Primary
gravity, potential & kinetic energy, friction
Project Details
Theme
November | Physics
Messy Level
1
Suggested Location
Class or lab
Prep & Classroom Structure
This can be teams of 2
Pre-trace the lines that needs to be cut so the children only need to cut them
Stand the cardboard tube upright in the center of a paper plate and trace around the tube.
Prepare a pre-packaged set for each group
At the beginning of class share video
Demonstrate your own marble run for the class
What's happening
Gravity pulls the marble downward while the sloped plates guide it around the tower. As the marble descends, its gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy, while friction between the marble and the plates slows it slightly.
The circular ramps also continuously change the marble’s direction, allowing it to travel around the tube instead of simply falling straight down.
Materials
Paper plates
Paper towel tube or sturdy cardboard tube
Marbles
Tape
Scissors
Marker or pencil
Optional: extra plates for experimenting with different track designs
Project Instructions
With adult supervision, cut out the traced circle so the plate can slide onto the cardboard tube.
Cut a slit from the outside edge of the plate toward the center hole.
Slightly overlap the two cut edges so the flat plate becomes a shallow spiral ramp, then secure the overlap with tape or glue.
Repeat the process with several additional plates.
Slide the plates onto the cardboard tube one at a time, spacing them vertically along the tube.
Rotate each plate so the lower end of one ramp lines up with the higher end of the plate below it.
Tape neighboring plates together where needed so the marble has a continuous path from one level to the next.
Place the completed tower upright and drop a marble onto the highest plate.
Watch the marble spiral down the tower. If it falls off or gets stuck, adjust the angle, spacing, or connections and test again.
Class Video
Please share with teacher: