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How to Make a Toy Marble Run

Marble runs are popular constructions that utilize gravity to roll marbles through a set course or track. They often incorporate metal steps so the marbles create a chiming sound as they roll over them. While some marble runs are very complex to make, simple marble runs are made easily with recycled household items.

Things You'll Need

Two paper towel roll centers
Large cereal box
Scissors
Masking tape
Paint (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the paper towel roll centers in half lengthwise, so that you have four half-circle tubes.
- 2
  Cut off one side of the cereal box. Cut the top flaps off as well.
- 3
  Lay the box on a flat surface, so that the cut off side is upward and the inside of the box is accessible.
- 4
  Place the paper towel tubes at even distances inside the box, at downward angles. Cut the tubes to size so that there is about 1 inch of space between the end of the tube and the box walls.
- 5
  Tape the paper towel tubes to the back of the cereal box. The starting tube should be flush with the top of one side of the box, and have a 1-inch space between it and the other side of the box. The next tube should be flush with the side of the box underneath the 1-inch space between the box and the first tube. It should also have a 1-inch space between its end and the other side of the box.
- 6
  Tape the two remaining tubes in a similar fashion, with the last tube resting its end on the bottom of the cereal box. The angles of the tubes should be around 30 to 40 degrees, sloping downward.
- 7
  Test the run by up righting the cereal box and placing a marble in the first tube. The marble should run along the tube, dropping through the 1-inch space onto the next tube below until it reaches the bottom.
- 8
  Paint if desired.

Construction Toys