Sonic Sleuth
© 2004 Educational Insights
Like a giant hearing aid, this pistol-shaped unidirectional microphone comes with a clear parabolic dish, and a set of headphones. After installing one 9-volt battery, you pull the trigger to hear sounds. Setup and operation are very simple, and the unit appears to be durable. Does it work? Yes. Small sounds, like distant conversations, are easy to hear. Testers found the look and functionality to be very appealing.
$25, Smart Toy
Teaches: science, sounds, listening