The following references might be useful

100 Billion Suns : The Birth, Life, and Death of the Stars
Rudolf Kippenhahn

100x, 300x, 600x Microscope
For a rudimentary introduction to what a microscope can do, this Educational Insights toy fills the bill. At 8.25 inches high, it's small and bone simple. You can change the magnification (100x, 300x, or 600x), flip from mirror to battery-powered lamp illumination, and adjust the focus knob (which raises and lowers the combined eyepiece/lens unit). Two slides--plants and animals--are included, with four preparations on each one. If you want to look at something besides goldfish scales and bamboo shoots, there are three glass slides, tweezers, and a plastic dropper for concocting your own preparations (dust bunnies? spider legs?). Although the optics don't approach those of a professional microscope, the price doesn't compare either. And you get a good idea of the differences among levels of magnification. Extra bulb included.

3D Eyewitness: Reptile
No need for special eyeglasses! These amazing objects, invisible to the naked eye and photographed by a special process, can be seen "in the round"--like magic--with a mirror viewer supplied with each title. Full color.

3D Solar System Glow Sculpture Set
There's a sense from the toy's name--3-D Solar System Glow Sculpture Set--that twirling planets will revolve around your child's room, humming with the music of the spheres. Really, this fine starter set consists of half-spheres that can be tacked to the wall. They do glow in the dark, after a brief exposure to a light bulb, and are differentiated enough with color to help a child identify the nine planets plus the sun. The back of the kit includes a handy planet chart and a brief disclaimer about the actual scale, and distances apart, of the real heavenly bodies

42" Solar Mobile
The budding, serious astronomer will love this solar-system mobile that features actual NASA photographs. The planets, made of thick, high-quality card stock, are double-sided, highlighting each orb's individual colors and features. The accompanying 16-page guidebook is a great primer and includes some nice passages like, "Perhaps you will someday rocket from Earth to land on the moons, race the comets, or play tag with Saturn's rings." It's enough to make any mobile watcher and potential astronaut starry-eyed

A Beginner's Guide to Scientific Method
Stephen S. Carey

A Brief History of Time
Stephen W Hawking

A History of God : The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Karen Armstrong

A Short History of Byzantium
John Julius Norwich

A Short History of Planet Earth : Mountains, Mammals, Fire and Ice
J. D. MacDougall
This survey of four and a half billion years of Earth's past is a splendid introduction to geology and paleontology for the lay reader. Macdougall, a professor of earth science at the Scripps Oceanographic Institution (UC-San Diego), takes us step-by-step through the geologic time scale. Clues to the past lie in rocks, in oxygen isotopes and on the ocean floor. Macdougall traces the rise of continents and the origins of life in each era. He discusses tectonic plates, the major extinctions and their probable causes, climate and the Ice Ages, and he speculates on the future of our planet. To compress Earth's history into a single, lucidly written volume is a major achievement.

A Tour of the Subatomic Zoo : A Guide to Particle Physics
Cindy Schwarz, Sheldon Glashow

A World of Animals CD-ROM

A World of Dinosaurs CD-ROM

Ace's Exambusters Biology Study Cards
Prepare for standardized tests such as AP Biology, NTE core, GED, CLEP, SAT II Biology, MCAT, ASVAB, N.Y. Regents. Appropriate for high school or introductory college courses.

Ace's Exambusters Chemistry Study Cards
Prepare for standardized tests such as AP Chemistry, NTE core, GED, CLEP, SAT II Chemistry, MCAT, ASVAB, N.Y. Regents. Appropriate for high school or introductory college courses.

Ace's Exambusters Earth Science/Geology Study Cards

Ace's Exambusters World/European History Study Cards

Adventures in Science: Exciting Electricity

After the First Three Minutes : The Story of Our Universe
T. Padmanabhan
How does our Universe evolve? And how did structures like stars and galaxies form? In recent years, scientists' understanding of these profound questions has developed enormously. This book presents a clear and detailed picture of contemporary cosmology for the general reader.

After Thought : The Computer Challenge to Human Intelligence
James Bailey

AI; The Tumultuous History of the Search for Artificial Intelligence
Daniel Crevier

Alien Slime Lab
This unique chemistry set is wacky, messy fun for Area 51 believers and skeptics alike, as long as they have a healthy sense of humor. With adult supervision, kids can analyze evidence of alien life forms such as alien blood slime, alien fingerprints, and an alien skin sample for electrical conductivity, pH, and protein, carbohydrate, fat, water, iron, ammonia content. The controls are kids' own blood, fingerprints, and skin cells. The kit comes complete with all the needed ingredients, and even protective goggles and safety gloves. A 28-page lab booklet serves as a painless introduction to scientific data recording, while stressing precautions for safety. Chemistry has never been so much fun. (Ages 10 to 15)

Ancient Iraq (3rd edition)
Georges Roux

Android Epistemology
Kenneth M. Ford (Editor)
Can machines be designed to reason, create, and act on preferences and desires?

Animals Without Backbones
Ralph Buchsbaum et al

Ant Colony
Every nascent myrmecologist will want one of these cool plastic ant colonies. The kit comes with a colony module (8.75 inches wide, 6.25 inches tall, and 0.5 inches thick) divided into an aboveground section (with a small plastic cityscape) and a part that goes below ground (with pictures of tunnels). Fill the lower half with the included digging sand, and add some ants. You can either collect them from the backyard (though the kit warns that certain ants can sting or bite) or order them using the included ant-redemption coupon. Without a queen you won't get baby ants--the manufacturer is prohibited by law from shipping queens so you must find your own if you want one--but you will get to see all the efforts of the worker ants, including tunneling and feeding. The set also includes food, tweezers, and a water dropper feeder. Detailed instructions tell you about ants, and about safe handling procedures. Note that ants can only be shipped in the continental U.S., and that shipments can take 4 to 6 weeks, or longer in extreme cold weather. An experience that's not at all improved by also renting the 1950's horror movie Them

Ant Ranch
Fun, interesting and educational. Ants are fascinating to watch because of their complex social behavior. Ant Ranch provides an excellent way of keeping and watching ants. Ant Ranch will be a busy, bustling Antropolis. Set includes sand, ant collection module, jumbo ant ranch, food supply, tweezers, eye dropper, instruction manual and redemption coupon for a supply of ants.

Astronomy : A Beginner's Guide to the Universe
Steve McMillan, Eric J. Chaisson

Astronomy : From the Earth to the Universe
Jay M. Pasachoff
Fat textbook on astronomy

Astronomy : The Evolving Universe
Michael Zeilik

At Home in the Universe : The Search for Laws of Self-Organization and Complexity
Stuart A. Kauffman
Kauffman has done more than anyone else to supply the key missing piece of the propensity for self-organization that can join the random and the deterministic forces of evolution in a satisfactory theory of life's order. - Steven Jay Gould

Atmosphere, Climate, and Change
Thomas E. Graedel, Paul Crutzen

Barron's Regents Exams and Answers : Earth Science
Earth Science is one of the most valuable tools in studying for the New York state regents exam in Earth Science. It has many of the past regents to practice from, answers explained, and tips for when you take the regents. In the answers explained section it will tell you why the answer is right and even why other answers are wrong!

Basic Chemistry (7th Edition)
G. William Daub et al

Basic Microbiology (8th edition)
Wesley A. Volk, Jay Brown

Basic Relativity
Richard A. Mould

Before the Beginning : Cosmology Explained
George Francis Rayner Ellis, Peter H. Collins

Before the Beginning : Our Universe and Others
Martin J. Rees

Beginner's Guide to the Sun
Peter O. Taylor,
Do astronomy during the daytime.

Beginnings : The Story of Origins, of Mankind, Life, the Earth, the Universe
Isaac Asimov

Beyond Humanity : Cyberevolution and Future Minds
Gregory S. Paul, Earl Cox

Big Bang
Heather Couper et al
A Dorling Kindersley illustrated book for children (and adults)

Biochemistry (4th edition)
Lubert Stryer

Biogenesis : Theories of Life's Origin
Noam Lahav
Biogenesis is a detailed, critical discussion of the modern scientific study of the origin of life, its history and biological, geological, and cosmological background, the rationale of its main assumptions and experimental strategies, and its plethora of theories, model, scenarios, and controversies

Black Holes
Heather Couper et al
A Dorling Kindersley illustrated book for children (and adults)

Bonz Tyrannosaurus (Large)
B.C. Bones 3-D puzzle kits are made from 51 to 63 pieces of premium Balticbirch. All parts are interlocking- no hardware or glue required. Each kit comes with reconstruction map, wooden rock hammer, and sandpaper.

