Tabletop Skeeball

 

This game is a tabletop version of the arcade     classic. Each of the 3 larger circles on the target has a raised wall, just like full size skeeball. The child places a ball at the end of the plunger, as shown in the sketch. Then they pull back on the plunger, and release. The ball is shot up the ramp, to the target. Depending on which hole the ball falls through, the child gets a certain amount of points. The holes are worth 50, 25, and 10 points, starting from the inside to the outside. The plunger can be pulled back a varying amount. If it is pulled back too far, the ball may go too high; if it isn't pulled back far enough, the ball may not even reach the target. The plunger will also be in a slot, so you can shoot from the sides, or the middle of the ramp. This also allows you to aim to the left or right. After the balls fall through one of the holes in the target, or miss the target and hit the wall (not shown in sketch) behind the target, they will roll back to the bottom of the ramp.

This game is for children ages 8 and up, although adults could also have it on their desk at work. This game teaches children about springs. They can learn about how the distance they pull back on the plunger affects the force exerted on the ball. They can also learn how the ramp (inclined plane) allows the ball to fly through the air to the target.

This game would be constructed primarily out of plastic and metal. The balls will be made of metal, while much of the rest of the game will be plastic to reduce production costs. Children should not be left alone with this toy, because the metal balls are slightly smaller than a marble, and pose a choking hazard to young children. The plunger will be metal so it doesn't break. While this toy isn't durable enough that it can withstand being thrown on the ground, it is durable enough for regular use. I think it is a toy that will appeal to all ages. This toy would cost about $20 or $25, depending on the quality of construction.