Build Your Own Marble Rollercoaster

The marble rollercoaster project is one of the most exciting projects that takes the student along a journey into how to assemble their very own marble run course. As part of the journey, students learn concepts that range from the different types of energy that power a marble rollercoast, Newton’s Second Law of Motion and the role of Velocity, Speed and Centripetal Force in enabling a marble run to work.

Overview of Learning Objectives

1. The role of potential and kinetic energy in powering a marble rollercoaster and its role in the world of mechanical engineering
2. Observe the simple machines including the pulley and the inclined plane at work
3. Newton’s Second Law of Motion: The history of the law, how it applies to the the marble rollercoaster and all of mechanical engineering
4. Gravity, friction, velocity, speed and centripetal force.
5. The history of the toy-maker and the marble rollercoaster
6. The egyptian linked history of marbles, their natural construction and their geological importance in today’s world
7. How to assemble a marble rollercoaster from start to finish

Why it is important

It is imperative that children are exposed to the makings of all career paths at a young age so that they have the opportunity to discover both their passions and areas of natural strength. Such early exposure will enable them to double down on what they love and are great at from an early age, for that is what makes the best of the best. Within the many career paths that exist, we find that and opportunity to learn what it takes to build a career within the realm of engineering and science is one of high importance. We believe this not only because of the increasing relevance that these careers will have in the future, and our responsibility to prepare our children for this future, but for the analytical and critical thinking that these projects encourage, and the immense power that these skills will have on the trajectory of ones life.