Challenge 005 · Ages 6–10
Marble Run
Create a marble run that uses gravity and momentum.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 2 hours
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
Primary STEAM area
Engineering
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you create a marble run that keeps a marble moving from start to finish?
Learning outcomes
- Recognise the roles of gravity, slope and momentum.
- Construct and test a continuous pathway.
- Identify problems and modify the design to improve movement.
Connected learning
Science: gravity, forces and motion; Mathematics: angles, length and timing; Art: visual layout; English: sequencing instructions.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- Cardboard tubes
- card strips
- tape
- paper cups
- marbles.
Equipment, tools & software
- A sturdy board or large piece of cardboard held upright against a wall, with tape to attach the marble-run tracks (or use a free-standing frame)
- scissors
- ruler
- stopwatch.
Safety & preparation
- Marbles are choking hazards for younger children.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.