Marble Run & Water Course

Marble Run & Water Course is a free, NQF-aligned Construction & STEM activity for ages 6 to 12. It includes a learning intention, a materials list, step-by-step instructions and framework links.

Learning intention

This experience supports children to investigate cause-and-effect and to transfer their ideas to a new material.

You'll need

• A magnetic tray or board
• Sticks and adhesive putty
• Marbles
• A timer

How to do it

1. Children build a marble run on the tray using magnets or sticks and putty.
2. They time how long the marble takes to travel from top to bottom.
3. Adjust the angles to make the run slower or faster.
4. Extend by adding water and comparing how it flows down the same course.

Curriculum links

MTOP

• 4.2 Children and young people develop a range of learning and thinking skills and processes such as problem solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating
• 4.3 Children and young people transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another

NQS

• 1.2.2 Responsive teaching and scaffolding - Educators respond to children’s ideas and play and extend children’s learning through open-ended questions, interactions and feedback.

Frequently asked questions

What NQF outcomes does Marble Run & Water Course support?

Marble Run & Water Course is mapped to MTOP 4.2, MTOP 4.3, NQS 1.2.2. Each framework link is quoted in full on this page.

What age group is Marble Run & Water Course for?

This activity suits ages 6–12.

What do I need for Marble Run & Water Course?

You will need A magnetic tray or board, Sticks and adhesive putty, Marbles and A timer.

How long does Marble Run & Water Course take?

Allow about 30 min.