vector toys; penguin, green, eagle
duck vector toy
dinosaur and tiger vector toys

 

Code Number: 1D10.11

Demo Title: Vector Toys

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Vectors

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

Walking vector toys

Procedure: 

Place the toys on a flat surface and hand the attached weight over the edge of the table.  Try to make sure that the weight is not swinging when you start the toy.  The toy should walk towards the end of the table and stop at the edge when the vector (string and weight) points straight down. 

The large wooden walker is made for walking down an inclined ramp.  However, with a mass of 20 grams on the end of the string, it will walk on a level surface.  It is best if it still walks on the ramp ( not inclined ) or a rough table top, as the walker will slide on a smooth table top. 

References:

  • Heidi Strahm Black, "Vector Toy", TPT, Vol. 36, # 6, Sept. 1998, p. 375
  • Thomas J. Parmley, J. Irvin Swigart and Ray L. Doran, "Lecture Demonstrations for the High School Science Teacher", TPT, Vol. 4, # 1, Jan. 1966, p. 36.
  • "Problems That Bother Me", TPT, Vol. 4, # 3, March 1966, p. 144.
  • Jodi and Roy McCullough, "Vectors with Walkers", The Role of Toys in Teaching Physics", p. 4.16.
  • Jodi and Roy McCullough, "Vectors with Wind-up Toys", The Role of Toys in Teaching Physics", p. 4.14.