Kids will have fun exploring an inclined plane with this simple marble run. This activity is easy to set up with recycled cardboard, and provides hands-on STEAM learning for kids from toddler to kindergarten.   

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This inclined plane is so easy to make, you'll want to build one right away. My first activity with an inclined plane was so much fun, I decided to create a second one. This time we used marbles instead of cars to experiment with the slope of an inclined plane.

Projects like this for kids are not only fun, they promote scientific exploration and observation as kids play. Kids get to see how a marble rolls down an incline; how cardboard can be cut and shaped; how tape works to secure materials in place.

This simple activity is a fun way to provide learning through play at preschool and kindergarten.

Inclined plane activity with a marble run

This inclined plane is a STEAM activity.  Educators show how the principles of STEAM are incorporated into everyday play, through experimentation and observation.

STEAM = Science + Technology + Engineering + Art + Math

Here's how these elements are realized in this marble run activity:

• designing and setting up the project (engineering)
• choosing colors of tape and cups (art)
• using different sizes of marbles (math)
• observing the results of marbles rolling down an inclined plane (science).

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STEAM KIDS 50 + activities

Materials list

For this inclined plane activity, you will need:

• large pieces of cardboard

• tape

• marbles

• plastic cups

Instructions to build for marble run

The dimensions of the marble run will be determined by the size of the cardboard you use.

We used two pieces measuring 18 in. wide x 30 in. long (46 cm x 76 cm).

Step 1. Bend the side edges of the cardboard .

The sides are approximately 2 - 3 inches (5 - 8 cm). This will help prevent the marbles from rolling off the sides.

Step 2. Set one piece of cardboard on a slant inside the other piece.

The two pieces are secured with tape as shown in the diagram.

Rest the top of the slanted cardboard on a chair or low table to create the incline.

• We tried a small deacon's bench which is 15.5 inches (40 cm) high. We also tried a low stool which is 11 inches (28 cm) high. The lower height reduced the speed of the marbles. This allowed the marbles to settle into the cups without popping back out.
  
  
• You can observe the speed of the marbles and make alterations in the degree of slant as you engage in the activity.

OPTION:

• One long piece of cardboard that can be bent in the middle would probably work just as well. A bend in the middle of the run helps reduce the speed of the marble. If it rolls too quickly it is more likely to flip over the side of the track or pop out of the cup.

Step 3. Place small disposable cups at the bottom of the structure.

Extend the masking tape across the cardboard base and into the cups to secure them to the cardboard.

Related: (affiliate link) Learning Resources Magnetic Marble Run

Start the play!

Drop a marble or other small ball at the top of the inclined plane and watch it roll down to land in one of the cups.

Options to extend the learning:

• Add numbers or letters to the tops of the cups or to the tape at the front of the cups; call out the numbers as marbles roll into the cups.

• Aim for a certain number; add scores.

• Experiment with different sizes of marbles.

• Increase or decrease the slope of the plane.

• Race two or more marbles at a time.

You can easily create this inclined plane that allows kids to discover and learn through play. Enjoy the benefits of hands-on engagement with a simple material like recycled cardboard!

 STEM board on Pinterest
for more fun science activities for kids.

Find this activity on:

• Life as Mama Roundup of Marble Runs

• Best of Kid Bloggers Posts for 2015 Pinterest board.

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