Project Description

Toy Technology

Be immersed in the wonderful science of toys. Explore energies, materials, movement and sound. Spin some colour, use magnets to draw, and make a balancing toy. Play has never been so educational! 

  • Level: Available for Foundation through to Year 2.

  • Duration: Available in a 60 or 90 minute format. We recommend a 90 minute format if budget and timetabling constraints allow.

  • Numbers: Each workshop can cater to a maximum of 30 children. However, smaller groups have better access to equipment and the facilitator.

  • State: VIC, NSW & QLD

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand what a toy is; what its purpose is; how they work; what they are made from; and who the inventors and makers of toys are.
  • Toys can be classified based on movement, sound, energy, and materials.
  • There are differences between toys of the past and modern day toys.
  • Stored (potential) and moving (kinetic) energy are important for making toys work.
  • Understand concepts of balance and the centre of gravity using toys.
  • Push and pull forces, and gravity can be used to make toys move and work.
  • Some toys incorporate magnetic forces.
  • Toys can produce sound in a number of ways.

Activities

  • Each student investigates and classifies at least two toys of today based on various characteristics.
  • Whole group investigation of toys of the past and how they differ from present day toys.
  • Two impressive balancing demonstrations using kitchen utensils and toys. The effect of changing the centre of gravity on balance is modeled and discussed.
  • Each student makes a balancing toy.
  • Demonstration of spinning toys and balance, including gyroscopes.
  • Students use spinning toys that draw interesting patterns.
  • Demonstration and discussion of sound toys and how they work.
  • Engaging demonstration and discussion of moving toys and energy stored in coils and springs.

90 minute workshops also include these activities:

  • Students use iron filiings and magnets to explore magnetic forces and magnets in toys.
  • Multiple demonstrations of classic science toys as an introduction to science concepts like perpetual motion, waves and momentum.

Victorian Curriculum Links

  • People use science in their daily lives (VCSSU041)
  • Objects are made of materials that have observable properties (VCSSU044)
  • The way objects move depends on a variety of factors including their size and shape: a push or a pull affects how an object moves or changes shape (VCSSU048)
  • Respond to and pose questions, and make predictions about familiar objects and events (VCSIS050)

NSW Curriculum Links

  • Identifies that objects are made of materials that have observable properties             (STe-4MW-ST)
  • Observes the way objects move and relates changes in motion to push and pull forces (STe-5PW-ST)
  • Observes, questions and collects data to communicate ideas  (STe-1WS-S)

Australian Curriculum Links

  • People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things (ACSHE035)
  • Objects are made of materials that have observable properties (ACSSU003)
  • The way objects move depends on a variety of factors including, their size and shape (ACSSU005)
  • Pose and respond to questions, and make predictions about familiar objects and events (ACSIS024

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SCHOOL FEEDBACK

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The workshop was great. The kids and parents loved it, and Belinda was excellent. 😊I will be booking you in for some more workshops

Haberfield Library Fantastic Forces holiday workshop October 10, 2024

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This is my favourite experience for the year as it’s real genuine hands on learning. Students are super engaged and remember the clear age-appropriate explanations. It forms the basis for our whole unit. Presenter was brilliant.

Kath @ Mount View Primary School Forces in Action SNR workshops October 10, 2024

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Amazing experience. Students thoroughly enjoyed the activities and Belinda was fantastic!

Ainna @ Mount Sinai College Living Things SNR workshops September 26, 2024

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