For this makerspace challenge, you are asked to construct a marble run! A marble run is a series of ramps, jumps, and shoots that a marble (or other rolling object) can travel through. Use your engineering skills to design a run that test the limits of speed and gravity!

Don't have any marbles at home? That's okay. You can use any object that rolls - pom-poms, toy cars, bouncy balls, etc.

Research and Planning

Think about what type of run you want to make. Draw up a blue print or just sketch some ideas to start you off. You will find a few helpful videos and images below if you need help getting your creativity flowing!

Make sure your work is permitted!

Once you settle on a design idea - either free standing or wall-based - ask your parents to help you locate a place in your home to build. Please do not tape things to walls before okaying it with your folks!

Gathering Materials

Once you have a plan, set out to find your building materials. In true makerspace fashion, this challenge utilizes anything you have laying about your house: empty paper rolls (toilet, towel, wrapping), paper plates, tape, cardboard and paperboard boxes, etc.

Construction

Start your assembly! Your only limit is your imagination, and, perhaps, your construction materials. Sometimes your plans will not work out the first time you try them. My marble run still had curve issues in the seventh try. But that is okay. Learn from your mistakes. Keep trying. Remember, this is fun.

HARD HAT AREA:

Remember to keep all construction workers safe - ask for help with scissors and glue!

Resources

• See the videos and images below if you need ideas.