speed shake table—modeled after the enormous versions that engineers use to test real structures and materials—and watch how your buildings handle quakes of different types, magnitudes, and durations.

The 24-page illustrated activity book explains the science of tectonic plates, types of faults, seismic waves, ghost forests, sea-floor volcanoes, the causes of earthquakes, and more! You’ll also discover the engineering tricks that provide structural stability for the tallest buildings in the deadliest quake zones.

Quaking, shaking, building-breaking educational fun: Use the panels and girders to build a range of different types of structures outlined in the guide, then test their stability with the multi-speed shake table based on real engineering equipment
53-piece kit includes a shake table modeled after the large-scale version used by real engineers: motorized dual-action shake machine with variable speed, 32 building girders, 9 floor panels, 8 wall panels, 1 base panel, 6 interchangeable quake keys, 3 interlocking power spines, sticker sheet, and 24-page illustrated science activity book
24-page activity book explains the science behind the fun: Investigate plate tectonics, seismic waves, what paleontology can tell us about the shifting of continents, the engineering behind earthquake-resistant buildings, and more as you construct and destruct your own buildings
All you need to add are three 1.5V AA (LR6) batteries, not included: Everything else you need to shake up some fun is there
Perfect for budding engineers and geophysicists ages 8+: Great activity for sleepovers, play dates, or family fun nights

Spa Lab Bath Bombs

It’s the bomb! This DIY science kit makes bath time magical with a kaleidoscope of fizzing colors, enveloping aromas, and foaming bubbles.

Featuring custom bath bomb molds, fizz powder, bubble powder, color, scent, liquid glycerin, and a book, Spa Lab Bath Bombs goes beyond the basics and promises a special surprise in every bomb. By experimenting with colors, different amounts of ingredients, and special molds, young scientists can make signature bath bombs that reflect their individual personalities and preferences.

As they create their own bath bombs, kids will learn about acids and bases, carbonate reactions, measurement, proportions, aromatherapy, color mixing, and skin care through hands-on explorations using the materials and components. Learn to create basic bath bombs using the sphere, flower, and bitty star and heart molds, plus more complex creations like the Crazy Daisy Flower Bomb that zips around the tub and produces lots of colors and foam and the Shooting Stars bomb that shoots stars as it floats across the water.

Supercharge your bath with science: This DIY bath bomb kit and Illustrated activity book offer hands-on explorations of basic science concepts, including acids and bases, carbonate reactions, measurement, proportions, and skin care
11-piece kit includes: Citric acid (250 grams, enough for 12 spheres or flowers and lots of minis!), bubble powder (20 grams), liquid glycerin (30 mL), mango fragrance (5 mL), Baja Blue colorant (3 mL), Flamingo Pink colorant (3 mL), sphere mold, flower mold, bitty star and heart bombs mold, and a 24-page illustrated activity book
20 dazzling recipes: Including basic spheres, flower shapes, and bitty bombs; more advanced Kinetic Bombs that roll and tumble as the colors swirl and mix, Bubble-icious Bombs, colorful Tie-Die Bombs, and Cosmic Bombs that foam, shimmer, and pop
Experiments require additional household items: You’ll need baking soda, cornstarch, a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and spoons for mixing; optional ingredients include easy-to-find items like candy or soap sprinkles, popping candy, dried flower petals, and essential oils
Perfect for budding scientists ages 8+: Great birthday party or sleepover activity, friends take home both a bath bomb prize and new scientific knowledge

Spy School – Sneaky Surveillance

Get ready to get sneaky with this immersive intro to spycraft!

This science kit gives you the tools and tips you need to learn how to be a master spy—but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The cleverly disguised decoy box contains cool spy tools, including a spy-decoder periscope (disguised as a pencil box), a microphone (disguised as a yo-yo), rear-view spy glasses, collapsible spy binoculars, a magnifying loupe, signal mirrors, a masked viewing prop (holes in the back of the book to spy through), and a hilarious in-world book with spy missions and challenges to test your skills.

Kids will have a blast using the periscope to stake out and covertly observe the happenings in their home, using their magni-scope to read microprinting on money, tailing a friend from the front with their rearview glasses, writing secret code messages to their spy partner with the Caesar Cipher built into the periscope, and more. Investigate, observe, and discover with Spy School – Sneaky Surveillance!