Bug Catcher

Bug House
Enjoy exploring the great outdoors with this nifty Bug Box. Use it to collect and examine all kinds of insects--caterpillars, butterflies, beetles, you name it. Drop the bugs in from the top of the sturdy red and blue plastic box and inspect them through the clear plastic window. There's a large air vent on the side to give your specimens fresh air, and lots of room inside to accommodate twigs and leaves. When you're done, just open the lid and gently drop them back off in their neighborhood. The lightweight box comes with a useful carrying strap and measures 5.5 inches tall by 6.5 inches wide. (Ages 3 to 10)

Bug Hut
The bugs will line up to live in this delightful Bug Hut! The blue and green plastic bottom and ends measure 8 by 5.5 inches, not including the cheerful red plastic handle. Soft mesh screening makes it easy to observe the creepy crawlies from almost any angle. One end features a clear plastic door with a little red knob. Put out a bug-size welcome mat--and explore the world of insects! It's light and easy to carry when it's time for show and tell. (Ages 3 to 10)

Build a Telescope: Galileo
Galileo looked to the stars in wonder. His curiosity put Earth in its place when he finally convinced the world that the sun is the center of our universe. Explore the planets and stars like the first astronomers. Make a telescope modeled on Galileo's 16th century designs. Recreate the world's first thermometer, and investigate the motion of pendulums.

Butterfly Garden
Witness the miracle of live butterfly metamorphosis first hand. Watch caterpillars mature, change into chrysalides, emerge into butterflies, then release them. The kit includes a butterfly house, a mail-away certificate for live caterpillars, instructions and more.

Cannibals and Kings : The Origins of Cultures
Marvin Harris
By the distinguished American anthropologist this study shows how the endless varieties of cultural behavior -- often so puzzling at first glance -- can be explained as adaptations to particular ecological conditions.

Capitalism and Freedom
Milton Friedman

Chemistry
Steven S. Zumdahl

Colonialism and Development
Michael Havinden

Colonialism/Postcolonialism (The New Critical Idiom)
Ania Loomba

Comets and the Origin and Evolution of Life
Paul J. Thomas (editor)

Comets, Asteroids and Meteorites (Starting With Space Series)
Cynthia Pratt Nicolson, Bill Slavin (Illustrator)
Ages 9-12

Communism, Fascism, and Democracy : The Theoretical Foundations
Carl Cohen

Complete Space and Astronomy CD-ROM

Continents in Motion : The New Earth Debate
Walter Sullivan

Cosmic Crusader Science Kit
For star-seekers big and small, the Cosmic Crusader is an adult-quality telescope at a child's toy price. The sturdily constructed telescope comes equipped with a dozen hallmarks of good design, including a top-scope 6x target finder; easily interchangeable 50x and 100x lenses; a diagonal mirror housing for more comfortable periscope viewing; a big focus knob; and a sturdy metal tripod. The kit includes a separate star-finder map that lights up in the dark and comes with four maps for each season plus a map of the moon. The Crusader works best with a table to perch it on (the tripod's only 12 inches tall) and, of course, a clear night. (Ages 8 and older)

Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches : The Riddles of Culture
Marvin Harris

Cradle of Life : The Discovery of Earth's Earliest Fossils
J. William Schopf

Crash and Burn Chemistry

Dangerous Flora (Encyclopedia of Danger)
Missy Allen
I've not seen this book but it sounds like fun.

Democracy in America
Alexis De Tocquevil

Design Your Own Solar System Kit
This kit contains everything you need to create your own solar system!

Dictionary of Geological Terms
From Aa toZweikanter, this popular dictionary has now been revised and updated. This edition includes over 1,000 new terms plus: -accurate definitions without technical jargon -many word origins -hyphenation and pronunciation guide -commonly used abbreviations -a geologic time and life chart The definitions in this book are drawn largely from the autoritative 36,000-term Glossary Of Geology, to which nearly 150 specialists from all fields of the geosciences contributed. Both the Glossary and this Dictionary were prepared as a service of the American Geological Institute, a federation of geoscience societies united to provide information to the science community and the public

Dinosaur Egg Hunt
You're familiar with the movie toy tie-in; this may be the first magazine toy tie-in. National Geographic uses an article (reproduced in the kit) on the discovery of fossilized dinosaur eggs to guide kids on their own dino egg hunt. A replica of a 10-inch therizinosaur egg comes with a plastic mallet, chisel, fine brush, and (needed) safety goggles. Kids chip away at the soft chalky part of the egg to find the baby dino skeleton underneath. The tools aren't all they could be; the chisel tip isn't exactly a power drill when it comes to digging out the dino, but then again, patience and persistence are a paleontologist's most important tools. A full afternoon of chisel-whacking fun. (Ages 7 to 10)-

Discovery Channel Coral Reef Adventure Activity Kit
Budding artists and undersea lovers will enjoy this kit from the Discovery Channel. Kids can use tropical colored paper, stencils, and stickers to create a variety of fish art projects. Easy-to-follow instructions are peppered with interesting facts about sea life. The kit can be used to make cards and murals, to design book covers, to decorate bulletin boards, and more. Contents include 40 sheets of colorful construction paper, 12 sea creature stencils, 2 sheets of fish-feature stickers, 12 colored pencils, 8 washable markers, 8 crayons, a glue stick, a pair of blunt scissors, and a pad of art paper. (Ages 5 and older)

Discovery Channel Deadly Kiss
Everybody's heard of the black widow spider, and most people know about the deadly abilities of the scorpion, but what about the blue-ringed octopus? What about the exotic zebra fish or the poison dart frog? These five creatures are some of the most deadly in the world, and the Discovery Channel has brought them all together in this five-pack of brightly colored rubber models. They'd make a great gift for children with exotic tastes in wildlife.

Discovery Channel Dinosaur King: Styracosaurus

Discovery Channel Shark Tooth Fossil Dig Adventure Kit
Aspiring archeologists can dig and uncover their own fossilized shark-tooth replica with this Fossil Dig adventure kit. The kit includes a 3.5-by-5-inch sedimentary block with a fossilized shark-tooth replica hidden inside, a plastic chisel and brush, an instruction sheet that explains how to dig out the fossil, and a fact sheet with interesting information about sharks. We found the chisel to be functional but a little flimsy for the job. The excavation process itself, like a real excavation, is laborious and requires persistence. It may take several digging sessions to remove the fossil. Nonetheless, this kit provides an intriguing and realistic introduction to archaeology

Discovery Collections: Fossils

Earth : Evolution of a Habitable World
Jonathan I. Lumine et al

Earth and Other Planets : Geology and Space Research (New Encyclopedia of Science)
Peter John Cattermole
Describing in readily-understood words and pictures the nature of the solar system, from its origins and evolution to the Earth's plate movements, atmosphere and geography, and natural disasters. Includes sophisticated graphics and glossy color photographs, along with useful timelines and handy facts.

Earth Story : The Shaping of Our World
Simon Lamb, David Sington
Based on an eight-part BBC series that will be broadcast on The Learning Channel beginning in November 1998, this lavishly illustrated book focuses on the views of contemporary scientists who have changed the way we think about the world, tracing the complex and fascinating relationship between man and Earth.

It asks such questions as: When and how was the Earth formed? What is the link between earthquakes, volcanoes and the creation of the continents? How do mountains affect our climate? What triggers Ice Ages?

Earth System History
Steven M. Stanley
Designed for a new generation of readers, Stanley's Earth System History is a reforging of his Exploring Earth and Life Through Time. Adopting an earth system approach throughout, Earth System History shows students how Earth's ecosystem has developed over time and how events in the past provide a perspective for dealing with present and future change. Clear and concise, this introduction to historical geology is perfect for one-term non-majors courses.

Earth, Time, and Life : An Introduction to Physical and Historical Geology
Charles W. Barnes

Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, 6th Edition
Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens
An all-new, groundbreaking media package brings to life the latest edition of the best-selling Earth by Ed Tarbuck and Fred Lutgens. A text-dedicated website, new GEODe II CD-ROM (Included with every copy of the text!), and more provide complete, state-of-the-art multimedia support for both students and instructors. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, Sixth Edition retains the hallmarks professors have come to expect from Tarbuck and Lutgens--a student-friendly writing style, carefully crafted illustrations by Dennis Tasa that are geologically accurate and visually appealing, and coverage of the most recent geologic events.

