Magnetic Maze

This is a new wooden puzzle that is played with a magnetic pen which moves the metal balls in a maze. Like the Maze Puzzle, it is called maze for the same reason. The puzzle is made by first screen- printing a picture over a wooden board. Then it is cut through to form the grooves or maze. Another wooden board, serving as a back support, is then glued to the reverse side of the first board. Metal balls are placed in the maze and a thick acrylic cover is bolted securely to the first board to prevent the balls from falling out and so that we can see them while playing. A wooden rod is used to make the pen. The tip is hollowed out to insert a small magnet and then closed with a wooden plug tightly to prevent the magnet from falling out.

How to play? Take Fish Searching for Food Pellets from FUN TO LEARN as example. The object of the game is to guide the metal balls representing the food pellets with the magnetic pen and drop them in the holes (inside the round groove) near the fishes. At the start of the game, the metal balls are to be randomly scattered around the maze and the puzzle placed on a flat surface like a table. The child may at first be confused as to how the metal balls are moved. Gradually, he will realise the magnetic pen pulling effect. When the pen is drawn near to the ball, the magnet lifts it up and will appear as if it is sticking to the acrylic. As the pen moves, the ball follows. To release, all the child needs to do is to lift up the pen and pull away from the board. The ball will then drop down. Over time, he will learn how to manipulate the metal balls and will soon deftly position them in the holes. The puzzle helps develop hand-eye coordination, dexterity, pre-writing and problem solving skill. It is suitable for children age 3 and above.