Immersive intro to spycraft: Enter the fictional BREK Industries Spy School, where kids learn how to use an array of sneaky spy equipment to complete secret missions and tackle surveillance changes while deepening their science knowledge and sharpening their observational skills; humorous illustrated instruction book provides guidance on ethical espionage
Includes 11 sneaky pieces + battery: Decoy spy storage case with hidden compartment, decoy pencil box periscope, two-in-one spy scope, decoy yo-yo microphone with earbud (with 1 x 1.5V LR44 [AG13] battery included), rearview sunglasses, 2 mirrors, 2 magnifier lenses, 24-page illustrated activity book with masked viewing prop; periscope and magni-scope require some simple assembly
Exciting STEAM learning: Kids learn about optics, the science of light, while using the mirrors, lenses, and rear-view glasses, and the science of sound while experimenting with the listening device; also learn how to use codes and ciphers and read profiles of famous spies from history
20 fun-filled spy-ence missions: Open the “Guide to Tournament Checkers & Other Board Games” to find a comical in-world sleuthing manual containing 20 fun missions, including fingerprint detection, reverse reading, backward observation, super-close observation, hidden mic surveillance, and more
Perfect for budding sleuths ages 8+

Tiny Baking!

Bake itty-bitty sweet treats and savory specialties using miniaturized baking tools and scaled-down recipes while learning big science facts!

With tiny culinary tools—including silicone finger mitts!—and recipes for teensy portions, kids will make petite versions of cupcakes, layer cakes, corn muffins, cinnamon rolls, deep dish pizza, and more as they explore the science and history behind chemical and thermal reactions, nutrition, states of matter in cooking and baking, and discover what turns gooey batter into melt-in-your-mouth cake. Science concepts include the Maillard reaction, pH, the importance of egg proteins in baking, and when to use different types of leavenings. Tiny Baking! gets an “A” for adorable!

Real food. Real science. Real fun! Bake itty-bitty pies, cupcakes, pastries, and pizzas using teeny-tiny tools and pans; learn why cakes rise, eggs get solid, and cookies smell delicious; baking set fits into an 5.2 x 3.4 x 2.2-inch tin to easily take to grandma’s house or a sleepover
17-piece tiny baking set includes: Storage tin with top, rolling pin, wee-knife, pizza/dough cutter, mixing spoon, 3 wee-spoons, mixing bowl, pizza/pie pan, pie server, sheet pan, silicone cake & cupcake molds, 2 silicone finger mitts, 48-page recipe book; recipes require household ingredients not included in this kit
48-page recipe book explains the science behind the yum: Tried-and-true recipes include explanations of how food chemistry works, like how the acid and base in baking powder start a reaction when liquid is added, producing gas bubbles to cause the batter to rise
20 enormously delicious recipes: Easy Teeny Frittata, Vanilla Cupcakes, Double-Decker Chocolate Cake, Buttercream Frosting, Chocolate Chip Cook-wees, Lattice-Crust Fruit Pie, Bits o’ Bacon Quiche, Deep Dish Pizza, Silly Little Monkey Bread Pie, and more
Perfect for budding food scientists 8+ years

Tiny Robots!

See how they go! Gear up with this adorable robotics kit that helps kids design and build miniature working machines from an assortment of real mechanical parts.

Mix and match axles, wheels, arms, legs, and gears in an innovative transparent chassis to create itty-bitty robots that walk, roll, crawl, spin, and more! Configure and reconfigure your robot invention in a variety of unique designs to perform different functions and tasks—each machine with its own funny function. This fun, hands-on approach to robotics applies STEAM activities to educate and entertain children about the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, gear ratios, and tiny machines.

The transparent gearbox allows kids to watch as the gears interact and create different types of motion. Upon completion of play, all the parts cleverly pack back into the clear chassis and head for easy transport and display.

Tiny robots, big science fun: Mini robotics kit with everything kids need to design and build miniature working machines from an assortment of real mechanical parts; travels easily for hours of play
Hands-on STEAM learning: Exciting intro to mini machines and robotics; experiment with gears, axles, movement, and balance; learn basic mechanical engineering—how to assemble robots, what makes them work; same content taught in beginning robotics STEAM clubs
15 suggested builds, endless possibilities: While a child’s imagination is the only limit, an enormous foldout engineering manual gives instructions for 15 motorized builds that walk, roll, crawl, spin, and more
26 pieces + batteries included: 3-piece chassis, 2-piece head, 5 gears, 3 axles, 5 wheels, 2 arms with grippers, 2 elbows, 2 legs, center roller, extender chassis, foldout instruction manual, 3 x 1.5V LR44 (AG13) batteries
Perfect for budding engineers ages 8+

Go Natural! Deluxe Lip Balm Lab

Craft your own all-natural beeswax lip balms in fun colors and flavors!

