Abstract: An activity toy includes a base with an upper surface that has recessed regions. Elements are positionable in each recessed region. Positioning an element in each recessed region produces a sound. For instance, the sound may be a combination of sounds when more than one element is position in the recesses or a verse of a song that is associated with an element. In addition, the base may be a toy vehicle, with the recesses defining positions in the vehicle. The sound may depend on the position of the elements in the vehicle. The recesses may include a forward recess near the front of the vehicle and a secondary recess located behind the forward recess, and the sound produced may depend on whether an element is placed in the forward or secondary recess.

Abstract: A virtual learning system environment which provides for progressive education of children, at their own pace, through enhancement in both language arts (e.g. spelling, reading comprehension) and physical skills (interactive prompts). The system of this invention includes a microphone for sensing an audible word or command, a video camera for sensing bodily movement, and means for effecting a computer generated response to said audible word or command, or said bodily movement, wherein said response includes both graphical depiction of the letters of said audible word or command, an object image corresponding to bodily movement or said audible word or command, and an action or object related to said bodily movement or said audible word or command, or any combination thereof, so as to effect a progressive learning or teaching experience.

Abstract: An educational device includes a generally L-shaped visual blocking stand for obstructing visual contact between a question asking individual and a question answering individual. A representation of a human eye is formed on one side of a vertical portion of the stand and includes two different colored electric lamps connected for selectively illuminating the eye to indicate a correct or wrong answer. A plurality of cards each have a question relating to a particular curriculum on a first side and a multiple choice group of answers on an opposite side. A slot is formed in the vertical stand portion for conveying information on one of the cards. A plurality of switches are operative to illuminate the different colored electric lamps to indicate when a correct or wrong answer has been given.

Abstract: This invention provides students with immediate feedback as to the correctness of their responses by closing switches at two different depths. A holding frame aligns six sheets in layers, one above another. Holes that are punched through some of the six sheets of material are all aligned on the same grid pattern. The top sheet is an instructional sheet that has response areas punched in it at the site of correct and incorrect answers. The second sheet down contains no holes, is elastic and electroconductive, and hides the depth of the underlying holes from the student. The third sheet down is non-conductive and has the entire grid of holes punched in it. The fourth sheet down is electroconductive, and has holes punched in it only at correct answer areas. The fifth sheet down is non-conductive and has holes punched in it only at correct answer areas. The sixth sheet down is non-conductive, but contains electroconductive inserts at all correct answer areas.

Abstract: An instructional apparatus is disclosed comprising a holding frame having a grid of shallow and deep depressions or holes, the bottoms of which are defined by electrical contacts; a printed instructional format that contains circular response areas or zones that are precisely located over some of the shallow and deep depressions when the format is properly positioned on top of the holding frame; an electroconductive stylus with a cone shaped tip; a punching sheet that is sandwiched between the printed format and the holding frame and that obscures the depth of the underlying shallow and deep depressions from the student; and the necessary electrical components and connections to register and indicate when the tip of the stylus completes an electrical circuit by contacting the electroconductive contact material in the bottom of each shallow and deep depression.

Abstract: Instructional apparatus of two parts to be used in conjunction with previously patented instructional apparatus, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,902,255, 3,964,176, and 4,065,858, which have a grid of depressions of two or more different depths. The first part of this invention is a sheet of material that contains a series of pre-punched holes that correspond to some of the shallow and deep depressions when this sheet of material is precisely positioned on the upper surface of the grid of underlying depressions. The first part of this invention provides a "blank" sheet that has a minimum of printing on its upper surface, this "blank" sheet has a pattern of pre-punched holes that correspond to correct or incorrect responses. The second part of this invention is a printed sheet that has printed large dots or other indicating means, that when accurately alligned and positioned under the first part reveal which of the holes in the first part correspond to correct responses, and which holes correspond to incorrect responses.