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Builder's Lab / Week 07 / Wednesday
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Week 07 · Marble Run

Wednesday

Build marble run version 1
// A marble run that takes 5 seconds or more
⏱ about 20 min

Wednesday: Build Marble Run Version 1

Rocket folds three paper strips into long chutes.

He tapes them on the cardboard in a steep zigzag.

Raven props the cardboard against a chair.

Nova holds her timer ready. "Let the marble go when I say go!"

You need

  • A big piece of cardboard
  • Paper
  • Tape
  • A marble
  • A paper cup
  • A timer
Safety first
Marbles can choke little ones. Keep them away from babies and toddlers.
A grown-up does any cutting.
Lean the cardboard on something steady.

Make a chute

  1. Fold a strip of paper in half the long way.
  2. Open it a little so it makes a V.
  3. Tape the chute to the cardboard on a slant.
  4. Add more chutes in a zigzag down the board.
  5. Put the cup at the bottom.

Test it

  1. Hold the marble at the top.
  2. Let go and start the timer.
  3. Stop the timer when it lands in the cup.
VersionTime (seconds)Reached the cup?
Version 1
TEST IT RIGHT
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
When do you stop the timer?
SAFE BUILDING
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
A toddler is nearby. What should you do with the marbles?

Zigzags add time

A zigzag makes the path longer.

Each chute sends the marble back the other way.

A longer path can take more time.

BUILD CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
How do you fold a chute?
Where does the cup go?
Rocket tapes his chutes very steep. What might happen?
IdeaTrue or false?
A zigzag path is longer than a straight one.?
You start the timer when you let go.?
You may push the marble to help it.?
The cardboard should lean on something steady.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEGood tests follow the same steps every time.
TIME A RUN
  • Tap a card.
  • Then tap its spot.
1First
2Next
3Then
4Last
Try it
Build your version 1 run.
Time three runs.
Write the times in your table.

Version 1 is rolling!

Tomorrow, we look at the time.

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