Sketch of the balancing toy
Sketch of the balancing toy
Description of balancing toy
The balancing toy as its name implies, balances. It utilizes the concepts of stability and low center of gravity. By having two heavy weights on the two sides, the toy will basically be pretty stable. The child will learn about stable systems and how they return to their state of initial rest after disruption or being disturbed.
Children can interact with the toy by tipping it, possibly also changing the weights on the 2 sides and also perhaps vary the arms - making it able to slide up and down to experiment how weights and distance(moments) affect stability.
The construction is relatively straightforward using everyday materials such as toothpicks, water bottles, wooden stocks, rubber paddings and heavy weights. These are cheaply available and will enable the child to make their own balancing toys. The same concept can also be used for different 'moulds' such as airplanes, birds etc that will enable the child to utilize their imagination and artistic talents. The toy is relatively safe as the sharp edges of the toothpicks or wooden sticks used can be smoothened. Plastic materials may be used if a more durable toy is desired that does not break that easily.
The toy is targeted at children ages 12 and below since this will give them a good grasp and a good introduction of physical concepts that is incorporated into a toy. The child will have fun trying to find ways to topple the toy or also trying to find a way such that it will never topple no matter how it is tipped when its arms are slided in a certain way.
Summary