The pursuit of science is a noble one at any age; a joy of exploration and well, bugs. While text books and science class provide a great background in scientific knowledge, the real fun comes from learning on your own. Give your child the tools they need to explore the wonders of science with a cool Biology toy. The right toy can not only help them understand Biology and improve their performance in science class, it can help them win the next science fair!
Biology
You may think of such classic bedroom staples as the Visible Man or a model of the brain when you hear about biology toys. But those would be anatomy toys, and that's a whole other guide all together. Biology toys are more about studying the biology of other creatures, preferably without harming them. Think ant farms, sea monkeys, dinosaur skeletons and detailed animal models. Owl pellets let you study the skeletal structure of small to large sized rodents while also studying the dietary habits of owls. And insect habitats let you watch insects like butterflies and lady bugs in a way that's safe for them and for the jumpier kids in the family. There are also magnifying glasses for up close observation after you catch the little creepy crawlies with a special vacuum, net or jar.
Safety
Always take care to pick age appropriate toys. Dissecting an owl pellet can be a bit creepy for younger kids and more than a little gross when you realize you're handling former-owl food. By that same token, an ant farm is great for little kids, but may bore older ones. Wear gloves and goggles whenever direct insect or animal contact is a possibility. You should also always look for potential choking hazards for the wee little ones.