Go Natural! Deluxe Lip Balm Lab includes the tools and ingredients you need, including 100% natural beeswax, cotton candy flavoring, pink coloring, a creation station, six lip balm pods, and a book packed with recipes, techniques, and scientific explanations. The exclusive mix-and-melt silicone mold lets you mix, heat, and mold your ingredients in one component for a safer, mess-free experience. Use the measure-and-cut spoon to add the beeswax and a little cooking oil to the mold. Add the colors and flavors you want and heat in the microwave for less than a minute. For regular balms, just place a pod on the heated wax and let it harden. Voila!

As they create, young cosmetic scientists will learn about humectants and emollients and discover why water and oil don’t mix in the 16-page illustrated activity book featuring activities and scientific information. Add cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil from your kitchen for supremely soothing balms. Create custom flavors by adding baking chips such as cinnamon, chocolate, and pumpkin spice.

The slim, two-sided flip pods tuck easily into your pocket or purse. You can even make lip balms with colorful hearts, stripes, and polka dots! When you’re done for the day, everything stores in the creation station for easy cleanup. This kit makes a great gift and family activity.

All-natural ingredients, hands-on learning fun: This deluxe lip balm lab provides tools and ingredients to make all-natural, colorful, flavored lip balms at home—just add vegetable oil from the pantry and your choice of add-ins
Exclusive new travel pods: Exclusively designed travel pods can be attached with a carabiner to backpack, zipper pull, keychain, or purse; slim design slips into a jeans pocket but still can accommodate two different colors or flavors
Proprietary mix-and-melt silicone mold: Allows for one-step mixing and melting as well as easy cleanup in top rack of dishwasher
30-piece kit includes color and flavor: lab station, 3 sphere pods, 3 double-sided go pods, mix-and-melt silicone mold, all-natural beeswax pastilles, cotton candy flavoring, red mica colorant, measure-and-cut spoon, stir sticks, and a 16-page illustrated activity book
20 recipes, tips & techniques: Including the recipe flavors Deluxe Chocolate, Vanilla Cream, Hugs & Kisses, Tropical Breeze, and more; plus more advanced techniques for making custom two-color lip balms with hearts and polka dots
16-page activity book explains the science behind the beauty: Young scientists discover how lip balm works to keep lips smooth, why oil and water don’t mix, the role of honey in cosmetics, and more
Perfect for budding cosmetic scientists ages 8+: Great birthday party or sleepover activity, friends take home both a custom lip balm prize and new scientific knowledge

Outdoor Science Lab – Bugs, Dirt, & Plants

Explore the wide world of science right outside your door with this portable, all-in-one kit!

Outdoor Science Lab – Bugs, Dirt, & Plants is packed with more than 21 hands-on-activities and real science tools that invite kids to identify, classify, measure, test, and analyze the world around them. The kit features a clip-on macro lens compatible with your smartphones and tablets (not included). The lens allows for extreme close-ups of tiny creatures and objects.

The 32-page illustrated science book features experiments related to soil, bugs, rocks, plants, and water. Kids will discover how to test the pH of soil and rainwater, observe insect behavior under UV light, classify plants, and identify backyard animal tracks. They’ll also learn how plants breathe, why leaves change color, the importance of trees to life on Earth, and much more!

Exciting STEM learning in the great outdoors: Kids explore botany, geology, entomology, chemistry, physics, and hydrology with the specialized tools and activity book of this educational kit
Includes 17 pieces for exploring nature: Bug-Nabber bug catcher, UV night scope, night scope attachment clip, nature scope viewer with magnifying lens, macro lens with clip, macro lens focusing base, 2 collect & store compartments, beaker, 10 pH test strips, 2 take-along ID charts, and a 32-page science activity book
More than 21 hands-on nature activities, endless hours of outdoor fun: Science-based activities encourage kids to get outside and explore their yard, park, and schoolgrounds as they become dirt detectives, hunt for bugs, embark on plant quests, and more
Look! The custom macro lens clips onto any smart phone or tablet for extreme close-up photos and videos of bugs and insects; the image can be enlarged to fill the screen and reveal the smallest details
Collect! Includes a large bug nabber for safely catching and releasing insects
Discover! Take-along identification charts help young scientists identify and categorize common plants, insects, fungi, and rocks
Perfect for budding scientists ages 8+: Great, portable activities for play dates, sleepovers, family outings, and at-home learning

Kitchen Science Lab

With real science tools and a book of action-packed STEAM activities, conduct exciting experiments that fizz, pop, change color, disappear, crystallize, defy gravity, shrink, grow, and EXPLODE!

