For parents
PounceLab is designed around the idea that the child gets a real maker project while the adult manages printing, assembly, safety, and animal supervision.
Hands-on, not hands-off
FoodFlip is a project to build and observe together. It is not intended to be printed and handed to a child or pet without inspection.
No electronics
FoodFlip V1 has no batteries, charging circuit, motor, sensor, or firmware. Its behavior comes from geometry, gravity, friction, and moving treats.
Real iteration
If a print does not fit, wobble, dispense, or survive as expected, the right response is to stop and revise the part—not force continued use.
Adult responsibilities
- Operate or supervise the 3D printer according to the printer manufacturer's guidance.
- Inspect every printed part for cracks, strings, sharp edges, weak layer lines, or loose components.
- Control assembly and verify that the hatch, scent lid, and internal pieces cannot detach unintentionally.
- Use only dry kibble or dry treats during V1 testing.
- Supervise every animal interaction with FoodFlip.
- Remove the toy immediately if the cat chews the plastic, catches a claw or tooth, or damages a part.
Important: FoodFlip V1 has not completed formal child-product, pet-product, food-contact, or dishwasher-safety certification.
What is the educational angle?
PounceLab does not need to turn the project into homework. The useful learning is already inside the activity: fit tolerances, center of mass, leverage, probability, iteration, observation, and design tradeoffs become visible because changing the print changes what the cat experiences.