|
Ages 3+ |
Time 30–45 min |
Level Beginner |
Materials About $0–5 |
This is the project for the youngest builders, and it's built almost entirely from the recycling bin. The real lesson is slope: too flat and the marble stops, too steep and it flies off. Kids figure that out with the level built into their tape measure.
Handy Famm Tools You'll Use
- Toto, Lola, Bebe, or Yaya 3-in-1 Tape Measure – tape, level, and angle finder in one
- Snippy the Toucan Scissors – ages 5+; a grown-up does the cutting for younger kids
Materials
| 6–10 paper towel and toilet paper tubes | Recycling bin |
| 1 large cardboard box side, or a wall you can tape to | Recycling bin |
| Painter's tape (won't peel paint) | ~$3–5 |
| Marbles, or pom-poms for younger kids | At home |
Prices are approximate and vary by store.
Grown-Up Prep
- Cut about half the tubes in half the long way to make open chutes.
- Marbles are a choking hazard for children under 3. Use pom-poms or ping-pong balls with little ones.
Step-by-Step
1. Measure your wall
Use the tape measure to find how tall your box or wall space is. Mark the start point near the top and the finish near the bottom. That's how far the marble will drop.
2. Place the first chute
Tape a chute just under the start point. Set the tape measure on top and look at the level bubble. A little tilt is good – the bubble should sit just off center toward the high end.
3. Zig-zag down
Tape the next chute under the low end of the first one, tilted the other way. Keep going back and forth. Use the tape measure to keep each chute about the same length so the run looks even.
4. Add a tunnel
Use one full, uncut tube somewhere in the middle as a tunnel. Marbles disappearing and coming back out is the best part.
5. Test and fix
Drop a marble at the top. When it stops, the slope is too flat. When it flies off, the slope is too steep. Check it with the level, adjust the tape, and try again.
6. Race
Build two runs side by side and race. Measure which run is longer with the tape measure – is the longer one slower?
Safety Notes
- Marbles are for ages 3+ only.
- Scissors are ages 5+; a grown-up cuts for younger builders.
Make It Your Own
- Add a cup at the bottom as a finish line.
- Color each chute so kids can call out where the marble is.
- Use the angle finder to see which slope wins the race.
Share Your Build
Post a video of your marble's run and tag @handyfamm. We feature community builds right here.
Need a tape measure? Shop all Handy Famm tape measures. New to building? Start with How to Host a Build and Play Party.