Eartha Global Explorer 1.0 CD-ROM
Explore detailed shaded relief maps made from DeLorme's enhanced satellite imagery Search the world for cities, mountains, rivers, and more Plan overseas travels--create plane, rail, or road-ferry routes Let Floyd, your animated travel agent, point out interesting places along your route Utilize global GPS compatibility

Earthmate GPS Receiver
Faster satellite acquisition times and outstanding performance Arrow shows your position in real time on street-level maps Durable housing with a moisture-resistant seal, designed to withstand a wide variety of road conditions Pick any 2 points on the map and have Street Atlas USA create an address-to-address route Use Earthmate with Topo USA, Topo USA 2.0, 3-DC TopoQuads, Eartha Global Explorer, or AAA Map'n'Go

Electronics CD-ROM

Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs
Kevin Padian
Good illustrated reference work.

Encyclopedia of Nature/Science Bundle CD-ROMS

Explore Life's Diversity: Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin, the 19th-century naturalist who revolutionized biology with his theory of evolution, believed that there were three stages on the road to becoming a naturalist: collecting specimens of life forms, observing specimens, and drawing conclusions based on observations. The Charles Darwin Kit, one in Scientific Explorer's History of Science series, guides children through each stage with a series of experiments and activities. They can catalog life in their backyards using biodiversity cards, grow wildflowers, and even design a new bird species. Includes magnifier, forceps, petri dishes, collection box, starter pots, wildflower seeds, labels, and other equipment necessary for investigating the amazing diversity of life in the backyard

Explorer Telescope
High-quality, 15-power, extendible telescope for star-gazing, bird watching and more.

Exploring Earth and Life Through Time
Steven M. Stanley

Familiar Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Pocket Guide)
Peter Katsaros

Fascism : Past, Present, Future
Walter Laqueur

Five Kingdoms : An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth
Lynn Margulis et al
Major overview of animal groups

Fossils (Eyewitness Handbooks)
Cyril Alexander Walker, David J. Ward

Future (Eyewitness Books (Library))
Michael Tambini

Galactic Explorer (50x-100x Refracting Telescope)
This lightweight, attractive, plastic telescope is 24 inches long and has a 45mm objective doublet lens (the wide end of the instrument). A pair of eyepieces, one for 50x magnification and the other for 100x, are easily attached to a diagonal mirror housing, through which refracted images transpose to right-side-up positions for viewing. A floor-standing tripod is full-size, and an attached finderscope makes it easy to get your bearings while looking up at the night sky. Images are crisp and startlingly large to look at. This is a fine first telescope for any child eager for a deeper look at what's out there. Moon-viewing tips are included with the instructions. Assembly is simple and quick. (Ages 8 and older)

Galaxy Guide
Measuring just under 7 inches across, this compact, rounded learning toy is an excellent beginner's guide to navigating around the night sky. Remove one of the 12 seasonal star maps from its storage pocket, place it in the Galaxy Guide's central bowl, adjust the map to point to the north on the inset compass, and adjust the red light underneath for your night vision. You're then ready to start mapping all of the major constellations and learning not only their names but also how to recognize the planets of our solar system. As an added bonus, there's a night guide to the full moon for those nights when lunar light makes star-watching a bit tricky. An included handbook also contains other helpful hints to star-gazing and a Planetary Finder Chart that will help you find our partners in the solar system through the end of 2001. Please note that the Galaxy Guide's star maps are designed for use in the northern hemisphere

Garmin GPS III Plus Personal Navigator
High performance feature set Graphical U.S. city-and-highway atlas Tough waterproof case Supports downloadable Garmin MapData

General Chemistry
Linus C. Pauling

General Relativity
Robert M. Wald
Advanced textbook on this difficult subject

Glacial Geology : How Ice Shapes the Land
Jon Erickson

Glorious Constellations 1,000-piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Glow in the Dark 18" Solar Mobile
Sometimes simple is better, and that's the case with this mini mobile. The actual NASA reproductions have been treated to glow in the dark, and the whole thing fits into a smaller space than most other mobiles. A solar system fact sheet that is not much more than statistics is included. As part of some toy-disclosure initiative, the packagers have also included the disappointing but true fact that to be accurate, the Pluto piece of the mobile would have to be the size of a grain of sand and hang 1.5 miles away

Glow in the Dark 3D Earth and Moon
Remember the flat, glow-in-the-dark, stick-on stars that were all the rage a few years ago? Unstick 'em. These days, 3-D is the only way to go for a truly astronomical experience. Start a new glow-in-the-dark solar system with this set of the earth and its only moon. In light, they look like well-photographed, stick-on pictures of the big blue marble and its crater-filled moon. At night, however, they magically come to life and take on a realistic, lunar-like glow that mesmerizes and sparks the imagination of young astronomers. (Ages 5 and older)

Glow in the Dark 3D Insects
Budding entomologists and model builders will be tickled silly (or is that buggy?) with these 3-D glow-in-the-dark stand-up insects. Included are representations of a mantis, a spider, a scorpion, a grasshopper, a bee, and a butterfly. The assembly is very simple, perfect for kids ages 6 and older. These creepy crawlies will probably act as sentries on your child's dresser. Imagination is allowed here as well, because the insect parts can be mixed and matched to create all kinds of new insects

Glow in the Dark Mars Ball
While this inflatable model of Mars won't help to solve current scientific debate about the possibility of life on our neighboring planet (or even whether Mars is red or actually sort of an orange sherbet color), it's still got a lot to offer. First, it's easy to inflate using the included straw, and with a bit of mouth dexterity, the plug slips right in. Next, once inflated to its full 8 inches it's got some serious bounce to it, and the textured craters on its surface make it fun to grab and hold. And finally, despite its orangey-red color, it glows eerily in the dark for up to half an hour with a strange color quite unlike most other glow-in-the-dark toys. A fun item that would be the official ball of the Martian Foogleball Team--if life had ever evolved on Mars to the point of creating the sport of Foogleball

Glow in the Dark Tubs of Stars: Medium Stars 400-piece Tub
We've always been a little envious of kids whose ceilings have those tiny stars and planets that simulate a night sky in lovely green glow-in-the-dark phosphorescence. Then we saw the stars that come in this plastic tub--each an inch-and-a-half across--and we knew who the victors of this particular "star wars" were going to be. Each five-pointed celestial body comes with a button of nontoxic adhesive stuck in its center, strong enough to attach with a simple press to a wall or ceiling. The only problem you may have is trying to figure out where to put all 400 of them!

Goose Eggs Hot Frosty Science Kit
From the Wild Goose 3 in 1 Science Kit series comes Hot Frosty, the kit that experiments with how chemical reactions can affect temperatures and the atmosphere. Says the manufacturer: "Make a blizzard in a tropical test tube." What experimenters actually do is perform a hands-on study of the opposing reactions of cool and hot, a demonstration of what happens when water mixes with ammonium nitrate and calcium chloride. To find out what happens, you have to have a kit--and an adult to guide the experiment along. Wild Goose is dedicated to the principle of "real science, real fun." This kit provides both! Adult supervision is recommended.

Goose Eggs Hot Leads Science Kit
The Wild Goose 3 in 1 Science Kit series features inexpensive but profound science experiments in a box. With Hot Leads, spark your child's aptitude for the sciences by uncovering the mysteries behind an electromagnet, a simple motor, or a galvanometer. Hot Leads comes with instructions and an explanation of the scientific principles employed in each experiment. There is enough information provided so that parents can answer specific questions during demonstrations without sounding stupid. Hot Leads requires one 9-volt battery (not included) to make experiments work properly. Adult supervision is recommended.

Goose Eggs Molecular Magic Science Kit
Dedicated to "real science, real fun," Wild Goose 3 in 1 Science Kits are indeed inexpensive, fun, and educational science experiments in a box. Molecular Magic is a study in liquid and gel molecular structures. "Science disguised as magic on a teeny-weeny stage!" the package says. For instance, you can make water suddenly "freeze," make dark blue ink vanish before your eyes, and learn other neat science tricks. Everything you need is in the box, including instructions and an explanation of the scientific principles at work. Initial adult supervision is recommended.

