Andrew retrieved our stash of paper tubes from our storage area and decided to create a marble run in the hallway. I didn’t realize how many wrapping paper tubes we had saved until Andrew hauled the stash upstairs.
WARNING! This lab requires the use of marbles which can be harmful if swallowed by children or pets. Please use caution!
Do not throw away paper tubes! (I am quite certain that homeschooling and hoarding are synonymous.) A recycled marble run is a lot of fun and requires imagination, fine motor skills, and problem solving. I have discovered that typically this becomes a family project. The adults like the problem solving adjustments, as much as the kids like running the marbles.
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To Create the Recycle Marble Run you will need:
- Wall space
- Scissors
- Painter’s Tape
- Paper tubes
- Marbles
- A collection container (Tupperware or storage container)
Making the Track
Cut the tubes in half. Some of our longer wrapping tubes were too thick to cut, but that’s okay because anything goes. Toilet paper tubes will spread out once they are cut. We take those and fold them in half so that the ‘v’ shape allows the sides to stay upright.
Creating the Run
Now is the fun part! Start by taping your first tube to the wall. I like to have a flat area, we call the starting gate, so that I can explain why ‘force’ is needed for the marble. Other start areas that begin on an angle can be used to explain the force that gravity will have on the marble.
Have a pocket full of marbles because you’ll need to keep trying the run every time you add a new section. Adjustments will be needed! A steep slope will add too much speed and the marble will become a projectile. The fun part is being creative and adding adjustments and sometimes backdrops to deflect the marble back onto the run.
As the recycled marble run is being created, make sure to use the following terms: slope, slant, and angle. Discuss how the angle/slope affects the marble. This will lead into talking about why certain problems are occur and how adjustments can solve the issue. If children hear the adults using the above terms they will be more apt to mimic and understand the terms as the run is being constructed.
If you have multiple family members or friends interested in the wall you can make various starting points throughout the run. This allows everyone a space to run their marbles.
The Scientific Explanation
There is no better way to explain science than with a hands on approach. Even young children playing with the run will be able to understand that it is gravity that pulls the marble downwards. It doesn’t matter whether it is a flying projectile or just beginning its run out of the starting gate.
At the starting area, the marble has potential energy or stored energy. The energy is considered ‘stored’ because of the marble’s position. The marble will be at rest until someone or gravity, creates a force to make it roll forward. When it begins to roll forward, the potential energy turns into kinetic energy which is defined as the energy of motion.
Vocabulary
Angle, Slant or slope – Inclined surface, not straight.
Gravity – a force that pulls objects downwards.
Force – a push or pull on an object.
Potential energy – stored energy. (Like an object waiting to fall, slide, roll etc.)
Motion – a moving object
Kinetic energy – When the the energy of motion begins
