STEM Challenge – Design a Marble Run!

For 3rd–6th Grade | Hands-On | High-Engagement | Curriculum-Linked

Get your students thinking like engineers with this exciting, hands-on STEM challenge! In “Design a Marble Run,” pupils are tasked with planning, building, and testing a marble run using everyday classroom materials. This activity promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving while exploring key scientific concepts like gravity and friction.

✅ What’s Included:

• Task Card – Perfect for STEM stations or small-group work
• PowerPoint Presentation – Introduces the challenge, supports predictions, guides reflection, and promotes class discussion
• Two Versions of Student Worksheets (in both colour and black & white):
• Worksheet 1 – Extended (5-page booklet-style): Offers ample space for students to develop ideas, make predictions, document problems, and reflect in detail
• Worksheet 2 – Condensed (2-page): Contains the same key questions with less writing space – ideal for younger classes or quicker lessons

Why You'll Love It:

• Encourages experimentation, creativity, and teamwork
• Differentiated worksheets give you flexibility based on time, age, and ability
• Easy to implement – just add simple materials like cardboard, paper, tape, and marbles
• Supports integrated learning across Science, Maths, and Engineering Design
• Perfect for whole-class lessons, small group work, or STEM rotation stations

Key Learning Focus:

• Forces: gravity and friction
• Angles, slopes, and motion
• Predicting outcomes and testing ideas
• Reflecting and improving designs
• Teamwork and problem-solving