Designing a Homemade Marble Run - lesson framework
Learning Target: thinking strategically to problem solve and plan a diagram for the marble run
challenge.
Establishing a ‘Need to Know’: Read the story Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty.
Share the Youtube video Recycled craft: Homemade Marble Run
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwZz0hHGLzw&feature=player_detailpage
Co-constructing ideas: What are some important things to consider when planning a homemade
Marble Run? (listing possible ‘ingredients’, drawing a plan, labeling the plan, etc…)
Performances of Understanding:
1. Independent drawing and labeling time…
2. Coming together to share – listening to
classmates’ ideas, descriptions…
3. Taking turns noticing what you like about
your classmates’ design ideas…
4. Finding ways to combine plans…
Closure and building momentum:
Share the Youtube video Homemade Marble Run
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXhw-b51lcE&feature=player_detailpage
Next Steps:
1. Students will work in groups of 3 to plan and build marble runs using tape and recycling
(cardboard, paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, etc)…
2. Celebrating the builds: host an event where students share their marble run builds with their
classmates. Perhaps invite an outside audience - another class… the Principal?
Another great short YouTube video to share is called Marble Run by Ales Novotny…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGyZ4JbYTpc