Can water move uphill? What’s the structure of a bubble? What makes slime so slimy? With Kitchen Science Lab, find out the answers to these questions and more as you make alien eyeballs, marshmallow monsters, invisible ink, marbled paper, and glowing slimes! This exciting science kit includes a sink that can be used for both experiments and storage, and a shelf that doubles as a test-tube rack. Kitchen chemistry allows for open-ended, trial-and-error experimentation using common household ingredients and some uncommon ones that are provided. Mixing acids and bases to create geysers of foam, layering fluids of different densities to create a vertical rainbow, experimenting with osmosis and surface tension—these are the building blocks of scientific exploration and discovery.

The 36-page science book features 40 science experiments. As you experiment, you’ll explore the science principles of osmosis, density, capillary action, cross-linked polymers, non-Newtonian fluids, surface tension, spherification, fluorescence, superabsorbent polymers, and more. Kitchen Science Lab is a great parent-child activity kit and is the perfect introduction to basic kitchen chemistry.

40 STEAM activities to amaze & astound: From Alien Eyeballs to Yeasty Beasties, conduct awesome science experiments using the specialized tools and ingredients in this kit along with ingredients from your own kitchen
25-piece kit even includes the kitchen sink: Kitchen Sink of Science, Kitchen Science Shelf of Activity (fits into the Sink), large beaker (400 mL), Erlenmeyer flask, petri dish, graduated cylinder (60 mL), small beaker (120 mL), test tubes, pipette (160 mm), funnel, balloon, plastic tubing (30 cm), syringe (10 mL), stirring sticks, pH strips, sodium alginate (10 g), expanding polymer spheres (10 g), glow-in-the-dark powder (1 g), and 36-page illustrated book packed with experiments
Kitchen sink experiment platform doubles as storage: Use the Kitchen Sink of Science as your lab station, then use it to keep the lab equipment corralled when not in use
Includes hard-to-find ingredients: Though some experiments require household ingredients not included
36-page book explains the science behind the fun: Learn the scientific principles of capillary action, surface tension, density, osmosis, polymers, crystals, non-Newtonian fluids, acids and bases, and more
Perfect for budding scientists ages 8+: Great for play dates, birthday parties, sleepovers, and family nights

Storm Watcher Weather Lab

Storm Watcher Weather Lab is SmartLab Toys’ new and improved all-in-one weather monitoring kit for the budding meteorologist.

Ever wonder where storms come from? Or what causes lightning? Or what those symbols on the weather map mean? This all-in-one weather kit answers your questions about weather and gives you the information you need to predict the next big storm.

The lab base lets you conduct experiments involving wind speed, wind direction, temperature, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, the water cycle, evaporation, the greenhouse effect, acid rain, drought, and more. The 32-page book gives kids a thorough understanding of what causes local weather and how it relates to climate change. A cloud identification chart and weather tracker ideas will have children challenging their local weatherman for the most accurate predictions!

Exciting hands-on STEM learning: Kids discover the science behind weather patterns with their own weather station, complete with real weather instruments and an illustrated book packed with engaging experiments
16 pieces for weather-detecting fun: Weather station base, lab station with experiment wells for a condensation station and filtration station, weather vane, rain gauge, anemometer, compass, wide test tube, thermometer with hygrometer, and a 32-page illustrated activity book packed with information about extreme weather
18 wild weather experiments, outdoor & indoor: Explore the weather year-round guided by the vibrantly illustrated lab book; kids will learn the difference between weather and climate, make a barometer, test for acid rain, identify clouds, discover how acidification of the oceans impacts sea life, and become familiar with the Enhanced Fujita Scale for tornadoes
Includes a rainwater filtration station: The expanded experimentation base includes a filtration station to illustrate the purification of rain into groundwater
Perfect for budding meteorologists ages 7+: Great for homeschooling, play dates, birthday parties, sleepovers, and family fun