This gymnast is an AMAZING acrobat! This toy is a take on the classic ladder descending gymnast. The child positions the gymnast at the top of the ladder for his big finale stunt: zig-zagging down the ladder! After manuevering his way down the treacherous ladder, the gymnast lands on his feet without fail.
The judges score? A PERFECT TEN!
- Features
- Simple Design
- Variable Ladder Height
- Easily Assembled
- No Small Parts
- Underlying Principles: While playing with the Gymnast, children will learn about gravity, the principle that makes our gymnast something other than a small block of wood or extruded plastic. When the child releases the gymnast at the top of the ladder, it is guaranteed that he'll make it to the bottom.
- Construction cost: The cost of manufacturing this toy would be very low. Wood offers an aesthetic value over other materials, but plastic would require the lowest cost of production per unit. The gymnast is a simple extrusion and the ladder could be easily fabricated through injection molding.
- Durability: The overall simplicity of this design offers great durability. There are no mechanisms or moving parts to wear out or break. The plastic ladder would be prone to snapping if stepped on or loaded, but it could easily be reinforced with a good structural design.
- Safety: As long as the toy was scaled such that the gymnast is larger than the standard child's throat, there are very few safety risks posed. The toy is meant to be played with in a stationary position, which eliminates any incidental falls or spills.