CONCEPT 3: ELECTROMAGNETIC BUILDING TOY

The Electromagnetic Building Toy is targeted for ages 7 and up. The physical principal underlying the toy is electromagnetism. This electromagnetic building toy allows children to build different structures using a pick-up stick type object. This electromagnetic toy has a button that the child would press if he/she wants to pick up a particular part of a structure. The child would finally let go of the button when he/she wants to place it on top of another object. When the button is pressed, the electromagnetic toy magnetizes and when you release the button, the electromagnetic toy demagnetizes. By playing with this toy, children can learn about electromagnetism and building structures. The idea for this toy came from the basic idea of pick-up sticks. The cost of this toy will be about $20. This cost will factor in the cost of the various different pick-up stick objects, the electromagnetic devices in the pick-up sticks, the other parts of the structure, and the electromagnetic devices in these structures. This toy will be made out of plastic on the outside so that it won't be too heavy for children to play with. Also, because the toy will be made out of plastic on the outside, the toy will be very durable and safe. Also, the individual pieces will be big enough that the children cannot place into their mouths. This will add to the safety factor.

Lucy Huh

ohuh@andrew.cmu.edu