After four weeks of design, problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork, the students in our STEM club have successfully completed their marble run project. This marble run was constructed using recycled materials such as cardboard boxes, pizza boxes, and plastic bottles. Throughout the process, the students faced numerous trial-and-error sessions and conducted various angle tests to perfect the marble’s speed and trajectory.
The Design Phase
During the initial stage, the focus was on imagination and planning. The students dedicated a significant amount of time brainstorming ideas and sketching blueprints of their envisioned marble run. They envisioned exciting twists, turns, loops, and obstacles that would provide challenging experiences for the marbles.
From Blueprint to Reality
In the following weeks, the students turned their blueprints into a physical reality. They encountered obstacles and had to overcome various problems along the way. Each design iteration required meticulous adjustments, mirroring the real-world engineering process of trial and error.
Learning through Experimentation
The students continuously tested, tweaked, and retested their marble runs, carefully observing how subtle adjustments affected the speed and trajectory of the marbles. This hands-on learning experience not only enhanced their problem-solving skills but also deepened their understanding of physics and engineering principles.
Celebrating Achievement
Today, the students reached a significant milestone in their STEM journey. They opened the doors to students from different grades, allowing them to experience the excitement of the marble run. To make it even more engaging, our students introduced a game element. Small prizes were awarded to those whose marbles landed in different cups, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement.