Abstract: The present invention is a robotics construction kit that serves as a platform for children to engage in problem-solving and innovative thinking in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By designing and building robotics constructions from an apparently simple set of blocks that encapsulate the kinetic, electronic, and software elements of robots, children and others can encounter, explore, and experiment with basic principles of science and computation. Unlike existing robotics construction kits for education, the present invention embodies computation in every element, which affords understanding systems of distributed computation, rather than systems of top-down control.

Abstract: A method for instructing mathematics includes providing a work surface to a visually impaired student; providing a plurality of movable elements for use in connection with the work surface, each of the movable elements comprising on a front surface thereof at least a portion of a visible mathematical symbol readable via eyesight, each of the movable elements further comprising Braille indicia on the front surface thereof corresponding to the at least a portion of the visible mathematical symbol, each of the moveable elements being movable to any position on the work surface; and having the student arrange a plurality of the moveable element on the work surface to form a standard mathematical expression wherein the mathematical expression comprises multiple lines set forth in a vertical arrangement.

Abstract: A re-positionable magnetic art apparatus which is provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. Characters of the apparatus are attracted to a sheet which underlies a picture within a frame, the frames provided in a variety of shapes. A clear laminate covering the picture separates the removably positionable characters from the picture, thereby providing for picture clarity throughout the life of the apparatus. Pictures are provided with characters which match both picture theme and picture scale, ensuring realistic artistic expression. Accessory character material is available which is printable on an inkjet printer.

Abstract: Apparatus for educational use, comprising a plurality of pieces and a regular array of indicia. The pieces are dimensioned and arranged, and the indicia are arrayed, to allow a plurality of the pieces to be juxtaposed adjacent to the indicia, covering a plurality of the indicia, such that each piece covers a single indicium or an integral number of indicia and each indicium covered by a piece is visible through that piece.

Abstract: A device for instructing mathematics includes a work surface and a plurality of movable elements. Each of the movable elements includes, on a front surface thereof, at least a portion of a visible mathematical symbol (including numeric and nonnumeric symbols) thereon readable via eyesight. Each of the movable elements further includes an attachment member on a rearward surface to attach the element to the work surface. The attachment member preferably allows the element to be removed from the work surface and to be slidably positionable to any position on the work surface once attached thereto. The device can further include a frame around the work surface. Preferably, the frame defines a boundary for positioning of the movable elements. In one embodiment, magnetic attraction is used to maintain the attachment member in movable connection with the board.

Abstract: A teaching system comprising a set of magnetic playing pieces, a display mitt comprising a first panel being associated with the palm of a user of the mitt; including a flexible metallic layer for attracting at least one magnet, an exterior layer covering the flexible layer of the first panel; a second panel associated with the back of a hand of a user of the mitt; a hand space formed between the first and second panels for receiving at least a portion of a hand of a person so as to provide a firm display surface on at least one of the first and second panels; and a hand entrance opening providing access to the hand space so that the mitt may by worn and taken off; whereby the first and second panels form a wearable mitt that can receive the magnetic playing pieces associated with teaching or playing games.

Abstract: A device for instructing mathematics includes a work surface and a plurality of movable elements. Each of the movable elements includes, on a front surface thereof, at least a portion of a visible mathematical symbol (including numeric and nonnumeric symbols) thereon readable via eyesight. Each of the movable elements further includes an attachment member on a rearward surface to attach the element to the work surface. The attachment member preferably allows the element to be removed from the work surface and to be slidably positionable to any position on the work surface once attached thereto. The device can further include a frame around the work surface. Preferably, the frame defines a boundary for positioning of the movable elements. In one embodiment, magnetic attraction is used to maintain the attachment member in movable connection with the board.

Abstract: A binder has a front cover and a back cover. A first page assembly for mounting in the binder includes a first magnet. A second page assembly for mounting in the binder in an overlying relationship with the first page assembly includes a second magnet for releasably attaching the second page assembly to the first page assembly in the binder. Each one of the page assemblies may include a magnet portion, a hinge portion, and a display portion, which may be all formed as one piece. The binder has a base member, made of a magnetic material, to which the magnets are attracted to mount the page assemblies in the binder.

Abstract: A device for instructing mathematics includes a work surface and a plurality of movable elements. Each of the movable elements includes, on a front surface thereof, at least a portion of a visible mathematical symbol (including numeric and nonnumeric symbols) thereon readable via eyesight. Each of the movable elements further includes an attachment member on a rearward surface to attach the element to the work surface. The attachment member preferably allows the element to be removed from the work surface and to be slidably positionable to any position on the work surface once attached thereto. The device can further include a frame around the work surface. Preferably, the frame defines a boundary for positioning of the movable elements. In one embodiment, magnetic attraction is used to maintain the attachment member in movable connection with the board.