Goose Eggs Petri Pudding Science Kit
"Make a home for bacteria, grow your own germs, then evict the goo." Mmm, yummy! Wild Goose introduces yet another fun, educational 3 in 1 Science Kit: Petri Pudding. Naturally, it comes with a petri dish in which experiments in growing bacteria, slime molds, and fungi are to be conducted. Not very appetizing, but definitely educational for children interested in microbiology. It may even scare parents into cleaning out the fridge! Initial adult supervision is recommended

Gravitation
Charles W. Misner et al
Highly recommended

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies
Jared Diamond
A short history of everybody for the last 13,000 years

High School Science CD-ROM

History of the World
J. M. Roberts

History of the World (Eyewitness CD-ROM)

Holy Bible : New Testament With Psalms and Proverbs

Honkers Bug Off Science Kit
The winner of an impressive bundle of awards from groups like the National Parenting Center, the Parents' Choice Award Foundation, and Dr. Toy, the Bug Off! kit makes entomology fun. A gargantuan bug board (that is, the Insect Interstate) sets the stage for a swarm of hexapodal happenings. Directions and supplies are included for bug nabbers (like the Spring-Loaded Slammer Jammer), wacky no-harm, no-foul experiments ("Taking Bees to School"), and long-term bug living arrangements ("City Planning for Ants"). You'll need a couple of miscellaneous items--hole punch, red and blue construction paper, tape--but then you can let your studies take wing! (Ages 8 and up; adult supervision required)

How Computers Work
Ron White et al

How the Earth Works
John Farndon et al

How the Universe Works
Heather Couper, Nigel Henbest

Hunting Down the Universe : The Missing Mass, Primordial Black Holes, and Other Dark Matters
Michael Hawkins
Prominent British astronomer Michael Hawkins poses a bold new theory of the missing mass of the universe while revealing the destructive rivalries and feuds that plague modern cosmology, in a book that's certain to cause a storm of controversy in the ranks of scientists and philosophers alike.

Hydro Greenhouse
Tabletop hydroponics mini-greenhouse demonstrates advanced agriculture technology. Grows real vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers using liquid nutrient instead of soil. Automatically feeds and waters via a Passive Osmotic Nutrient Transport System. Fourteen piece set comes complete with planting bed, fold-away greenhouse incubator, gallon nutrient reservoir, refill indicator, inert growing medium, year supply of nutrient, integrated trellis twist ties, multi-gardening tool and illustrated "Guide to Hydroponic Gardening" Just add seeds and water and watch 'em grow.

Inflatable Clear Globe
The universe is expanding and so is your world--when you blow up this clear plastic, inflatable Earth globe. At 36 inches in diameter, the globe has remarkable accuracy and detail, with countries, principal cities, rivers, oceans, lakes, and natural wonders colorfully drawn in. Whether your family's budding geographer needs to find Queen Maud Land or Topeka, Kansas, this globe is a source of accurate information. Because it's inflatable, it can also be a decorative hanging for someone's study (using the long rubber band that's included). Best of all, the globe is clear, so it's easy to answer the classic childhood conundrum: what if you made a hole and kept digging until you came out the other side? (Ages 3 to 10)

Inflatable Globe

Inflatable Moon Globe
While the real thing orbits the earth at a distance of 239,000 miles, this 16-inch Inflatable Moon Globe can be studied up close in fine detail. Major surface features, including smooth lava flows, plains, mountains, and craters, are clearly reproduced and labeled on the globe's beach ball-like surface. And although it does not glow in the dark, young astronomers or future astronauts will still get a kick out of tossing it around, studying its features and comparing it to the real thing. Requires an able set of lungs to inflate.

Inflatable Stellar Globe
This 16-inch-diameter inflatable globe/ball--one of a series--maps the entire night sky from Cygnus to Sirius and back again. It's not designed for picky astronomers, since some of the constellations are a funny shape and the naming/nonnaming of stars is a bit illogical. Nonetheless, there's an amazing amount to learn here, as you bounce the universe off a wall, including dozens of constellations, stars, galaxies and star clusters, plus their relation to the Milky Way. Comes with a small, vinyl patch repair kit. Since the valve is at the Pole Star, it's also easy to hang up. (Ages 3 to 7)

Information and the Origin of Life
Bernd-Olaf Kuppers

Instant Constellation Creations Science Set
There's nothing like turning a ceiling into a night sky to spark a child's imagination (or an adult's for that matter!). It's easy to create a galaxy of glowing constellations--including Libra, Orion, and Cassiopeia--with this comprehensive kit. Just tape or hold the constellation maps to the ceiling and place the glow-in-the-dark star stickers through the stenciled holes. (Use a wall if the ceiling's out of reach.) Remove the sheets, turn out the lights, and watch your stars twinkle in the dark. Sheets indicate adjoining constellations to help you create an accurate galaxy. The self-adhesive stickers are easy to remove and leave no marks. Ten constellation sheets with fun facts such as distance from Earth, instructions, a glossary, and 156 self-adhesive stars are included. (Ages 6 and older)

International Economics : Theory and Policy
Paul R. Krugman, Maurice Obstfeld

Interplanetary Dust
Paul W. Hodge

Introduction to Physics
Amanda Kent et al

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Linus Pauling, E. Bright Wilson

Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution
E.N.K. Clarkson

Invertebrate Zoology (1)
Paul A. Meglitsch, Frederick R. Schram
Heavyweight textbook

Invertebrate Zoology (2)
Edward E. Ruppert, Robert D. Barnes
Classic textbook now in 6th edition

Kitchen Botany Kit
For the horticulturally challenged child: The Kitchen Botany set. Now kids can learn something other than growing ... bored. The set touts 18 different botany-influenced craft projects. Kids will learn and have fun as they grow a beanstalk or watch corn sprout. Their creativity will flow as they make a potato head family and decorate plant markers and containers. The Kitchen Botany set comes with quick-grow beans, grass, and corn, and planting materials for sprouting and growing plants. There's also a magnifying glass for observing and measuring the growth process. It even comes with acrylic paint and stick-in eyes for potato heads! This set has everything to keep a budding botanist busy. (Ages 7 and older)

Kitchen Table Chemistry

Large 3D Glow Moon
This glow-in-the dark sphere is not so much a toy as a lovely piece of interior decoration to be appreciated by moon lovers of all ages. The lightweight, 11-inch-diameter moon can easily be hung on the wall or ceiling of a room. It gives a detailed bas-relief portrait of the bright side of the moon, with craters, mountains, valleys, and seas. Thanks to nontoxic phosphorescent ink, this indoor moon glows for an hour after being exposed to just 3 minutes of electric light or sunlight. (Ages 3 and older)

Lichen Biology
Thomas H. Nash

Life : A Natural History of the First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth
Richard Fortey

Life in the Universe : Scientific American : A Special Issue
Carolyn B. Mitchell

Living Earth
Miranda Smith
Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Series

Lizard Collection

Lucy : The Beginnings of Humankind
Donald C. Johanson et al
Lucy is a 3.75 million year old fossil of Australopithecus afarensis, a bipedal ape.

Matter (Eyewitness Science)
Chris Cooper

Megalabs Volcanoes, Dinosaurs and Fossils
Learn scientific method, basic geology skills and basic lab skills. Introduction to Geology, Volcanology and Paleontology.

Merck Manual of Medical Information CD-ROM

Merlin's Tour of the Universe : A Skywatcher's Guide to Everything from Mars and Quasars to Comets, Planets, Blue Moons, and Werewolves
Neil De Grasse Tyson,
As charming as it is informed, this collection of answers about the universe presents a delightful tour of the galaxy via conversations with Kepler, Einstein, Doppler, Da Vinci, and other historical figures, as recounted by Merlin, a fictional visitor from the Andromeda Galaxy, Planet Omniscia. Line drawings.

Meteor Rocket Kit
People have been fascinated by rockets since the first ones were launched in China almost a thousand years ago. Now your kids can observe the principles at work behind rocketry with the Meteor Rocket Kit from Scientific Explorer. The kit contains everything rocketeers need to build a rocket and send it shooting to heights of 100 feet. Rather than using gunpowder or liquid fuel, the Meteor is powered by baking soda and vinegar, so it's safe and can be launched again and again. A specially designed fueling module lets kids experiment to find just the right vinegar and soda mixture. The informative guide gives detailed instructions as well as information on rockets, chemistry, and suggestions for experiments. This Scientific Explorer kit is a 1999 Parents' Choice recommended toy.

