LetterRun
Description
LetterRun is a marble-run like toy that combines physical computing, education, and physics (gravity). It can be played on any magnetic surface. Children combine blocks together and spell words. When they throw a metal ball through the conduits on the blocks, words light up based on the movement of the ball.
Purpose
We were interested in the concept of a building block that would be more than a simple construction element. By combining an existing toy (marble run) with an educational purpose (spelling), we came up with LetterRun. Early on we explored using blocks to teach language, music, and spelling. We found the letter idea to be most successful because we were able to construct each block as its own object.
Implementation
Each block is made out of wood and simple electronics (wires, battery, and an LED ). There are no IC's required, though in the future we might consider only lighting up actual words, which would require using a micro-controller for each cube. Each block is a modular object. When you combine them (through exposed pins), they can light up as a whole.
Video
Toy testing video can be found here.