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Principles: Children can learn about the motion of a spring, momentum, and gravity.

Description of use: It's just like using a regular slinky only there are four of them. Hold the animal by its midsection at the top of a staircase. Put the back two "feet" (slinkys) on the top step and the front two "feet" (slinkys) on the second step from the top. While keeping the bottoms of all the slinkys touching the steps slowly move the body forward. This should set all the slinkys in motion and in sync with each other. Watch the animal move down the stairs and see how far it can go! This toy is suitable for children 8 and up although it requires some patience.

Product discussion: This toy is inexpensive to manufacture. The body is made of a cheap plastic material so the slinkys can move without being weighted down. The slinkys themselves are also inexpensive and can be made out of plastic or metal. In total it should not cost more than $6-$10. Because it is made of plasic and metal it should not be given to children under 3.

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