Microsoft Encarta Africana 2000 CD-ROM
Survey your topic of interest easily on a newly designed Contents Page Take a trip to the Serengeti and to other fascinating sites with Virtual Tours Explore the splendor of African topography, flora, fauna, art, and architecture through interactive maps Trace the transatlantic slave trade from 1519 to 1867 in an interactive feature Engaging multimedia brings Black history and culture to life in an essential educational experience

Microsoft Encarta World Dictionary 1.0 CD-ROM
Hundreds of new words and a focus on how English is spoken around the world Briefly define each word in common terms for quick reference at a glance Covers usage advice, word origins, synonyms, and other useful information Clear, intuitive pronunciation guide that spells the word the way it sounds Includes a complete thesaurus, book of quotations, style guide, and almanac

Migrations and Cultures : A World View
Thomas Sowell

Modern Physics
Raymond A. Serway et al

Molecular Biology of the Cell
Bruce Alberts et al

Molecular Biology of the Gene
James D Watson et al

Molecular Cell Biology
Harvey Lodish et al

Muhammad : A Biography of the Prophet
Karen Armstrong

Mushrooms (Eyewitness Handbooks)
Thomas Laesse, Gary Lincoff

Newton's Apple Kits: Newton Body Shop
How does the brain send messages? How do eyes work? How do humans stay balanced on 2 legs? Short of performing an autopsy, it is difficult to illustrate and explain these complicated systems to children. This kit, based on the public-television series Newton's Apple, offers a package of 8 experiments to answer these tough questions and more. Like the TV show, this kit will appeal to children who never thought they liked science. Truly interesting projects can be performed using the contents of this kit (which includes a bottle of acetic acid and a real sheep eye!) and some household supplies. Be prepared to gather a lot of materials, including a 9-volt battery, corn syrup, a yardstick, and about 16 other items. These projects require adult supervision, but don't worry--adults will probably find the experiments and instructions extremely entertaining and educational. (Ages 8 and older)

Newton's Apple Kits: Newton in the Tub
"Water is liquid science!" The gang from the popular PBS science show Newton's Apple brings you Newton in the Tub, winner of the 1997 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product award. These science experiments are perfect for the bathtub, sink, or swimming pool. The kit includes a funny instruction booklet, and things like plastic tubing, Styrofoam balls, balloons, corks, and rubber bands to help you figure out the properties of liquids and basic experiments. Settle important bath-time questions like whether things actually weigh less in water, how a siphon works, what makes stuff float or sink, and why water molecules like to hang out together. Kids can make super-soaking squirt devices, a spinning sprinkler, and a Popsicle-stick paddleboat. But the best part of this liquid laboratory is, without doubt, the bubbles. Using the bottles of liquid soap and glycerin along with the bits of wire and string included in the kit, you can produce some incredibly advanced bubbles like magic circles and even squares! For more chemistry fun, check out Newton on Slime and Oooh Aaah Chemistry. (Ages 8 and older, adult supervision required)

Newton's Apple Kits: Newton Undercover
Based on the television show Newton's Apple, this science kit involves you in a case that unfolds in the accompanying booklet. Your partner is Science Agent Newton, a.k.a. "Agent 3.14159," or "Pi." (He's the guy with an apple-shaped dent in his head.) Can you uncover the mystery of what's going on in the lab of "the rotten Dr. Pew Trassene"? Don't worry: Pi explains everything very scientifically, even the action of a simple water pistol (included). He sounds less like an English gentleman scientist than a Dashiell Hammett sort of private eye--"We're off like a dirty shirt to Pew Trassene's lab..."--but proves to be an able crime-cracking partner. The case you solve involves a little of everything, including encryption, fingerprinting, clever stuff with mirrors, the relationship between electricity and magnetism, and your very own bacteria farm. There is a list of "Special Issue" (i.e., included) and "U-Get-It" materials. (Ages 8 and older, adult supervision required)

Ocean (Eyewitness Books)
Miranda MacQuitty

Oceans CD-ROM

On Death and Dying
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Ontogeny and Phylogeny
Stephen Jay Gould

Origin of Species
Charles Darwin and J. W. Burrow (Editor)

Origin of the Earth and Moon
A.E. Ringwood

Origins of Life
Freeman J. Dyson

Our Amazing Colliding Continents Kit
Colliding Continents is a much more exciting toy name than "Complete Geology Starter Kit," which is what this kit really is, but Educational Design does such a quality job that it's hard to begrudge them a little hyperbole. Any rock hound in the making will find hours of things to enjoy in this box. There are two globes to paint--one of the modern globe, one of the ancient supercontinent Pangea; there's a packet of rocks to identify; and there's a world map with overlays and several flipbooks. The only thing missing from this kit is a rock hammer and a pith helmet.

Our Cosmic Origins : From the Big Bang to the Emergence of Life and Intelligence
Armand H. Delsemme

Our Kind : Who We Are, Where We Came From, and Where We Are Going
Marvin Harris

Our Northern Hemisphere Home Planetarium
No ordinary jigsaw, this puzzle assembles into a 9.5-inch globe with a surface image created from old mariner's charts. To enable freestanding rigidity, the extra-thick cardboard pieces are designed to fit together a mite more snugly than typical puzzle pieces. There are two construction methods: tough (use the numbers and arrows on the back of each piece as a guide) and really, really tough (just use the map image on the front). The specially designed "trap door" at the north pole allows you to master the fiddly but oh-so-satisfying last piece. Cardboard base and full instructions are included. (Ages 12 and older)

Our Patchwork Planet : The Story of Plate Tectonics
Helen Roney Sattler, Giulio Maestro

Outback Power Scope

Physics Made Simple
Ira M. Freeman, William J. Durden (Designer)
Paperback - 207 pages Revised edition. First published in 1954, this approach to physics is a welcome relief from the standard intimidating textbooks. It features timely and engaging examples and common applications of theories, historical anecdotes of significant discoveries, and clear and contemporary graphics.

Planet Earth Science Kit
This educational kit teaches a broad range of lessons about geology, vulcanology, gemology, and earth science in general. Scientifically inclined kids of all ages will enjoy constructing two globes, one showing the Earth as it looked 250 million years ago and another in its present incarnation. Earth science flipbook "movies" make our planet's evolution through plate tectonics come alive. With adult supervision, kids can also reenact seven historic volcanic eruptions. They can grow mineral crystals and perform observations with a 15-piece rock and mineral collection. A 128-page earth science book and giant time chart of Earth's history are richly illustrated. This kit is a nifty companion to Educational Design's Our Amazing Solar System. (Ages 10 and older)

Planetarium Gold Gift Set CD-ROM

Planetarium Play House

Plant Press
The simple silhouette of a pressed leaf has a perfection that appeals to the artist and scientist in all of us. Educational Insights' wooden Plant Press is the ideal take-along for leisurely strolls in the park or through the woods, or even on a backyard picnic. It's a lightweight 7.75 inches square and comes complete with sturdy nylon straps and cardboard ventilators to keep your specimens securely in place. The accompanying easy-to-read activity guide is packed full of tips on collecting and pressing your finds, as well as ideas for projects to showcase your treasures once they're dry and ready for display. (Ages 7 and older)

Practicing to Take the Geology Test

Predictions : Thirty Great Minds on the Future (Popular Science)
Sian Griffiths (Editor)
These predictions about the 21st century are from 30 of today's best-known minds - including Richard Dawkins, Umberto Eco, J.K. Galbraith, Steven Pinker, and Peter Singer. The predictions outline the discoveries/changes that the contributors expect to see happen in their field in the 21st century. Each prediction is followed by a profile of the writer, setting his or her work in context and explaining the theories or inventions. Taken as a whole, the book provides a snapshot of the state of knowledge across a broad range of fields at the millennium's end. Chemist Carl Djerassi, inventor of the contraceptive pill, predicts the setting up of fertility banks, full of frozen sperm and eggs, where couples who want to have children will open accounts. Philosopher Peter Singer predicts that animals will be granted the same rights as humans. Nobel physicist Steven Weinberg expects that in the next century there will be an answer to the question "What are the Laws of Everything?" Cybernetics professor Kevin Warwick describes a future where humans will be able to read one anothers thoughts, by means of electronic implants in the human body. Economist J.K. Galbraith hopes for controls on the nuclear threat.

Principles of Biochemistry
Albert L Lehninger et al

Principles of Quantum Mechanics
P. A. M. Dirac
A masterpiece but not easy to understand. Post graduate level, or for the brave.