Abstract: Magnetic cards are formed by plural, coadjoining, generally planar, parallel layers. Outermost layers form outer sides of each card. At least a first visible image is provided on a first of the outer sides. The card includes a generally planar, permanently magnetized layer formed by one or more permanently magnetizable planar components that are fixedly positioned preferably within a frame between the opaque outer sides or a magnetizable material layer only -part of which has been selectively permanently magnetized. The permanently magnetized layer or permanently magnetized portion of a larger, magnetizable layer has a predetermined configuration which is related at least in informational content to the first visible image. A silhouette of the predetermined configuration can be magnetically reproduced by placing a card on a magnetically actuated fluid display panel.

Abstract: A board usually resembling a PCB or a PWB mounts a display element, whose appearance in a viewing direction is controlled by the sense of magnetization of a core which extends through a bore in the board. A conducting coil formed on the surface of said board is located so that current in said coil will magnetize the core.

Abstract: A book having at least one fold out page with a metal insert which assists the placement or arrangement of magnetic manipulatives onto a page of the book.

Abstract: A board usually resembling a PCB or a PWB mounts a display element, whose appearance in a viewing direction is controlled by the sense of magnetization of a core which extends through a bore in the board. A conducting coil formed on the surface of said board is located so that current in said coil will magnetize the core.

Abstract: A child educational system comprises a support member having a generally flat rectangular support face having a top edge, a row of numbers disposed in a horizontal row along the top edge, a vertical column disposed below each of the numbers, each column having multiple pairs of position indicators therein, a permanent magnet disposed behind each of a plurality of the position indicators, and a plurality of magnetic responsive markers for positioning on the position indicators, whereby the markers are retained by the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A puzzle comprises a plurality of puzzle elements held together along a common axis. Each of the puzzle elements includes first and second faces and a peripheral edge. A series of discrete symbols are formed along the peripheral edge of each element. Preferably, the puzzle elements are magnetic wheels held together by magnetic forces. The magnetic wheels have a series of protuberances on one face which are adapted to register with a series of cavities on an opposing face of an adjacent magnetic wheel. The magnetic wheels are rotated relative to each through a series of click-stops which correspond to discrete positions of the magnetic wheels. A solution is achieved when all of the symbols on each of the magnetic wheels are properly aligned.

Abstract: An educational aid, comprising a figure representing an animate object. A plurality of first enhancing means are provided which are adapted to attach magnetically to the figure. One surface of the first enhancing means bears representation of at least one teach object. A plurality of second enhancing means is provided, which are adapted to magnetically attach to the figure, wherein the second enhancing means relates to a feature of the teaching object.

Abstract: An activity display article is constructed to have multi-educational features especially useful for teaching basic skills to young children. The article comprises at least one activity sheet having visual objects printed thereon. A magnetic strip is mounted on a back side of the activity sheet for holding the paper sheet to a ferrous base surface. A set of manipulatives is used with the printed activity sheet. Magnetic means on the manipulatives permit a variety of educational uses, including word association and matching.

Abstract: A three-dimensional device for teaching mathematical problems, comprising a stand having a number of open-ended shelves extending therefrom, the surfaces of said shelves being adapted to removably and interchangeably receive slides carrying different digits to set-up various mathematical problems, as conventionally done by paper and pen.

Abstract: A kit of components for advertising purposes comprises a coated steel panel, a filling device having a plurality of coated steel sheets, and a plurality of flexible magnetic characters made from rubber or similar synthetic material having incorporated therein magnetic material such as barium ferrite such that the characters are both flexible and magnetic and may be applied either to the display panel or the filing device in a flat condition. When applied to the filing device the characters may be stored and transported without damage.

Abstract: A novel educational toy is provided which comprises, in combination, an elongated support rod and a plurality of separated magnetic members slideably received on the rod. Each member has a pair of opposed faces, the faces having an opposite polarity to each other, and the members are arranged on the rod so members of separate groups are magnetically attracted to one another, while each group repels adjacent groups, so that groups are effectively spaced along the rod. Each magnetic member bears identifying indicia, the members of each group also collectively providing separate distinct group indicia. The member indicia may be symbols, numbers, letters, or the like. Alternatively, they may be configurations for the members which resemble solid objects.A handle may be provided for moving the entire toy. The members can be easily aligned with each other by means of for example, matching detents on adjoining faces, and/or tabs to facilitate handling thereof.