Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of enhancing the gameplay of a toy are disclosed herein. For example, the toy can be a remotely controlled vehicle that includes a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) reader, configured to detect signals generated by a plurality of markers with RFID tags. Each marker of the plurality can be arranged such that the markers define a course for the remotely controlled vehicle. Certain markers can be designated as a starting line, a finish line, and “special,” which would enable programmable and variable gameplay features and actions of the remotely controlled vehicle. The remotely controlled vehicle can be communicably coupled to a mobile computing device configured to receive and process signals from the vehicle, display metrics associated with the gameplay, enable immediate functioning of special tag features, display metrics, and generate control codes transmitted to the vehicle, which control certain features in accordance with the programmed gameplay.

Abstract: A collapsible juggling club is disclosed herein. The collapsible juggling club can include an end portion, a plurality of intermediate portions, and a handle portion. The end portion defines a cavity and includes a first diameter. The handle portion includes a second diameter that is less than the first diameter of the end portion. The plurality of intermediate portions include descending diameters and are arranged telescopically between the end portion and the handle portion, such that the juggling club can telescopically transition between a collapsed condition, wherein each intermediate portion of the plurality is nested with the cavity defined by the end portion, and an extended condition, wherein the end portion, each intermediate portion of the plurality, and the handle portion are secured to an adjacent portion via a friction fit.

Abstract: A modeling system is provided which comprises a physical atomic modeling system structured for use in conjunction with a computer-implemented application which can execute a vision detection and analysis algorithm. When used to form molecular representations or models, the modeling system can be used to make molecular bonding visible, tangible, and more readily understandable to a student or other user. Various embodiments of the invention leverage the effectiveness of tangible, tactile systems to create a learning experience which increases understanding of atomic bonding at the valence electron interaction level.