Pullin' Polymers

Rainbow Spectra-Arc
Eat your heart out, Isaac Newton. Although it is only a simple mobile--in fact, a single piece of plastic attached to an (included) nylon filament string--the Spectra-Arc is such an elegant and enchanting toy that even an adult (even your favorite executive) might enjoy receiving one. A banana-shaped arc of translucent acrylic, with a triangular cross-section, it whirls on its string and casts rainbows around the room like confetti. For added fun at nighttime, you can shine a flashlight through it. Potentially educational, but mainly just pretty. (Ages 3 and older)

Reaching for the Sun : How Plants Work
John King

REAL SCIENCE CD-ROM

Redshift 3
What star is that? Is that a star or a planet? When will the moon be exactly full?

Redshift will tell you this and much much more. This amazing program puts the solar system on your PC. Fly around, watch the skies, see a eclipse any time you want, identify stars and planets at any place on Earth. Wonderful.

Features: --
Predict and simulate events like eclipses and conjunctions from past celestial events from any viewpoint in the solar system from 5000 BC to 10,000 AD
Dynamic new interface with accessible and versatile control panels
More than 50 Astronomy Tours introduce key concepts
Integrated Internet links, including a facility to download new items direct from the special Red Shift site
Contains new edition of The Penguin Dictionary of Astronomy
Sky diary for any month the user chooses, presenting features such as meteor showers and eclipses to observe in the night sky
Record Breakers section which leads the younger user into exploration of other resources
Stunning images including planet images, photo-realistic sky images showing galaxies, nebulae and the Milky Way and detailed surface maps of the Moon, Mars, Venus and Earth

Relativity : The Special and the General Theory
Albert Einstein
Paperback - 188 pages Reprint edition (May 1995) of a classic work. How better to learn the Special Theory of Relativity and the General Theory of Relativity than directly from their creator, Albert Einstein himself? In Relativity: The Special and the General Theory, Einstein describes the theories that made him famous, illuminating his case with numerous examples and a smattering of math (nothing more complex than high-school algebra). Einstein's book is not casual reading, but for those who appreciate his work without diving into the arcana of theoretical physics, Relativity will prove a stimulating read.

Reptile (Eyewitness Books, No. 27)
Colin McCarthy et al

Rocks and Minerals (Eyewitness Handbooks)
Chris Pellant et al

Sabre-Toothed Tiger Skull with Moveable Jaw
Sabre-tooth tiger skull replica with a moveable jaw. Create a sabre-tooth tiger replica with wood and clay that looks like it comes out of a museum exhibit. Each kit contains a wooden puzzle-sculpture, modeling clay, paint, sealant, and a sculpting tool.

Science Advantage 2000 CD-ROM
Rich images, animations, and audio Amazing 3-D visuals Challenging interactive activities Thousands of step-by-step lessons Self-paced study

Science of Scent
Mixing fragrances is a delight for children. And it's a great introduction to science. Kids and their families spend hours--even days--making wonderfully smelling potions and conducting science experiments to see how scent affects our moods, memory and alertness. Comparing the responses of siblings, parents and friends make this a shared adventure the entire family will enjoy.

Science of Taste
Test for acids and bases with litmus paper, give your family a blind taste test with mouth watering flavors, make a secret cola recipe, and explore the chemistry of food.

Secrets of the Night Sky : The Most Amazing Things in the Universe You Can See With the Naked Eye
Bob Berman

Seven Clues to the Origin of Life : A Scientific Detective Story
Alexander Graham Cairns-Smith

Smithsonian Crystal Growing
Grow your own collection of crystals in three dazzling colors! In just a couple of days, the Smithsonian Crystal Growing Kit lets you create brilliant crystals that are almost identical to those found in nature. This safe, easy-to-do science kit includes crystal-forming chemicals and growing cups, granite base rocks (or you can use your own), spatulas, instruction booklet--even safety goggles and a magnifying glass. With the addition of just a few household supplies (a nonaluminum pan, paper towels, a flashlight) you'll be well on your way to starting your own glittering exhibit. (Ages 10 and older; adult supervision recommended)

Smithsonian Crystal Growing Geodes
Nature takes thousands (or even millions) of years to produce a single, magical geode--a crystal-lined cavity sealed away within a rock. With the Smithsonian Crystal Growing Geode Set you can grow your own collection of geodelike specimens in just a matter of days. This safe, simple-to-do kit includes geode and crystal-growing chemicals and supplies (not including a few household items like a saucepan, a flashlight for observation, and glue) to make a plaster geode "shell" in which to grow purple "amethyst" crystals. Directions are clear and specific; space for record keeping and lab notes is included. An informative pamphlet brimming with gorgeous photographs details crystal identification and structure and various types of formations. (Ages 10 and older; adult supervision recommended)

Smithsonian Frog Lab
This natural-science lab kit teaches the biology of frogs. Budding biologists, with the help of an adult, create a lifelike frog by pouring silicon material into a mold. Bones and organs are included and placed inside the mold. This is a bit like making Jell-O, but the end result can be a realistic frog, ready for dissection by the biologist of your choice. There is in-depth scientific learning here as young lab enthusiasts explore the complexities of frog biology. Frogs on our planet are decreasing in number, but this science project promotes their understanding without harming them. The instructions are difficult to follow, and the molding compound should not be breathed, so parental supervision is necessary for the preparation of this lab. Materials provided will make three frogs. (Ages 8 to 13)

Smithsonian Microchem XM 4000
Move over, Marie Curie! The younger set is taking over the lab. This Smithsonian kit is safer and more efficient than the traditional chemistry set. Glass test tubes and vials have been replaced by plastic labware; chemicals are used in small quantities; and open flames are never necessary. The 55-page instruction book contains more than 60 experiments and includes data tables for recording observations. Young scientists combine their chemicals in a "microplate"--a sturdy plastic tray with a grid of wells that replace traditional test tubes, beakers, and flasks. Experiments range from testing the solubility of antacids to making an electrolyte detector. The "real-world" implications of experiments are discussed in the comprehensive instruction book. Safety precautions are a top concern, with frequent reminders to wear goggles and work with adult supervision. Specially designed safety caps on chemical containers are sometimes difficult to penetrate with plastic pipettes. (Ages 10 and older)

Smithsonian SmartLabs: Chemistry
Perform interesting chemical experiments using the unique microplate (with chemicals pre-added). Micro amounts of chemicals give good results without mess. Set includes microplate with chemicals, droppers, battery clip, filter paper, atom sheet, safety goggles and instructions.

Smithsonian Star Tour 3-in-1 Planetarium

Solar System 1000-piece Puzzle

Solar System Science Kit
A winner of the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval, this educational kit teaches a broad range of lessons about astronomy. Scientifically inclined kids of all ages will enjoy constructing colorful scale models of all nine planets. They're relatively big, with Jupiter, the largest, 5 inches wide. The kit also features a big (36 by 12 inches) poster of the Sun, complete with sunspots. A 64-page solar system science book contains assembly and painting instructions, information about all the planets and their moons, and a score of suggestions for fun and educational science experiments. This kit makes a nifty companion to Educational Design's Our Amazing Planet Earth. (Ages 8 and older)

Southern Hemisphere Planetarium
Do you know a child or an adult who lives in or takes an interest in the Southern Hemisphere? With this home version, all they have to do is turn out the lights, and they can transform their own room into a private planetarium. You can project bright stars--including Southern constellations, plus six planets (Mars shows red, and the Earth, blue)--onto the ceiling or wall; you can set the stars up for any month. The kit includes an informative 24-page English/Spanish manual and an instructional audiocassette--in English on one side and Spanish on the other. It also features a star pointer and a spare flashlight bulb--but if the lucky recipient lacks saintly patience, you should complement this home planetarium with two AA and two C batteries, which it requires but doesn't provide. Educational Design also makes the home planetarium Our Northern Hemisphere. (Ages 8 and older)

Spacetime Physics : Introduction to Special Relativity
Edwin F. Taylor et al
Highly recommended

Spherical 3D Jigsaw Puzzle: Moon Globe
Make your own moon! This ingenious take on the ol' jigsaw puzzle is a 3-D model that's 9.5 inches in diameter. To enable freestanding rigidity, the extra-thick cardboard pieces are designed to fit together a mite more snugly than typical puzzle pieces. There are two construction methods: tough (use the numbers and arrows on the back of each piece as a guide) and really, really tough (just use the moon image on the front). All 23 U.S. and Soviet lunar landing sites are marked. No glue is required, but puzzle preservative (not included) will save your work from destruction during accidental tumbles. The specially designed "trap door" at the north pole allows you to master the fiddly but oh-so-satisfying last piece. Cardboard base and full instructions are included. (Ages 12 and older)

Spice Adventures Science Kit
The collection of exotic spices inside this kit will delight your nose and give you a new way of thinking about chemistry. Conduct experiments to find out ways to extract their volatile elements, and trace Marco Polo's journey to the fabled spice treasures of the East.

