This toy (based on an actual device) uses gravity, momentum and simple machines to launch a projectile a great distance. I expect that children can interact with it by using it to knock down walls and towers made from building blocks. Depending on construction materials, the cost would probably range from $5-15. I would like to build it from wood, which would lead to greater cost but better performance, accuracy, and reliability. A properly designed plastic toy would probably cut weight and construction costs, but if it is not rigid enough, performance and durability may be lost. Is it safe for children to play with a device that launches projectiles? The main concerns are the size of the projectiles and the speed that they are launched at. Materials and overall scale for the projectile may be chosen to minimize choking hazard, but possibly at the expense of performance.
Vicente Malave