This quick maker activity invites students to explore problem-solving and spatial reasoning using only paper and tape.
Concept:
Design a ramp or pathway that allows a marble to roll for as long as possible before stopping.
Time: 10 minutes
Materials (per pair or small group)
- 1 sheet of construction paper
- 6 inches of masking tape
- 1 marble (or small ball)
Instructions
- The Challenge: Using only one sheet of paper and a little tape, build a path or ramp that keeps the marble rolling for as long as possible. You can bend, roll, or cut the paper—just don’t add extra pieces!
- Design & Build (5 minutes): Fold, shape, or modify your paper to create a path that slows down or twists the marble’s journey.
- Test & Observe (3 minutes): Test your design on a flat surface or inclined ramp. Did it work as expected
- Reflect (2 minutes): What made the marble go fast or slow? How did the shape or design of your path affect its motion?