Star Gazer Planetarium
Very, very cool. This home version of a planetarium looks as if it belongs in Captain Picard's quarters on the Enterprise. Looking a bit like a futuristic, oversized camping flashlight, this device allows one to place one of several "star domes" atop a lighted well. A separate half-dome made of white cardboard acts as a curved projection screen. The light shines up from the well through the star dome, casting replicas of different sectors of the night sky onto the screen. The base of the Star Gazer has a cassette player on which one can listen to an enclosed tape that discusses various constellations and other points of interest. A nice bonus is a red filter, which allows one to invert the star domes for outdoor night sky exploration. Otherwise, this is an indoor hobby. An activity guide gives all the details on how to get the most enjoyment and learning from this kit

Star Projector

Star Theater Home Planetarium
The wonderful thing about planetariums is that you feel like you're outside beneath the stars. The awful thing about them is that when you finally get outside at night you don't know how to apply what you've learned. This celestial sphere will enable you to bring your planetarium experience home--and take some of the tools back outside. A halogen lamp inside the clear Plexiglas sphere projects on your walls and ceiling hundreds of stars, planets, galaxies, and the labeled outlines of constellations that are visible from the Northern Hemisphere. A horizon ring projects a city skyline and accurately depicts the horizon for whatever time and day you are viewing. A 50-minute cassette tape puts astronomy in a broad cultural and historical context and helps you understand what you're seeing. Take the sphere outside to use as a star map: 170 of the brightest stars glow in the dark. (Ages 8 and older)

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron by Nintendo

Steps Towards Life : A Perspective on Evolution
Manfred Eigen et al

Strasburger's Textbook of Botany
Eduard Strasburger
A classic textbook covering the whole range of plants. For the enthusiast or advanced student.

Student Organizer CD-ROM

Studyworks Mathematics Deluxe 3.0 CD-ROM
More than 1700 practice problems Quiz yourself and get instant feedback New "Crack the SAT II" section from Princeton Review Comes with a helpful companion workbook, challenging puzzles, and games Grades 7 through 12

Studyworks Science 3.0 CD-ROM

Super Geoscope 50x Deluxe Set
Super Geoscope features sharp 50-powered wide view precision glass optics, soft rubber protective eye-cup built in focused light with rubber shielded push-button switch, unique detachable base with large, easy grip focusing knobs, light transmitting prism stage, slide clips, and non-slip rubber foot pads. Complete with two all-purpose concave/flat acrylic specimen slides, water dropper, tweezers, leatherette belt holster and illustrated activity guide. Handy built-in drawer holds all accessories. Rugged ABS construction and an all weather, watertight design.

Symbiosis As a Source of Evolutionary Innovation : Speciation and Morphogenesis
Lynn Margulis (Editor)
Lynn Margulis is the worlds leading expert in symbiosis.

Taking Wing : Archaeopteryx and the Evolution of Bird Flight
Pat Shipman

The Ancient Greeks
Moses I. Finley

The Astronomer's Universe : Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmos
Herbert Friedman
Herbert Friedman draws on a lifetime of experience and enthusiasm in unfolding the history of astronomical research--the new knowledge, the technology, and the sheer human genius of this thrilling branch of science.

The Astronomy Cafe : 365 Questions and Answers from 'Ask the Astronomer'
Sten F. Odenwald
Odenwald maintains the Astronomy Cafe web site. These are some of the questions he has answered there.

The Atlas of Early Man
Jacquetta Hawkes

The Big Bang
Joseph Silk

The Blind Watchmaker : Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design
Richard Dawkins
The watchmaker belongs to the eighteenth-century theologian William Paley, who made one of the most famous creationist arguments: Just as a watch is too complicated and too functional to have sprung into existence by accident, so too must all living things, with their far greater complexity, be purposefully designed. It was Charles Darwin's brilliant discovery that put the lie to these arguments. But only Richard Dawkins could have written this eloquent riposte to the creationists. Natural selection - the unconscious, automatic, blind, yet essentially nonrandom process that Darwin discovered - has no purpose in mind. If it can be said to play the role of watchmaker in nature, it is the blind watchmaker. Acclaimed as perhaps the most influential work on evolution written in this century, The Blind Watchmaker offers an engaging and accessible introduction to one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time.

The Breast Book
Miriam Stoppard, Rache Simmons

The Brown Algal Origin of Land Plants and the Algal Origin of Life on Earth and in the Universe
Anthony J., Ph.D. Miklausen

The Civil Law Tradition : An Introduction to the Legal Systems of Western Europe and Latin America
John Henry Marryman

The Communist Manifesto
Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels,

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Ecology
Michael Allaby

The Copernican Revolution : Planetary Astronomy in the Development of Western Thought
Thomas S. Kuhn

The Cosmic Perspective
Jeffrey O. Bennett et al
In this accessible, student-friendly text, astronomy is treated as a fundamental human endeavor rather than an enterprise reserved for professionals. The authors engage students' curiosity through cutting-edge material that focuses on the themes of human achievement, physics in the universe, continuity of matter, the dynamic systems that sustain life, and astronomy and physics as foundations for our world view.

The Crucible of Creation : The Burgess Shale and the Rise of Animals
S. Conway Morris, Simon Conway Morris
The Burgess Shale deposits, in western Canada, have joined the Galapagos Islands as a destination of choice for vacationing scientists and fans of evolutionary theory. The fame of these places is in part due to the unique flora and fauna (living or dead) they boast, and in part to the scientists who have described and attempted to explain them. Like Stephen J. Gould's Wonderful Life, this book from Simon Conway Morris, original describer of the fascinating, troubling fossil Hallucigenia, gives an account of the Burgess Shale and the scientists who argue over the tiny remains of once-living creatures. Conway Morris calls the place "the most wonderful fossil deposit in the world," and his emotion is contagious. Beyond describing the creatures that formed the fossils, he speculates about how the Burgess Shale fits in to the story of human evolution.

The Discovery Channel Destination Mars Game

The Double Helix : A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA
James D. Watson

The Electronic Republic : Reshaping Democracy in the Information Age
Lawrence K. Grossman

The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory
Brian Greene
There is an ill-concealed skeleton in the closet of physics: "As they are currently formulated, general relativity and quantum mechanics cannot both be right." Each is exceedingly accurate in its field: general relativity explains the behavior of the universe at large scales, while quantum mechanics describes the behavior of subatomic particles. Yet the theories collide horribly under extreme conditions such as black holes or times close to the big bang. Brian Greene, a specialist in quantum field theory, believes that the two pillars of physics can be reconciled in superstring theory, a theory of everything.

Superstring theory has been called "a part of 21st-century physics that fell by chance into the 20th century." In other words, it isn't all worked out yet. Despite the uncertainties--"string theorists work to find approximate solutions to approximate equations"--Greene gives a tour of string theory solid enough to satisfy the scientifically literate.

Though Ed Witten of the Institute for Advanced Study is in many ways the human hero of The Elegant Universe, it is not a human-side-of-physics story. Greene's focus throughout is the science, and he gives the nonspecialist at least an illusion of understanding--or the sense of knowing what it is that you don't know. And that is traditionally the first step on the road to knowledge

The Evolutionary Biology of Plants
Karl J. Niklas

The Feynman Lectures on Physics (Three Volumes)
Richard Phillips Feynman
Brilliant but difficult introduction to what makes physics deeply beautiful.

The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 1
Richard Phillips Feynman
Brilliant but difficult introduction to what makes physics deeply beautiful - mainly mechanics, heat and radiation.

The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 2
Richard Phillips Feynman
Brilliant but difficult introduction to what makes physics deeply beautiful - mainly electromagnetism

The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol 3
Richard Phillips Feynman
Brilliant but difficult introduction to what makes physics deeply beautiful.

The First Three Minutes : A Modern View of the Origin of the Universe
Steven Weinberg

The Fossils of the Burgess Shale
Derek E. G. Briggs et al
Images of early multicellar organism fossils

The Fungi
Michael J. Carlile, Sarah Watkinson
Textbook for students of microbiology and plant science.

