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How to Do a Marvelous Marble Ramp

A marble ramp is an enjoyable way to teach children about the effects of gravity and inclined planes. Marble ramps are vertical structures which allow marbles to roll through a series of ramps from the top of the structure to the bottom. While you can buy plastic or metal versions from science or toy stores, it can be even more fun to help a child build one from household materials.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard box, at least the size of a cereal box
Scissors
Several paper towel tubes
Tape
Plastic cup or tin can
Marble

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a hole in the top of the largest box about 2 inches square. Cut a second hole in the side of the box, about the same size and a few inches from the top.
- 2
  Cut the paper towel rolls in half to form semicircular lengths of cardboard. These will serve as your ramps. You may wish to leave a few tubes intact to serve as tunnels.
- 3
  Insert a half-tube into the holes you cut in the box. The tube should protrude very slightly from the hole in the top of the box and come out of the hole in the side of the box. Tape the tube in place.
- 4
  Tape a second half-tube to the side of the box so that a marble rolling down the first tube will drop into it. The second tube should have a slight downward slope.
- 5
  Tape the remaining tubes to the side of the box to create a downward spiral ending at floor level. Vary the slope of each tube to create a more interesting ramp.
- 6
  Tape a cup to the bottom of the last tube to catch the marbles as they exit the ramp. A plastic cup or a tin can with a smooth lip will work well for this.

Educational Toys