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How to Make a Marble Project by Using Gravity

A rollercoaster uses the laws of gravity to propel riders up, down and around--even upside down. You can use those same principles of gravity to create a marble project. Using flexible materials to make the marble track allows you to experiment with different starting heights. You can determine the best height to ensure that the marble makes it through the entire track. This height becomes even more important if you include a loop in the track.

Things You'll Need

Foam pipe insulation tubes
Utility knife
Glue
Masking or duct tape
Marble
Sticks of various sizes, such as rulers and sticks from trees

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the foam insulation tubes in half lengthwise so you have two trough pieces for every one piece of foam tube.
- 2
  Glue the pieces of foam trough end to end to create one long track from all of the pieces. Secure the seams with tape on the bottom of the trough pieces.
- 3
  Choose a height on the wall and tape one end of the trough to the wall to create your starting point.
- 4
  Position sticks of various sizes between the foam trough and the floor to help hold the trough in place. Start with longer pieces and move to shorter pieces.
- 5
  Loop the foam trough in a vertical loop at the point where the trough meets the floor. Use tape or glue to secure the crossed pieces of track together. If you need to move the loop, use tape as it causes less damage when removed.

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