The Future Does Not Compute; Transcending the Machines in Our Midst
Stephen L. Talbott
Amid the world-wide ballyhoo about the wonders of the Internet, Stephen Talbot stops to ask some serious questions. Principally, what will embracing the Internet culture mean for our humanity? Is the Net a way of extending who we are, or surrendering? Are we opening the way to a more humane world, or are we mechanizing our communities? Several of the questions are unsettling and good for many heated discussions at your favorite online debate arena. I can see some people hurling this book across the room. But I also see them picking it up again.

The Garden of Ediacara : Discovering the First Complex Life
Mark A. S. McMenamin

The Global Condition : Conquerors, Catastrophes, and Community
William H. McNeill

The Great Dinosaur Extinction Controversy
Jake Page
Argues against meteorite theory of dinosaur extinctions.

The History of Earth : An Illustrated Chronicle of an Evolving Planet
William K. Hartmann, Ron Miller

The Industrial Revolution, 1760-1830
Thomas S. Ashton

The Inflationary Universe : The Quest for a New Theory of Cosmic Origins
Alan H. Guth, Alan P. Lightman
The Inflationary Universe sheds light on a leading theory in humankind's continuing quest to understand the universe we live in.

The Leader of the Future : New Visions, Strategies, and Practices for the Next Era
Frances Hesselbein (Editor)

The Lichen Symbiosis
Vernon Ahmadjian

The Life of the Cosmos
Lee Smolin
A theory of cosmic evolution by the natural selection of black-hole universes.

The Molecular Origins of Life : Assembling Pieces of the Puzzle
Andre Brack (Editor)

The NASA Atlas of the Solar System
Ronald Greeley et al
Luxurious images of the solar system.

The National Geographic Complete 109 Years CD-ROM
Every article, advertisement, map, and cover since 1888 on 31 CD-ROMs Search engine that points you to the correct disk with ease One hundred-plus years of classic advertisements Minimal hard-disk space requirement Access to an online resource center, a collector's corner, and a National Geographic community area.

The Nature of the Chemical Bond and the Structure of Molecules and Crystals; An Introduction to Modern Structural Chemistry.
Linus Carl Pauling
Classic work by father of modern theory of the chemical bond, this book laid the foundation for modern chemistry. How wonderful that it is still in print.

The Origin and Early Diversification of Land Plants : A Cladistic Study (Smithsonian Series in Comparative Evolutionary Biology)
Paul Kenrick, Peter R. Crane

The Origin of Humankind
Richard Leakey
Born into the family of noted anthropologists, Richard Leakey, he discovered that relatively intelligent, tool-using ancestors of man lived in eastern Africa as early as 3,000,000 years ago, or almost twice the time span of previous estimates.

The Particle Garden : Our Universe As Understood by Particle Physicists
Gordon Kane, Heather Mimnaugh
Highly recommended.

The Princeton Review: Bodyworks CD-ROM

The Private Life of Plants : A Natural History of Plant Behaviour
David Attenborough

The Pursuit of Power : Technology, Armed Force and Society Since A.D. 1000
William H. McNeill

The Rise of Birds : 225 Million Years of Evolution
Sankar Chatterjee

The Roman Empire
C. M. Wells

The Selfish Gene
Richard Dawkins

The Simon Schuster New Millennium Reference Desk CD-ROM

The Story of the Earth
Peter Cattermole, Patrick Moore

The Third Chimpanzee
Jared M. Diamond
Forces the reader to reflect thoroughly on the puzzle of human evolution, and where we came from and where we are going

The Universe Jigsaw Puzzle
Young and old minds alike are often puzzled by the vastness of our mysterious universe. What better way to work out these puzzles than with this beautifully illustrated jigsaw puzzle that includes many features from outer space? With pictures of planets, galaxies, comets, astronauts, and even a few UFOs, this puzzle will provide lots of fun and learning as children fit together pieces and find out what they represent. Pieces and puzzle-backs are made of wood for long life and sturdiness. Included is a full-scale photo of the completed puzzle, an aid to assembly. This puzzle is attractive enough to decorative a young astronaut's cabin and would make a welcome addition to your next space-frontier gift exploration. (Ages 4 to 6)

The Vertebrate Body : Shorter Version
Alfred Sherwood Romer
Sadly out of print, this book (and its longer companion The Vertebrate Body) covered the evolution and functioning of the vertebrates. Should be reprinted!
This book is out of print

The Visual Dictionary of Chemistry (Eyewitness Visual Dictionary Series)
Jack Challoner

The Visual Dictionary of Human Anatomy (Eyewitness Visual Dictionary Series)
Richard Walker

The Visual Dictionary of Physics (Eyewitness Visual Dictionaries)
Jack Challoner

The Whole Shebang : A State-Of-The-Universe(S) Report
Timothy Ferris
An account of the various mechanisms believed to have contributed to the universe as we now know it, from the Big Bang itself to inflation to superstrings.

Time and Space (Eyewitness Science)
Mary Gribbin, John R. Gribbin

Topo USA 2.0 CD-ROM
Map in 3-D Connect to GPS Access over 300,000 miles of trails Print customized maps using precise new controls Search for land features, water bodies, landmarks, airports, colleges, cities, and more

Turn Left at Orion : A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope-And How to Find Them
Dan M. Davis et al
Owners of small telescopes will appreciated this revised edition of a classic, which has been updated to AD 2006, and which includes hundreds of night sky objects easily viewed by the home observer. From seasonal challenges in making observations to locating common guideposts and visible clusters, this is the home astronomer's 'bible'.

Ultimate Human Body 2.0 CD-ROM

Understanding Earth
Frank Press, Raymond Siever, Ray Siever
Press and Siever's bestseller has been fully revised and updated to include new research findings and recent geologically significant events--and to take advantage of the latest in interactive multimedia educational technology. The renowned author team remain vitally interested in engaging the intellect and imagination of today's student. Guided by authoritative voices, your students will experience geology in all its plate-sliding, volcano-erupting, mountain-forming grandeur.

Understanding the Universe : An Introduction to Physics and Astrophysics
James B. Seaborn

Volcanoes
Robert Decker, Barbara Decker
Ever since Monserrat's volcano roared back to life in 1995 after 350 years of sleep, nothing has been quite the same on this former tropical paradise. Read what Robert Decker and Barbara Decker, authors of the new third edition of Volcanoes, have to say about The Volcanic Drama at Montserrat. Learn more about volcanism, composite volcanoes (stratovolcanoes) like the one on Montserrat, and how the processes of plate tectonics create volcanoes in the new second edition of Understanding Earth, by Frank Press and Ray Siever (Chapter 5, "Volcanoes"). And find out how scientists are attempting to mitigate the human and environmental costs of volcanism by predicting eruptions in the new Environmental Geology: An Earth System Science Approach, by Dorothy Merritts, Andrew de Wet, and Kirsten Menking (Chapter 5, "Lithosphere: Resources, Hazards, and Change").

Wandering Lands and Animals
Edwin H. Colbert

Weather (Eyewitness Books)
Brian Cosgrove et al

Wild Science Ghostly Light
Make your own Slo Glo underwater landscapes, lights and more.

Wild Science Oozology
Make your own drippy elastic slime and semi-solids. Theatrical effects and more.

Wonderful Life : The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History
Stephen Jay Gould

Worm Acres Composting Kit
It's never too early to help save the environment. This kit includes a small, lidded composting bin (10 by 6.5 by 5.25 inches), starter compost bedding, an airflow filter, a water sprayer, a certificate for 250 live earthworms, and an instruction book. Once the worms arrive, they'll burrow into the compost starter and begin eating the melon rinds and apple cores you slip them. The book explains the principles of "vermicomposting" and contains a functional diagram of worm anatomy. Also included in the kit are stickers, vegetable seeds, a small coloring book, and a study guide for experiments. Warning: Open the kit outdoors. There are holes in both the composting bin and in the plastic bag of compost starter. (Ages 6 and older)

Wow Science Kit
Hi!" says the funny-haired, sunglasses-bespectacled, illustrated character who guides you through this kit. "I'm AL and I'm going to show you some amazingly cool WOWS. They are based on science, but work like magic." The kit contains several tricks that use properties like surface tension and Mobius strips to demonstrate simple scientific ideas. The science is lucidly explained in an additional booklet. Unfortunately, on some of these tricks, the "wow" factor isn't quite what you'd hope. An afternoon's worth of fun, but probably this is not a kit that will see many repeat magic sessions

Zoomscope in Blue
Zoomscope--the portable zoom microscope! With a flick of the finger, zoom from 20 to 40 times magnification to study any object--it's a great field microscope. Made of quality plastic with a hard contoured, ergonomic design.