Toy description:

• Children will be able to manipulate the placement of the magnets (in the pinball striking mechanism and under the board) as well as the placement of the obstacles and point values to allow for competitive play
• The steel pinball will help demonstrate the effects of magnetism, the magnets will not be strong enough to completely stop the motion of the ball, but instead accelerate, decelerate, and redirect it
• The cost of producing this toy would be fairly low, consisting primarily of cut plastic sheeting, adhesives, some hardware, and magnets
• This product should be fairly durable if cut from the appropriate plastics and with a reasonably level of quality
• Safety being a primary concern, this toy is designed with a slightly older age group (8+) in mind given the strength of magnets (well-encapsulated in plastic) and the size of the associated parts

Toy concept 2 | Toy concept 3

Alex May
Carnegie Mellon University
February 2, 2009