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Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fun and educational STEAM activity! In this 'Build the Heart Marble Run' paper engineering challenge, kids will explore key scientific principles like gravity, momentum, and structural stability while designing their own marble runs. This hands-on activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills, all while learning about engineering concepts. Download our free PDF template for this Valentine's Day STEAM activity and inspire young learners to think critically while having fun.

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

In this open-ended 'Build the Heart Marble Run' paper engineering challenge, kids will explore key scientific principles like gravity, momentum, and structural stability while designing their own marble runs. This hands-on activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills, all while learning about engineering concepts.

The best part? It's completely open-ended, allowing kids to experiment and refine their designs through trial and error. Whether you're working with limited materials or have a wide array of supplies, this activity can be customized to suit your needs!

How to Build a Heart Marble Run: Step-by-Step Guide Materials Needed 

  • Free Printable Template (Download below!)
  • Construction paper (red, pink, or any color!)
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick or glue dots
  • A marble or small ball
  • Task card (Download below!)

Step 1: 

Cut Paper Strips. Use the free printable template to cut paper strips for the marble run track. Alternatively, cut strips about 1-2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long.

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF


Step 2:  

  • Fold each strip in half to form a V-shape.
  • Create Heart Shapes.
  • Glue the ends together to form a heart shape.
  • Repeat to create multiple heart-shaped track pieces.
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Step 3: Build the Base 

Cut and fold a sturdy base using the template. This will provide stability for your marble run.

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Step 4: Assemble the Track

Position the Heart Pieces – Place the heart-shaped pieces on the base where you want the marble to roll. Experiment with spacing to ensure smooth movement.

Secure with Glue or Tape – Attach the pieces firmly using glue or double-sided tape. Make sure they are stable and aligned properly.

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Experiment with different angles and curves to make the track more exciting!

Step 5: Test and Play! 

  • Place a marble at the starting point.
  • Watch it roll through the heart-shaped course!
  • Adjust angles to improve speed and flow.
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

This paper engineering activity offers an engaging hands-on experience that introduces young learners to key scientific principles like gravity, momentum, and structural stability.

As kids build and test their marble runs, they not only explore how gravity makes the marble move but also experiment with different angles, heights, and materials to observe how momentum and force affect the speed and direction of the marble. 

This activity encourages them to think critically about design choices and problem-solving, enhancing both their creativity and their understanding of engineering concepts. Through trial and error, they develop fine motor coordination and strengthen cause-and-effect reasoning as they fine-tune their marble runs. It’s a fun, interactive way for kids to see science in action while honing important skills they can apply across subjects. Download our free STEM challenge PDF and task card template to inspire creativity and critical thinking in young learners as they explore engineering and physics concepts.

Educational Benefits of the Heart Marble Run:

Understanding Gravity and Momentum:

Understanding gravity and momentum through the Heart Marble Run is such an exciting way for kids to see science in action! As the marble rolls down the track, gravity pulls it downward, and momentum keeps it moving. By experimenting with different slopes and angles, children can see how the marble speeds up, slows down, or changes direction based on how much force is applied. This hands-on activity helps kids grasp how gravity and momentum work together in real life, all while having fun and getting creative with their designs!.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills:

As kids design and adjust their marble runs, they get the chance to experiment with different angles, heights, and structures. This process sparks critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they figure out how to make the marble travel smoothly or change direction. Each tweak and adjustment encourages them to think about what works and why, building their ability to approach challenges with creativity and persistence. It’s an exciting way for kids to learn that even small changes can have a big impact.

Exploring Structural Stability:

This activity encourages kids to think about how to build stable structures that can support the marble’s movement. As they test different designs, they learn about balance, weight distribution, and how to create a sturdy foundation. These hands-on challenges help them develop early engineering skills, teaching them that careful planning and design are key to building something that works. It’s a fun way for kids to start thinking like engineers and get a taste of how their ideas can come to life!

Boosting Fine Motor Coordination:

Building and adjusting the marble run requires precision and control, helping kids enhance their fine motor skills. As they carefully place pieces, adjust angles, and connect parts, they practice hand-eye coordination and develop the ability to make small, controlled movements. This activity offers a fun way for children to strengthen the muscles in their hands and fingers while staying engaged in the creative process of designing their marble runs!

Encouraging Creativity:

Children can personalize their marble runs with different designs, allowing them to get creative while learning important engineering concepts. Whether they choose to add twists, turns, or unique decorations, this activity encourages them to think outside the box and experiment with their own ideas. As they design their runs, they’re not only having fun, but they’re also gaining hands-on experience in problem-solving, spatial thinking, and design, all while expressing their creativity!

Promoting Cause-and-Effect Reasoning: 

Kids observe how changes in the design impact the marble's movement, which helps them understand cause-and-effect relationships. By tweaking the track’s angle or adding new elements, they can see firsthand how those changes affect the marble’s speed or direction. This hands-on experimentation teaches them that their actions have consequences, fostering a deeper understanding of how small adjustments can lead to big differences in outcomes. It’s a fun way for kids to grasp this important scientific concept!

Hands-On Learning:

This interactive activity helps children engage with science in a fun and practical way, reinforcing key concepts through hands-on experience. By actively building and testing their marble runs, kids not only learn about gravity, momentum, and engineering but also develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It’s a perfect blend of learning and play, making complex scientific ideas more approachable and exciting for young minds!

Why This Activity is Perfect for Teachers & Parents

No-Prep & Budget-Friendly

All you need is a printable template that is available free, paper, scissors, and glue! This simple yet engaging activity requires minimal materials, making it easy to set up in the classroom or at home. With no expensive supplies or complicated instructions, it’s a stress-free way to bring hands-on STEAM learning to kids while keeping costs low!

Differentiation Strategies

  • Simpler (K-2): Focus on cutting, folding, and basic track assembly.
  • Advanced (3-5): Encourage complex designs and incorporate math (e.g., measuring angles).

NGSS-Aligned:

This activity supports Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for engineering and design, making it a valuable addition to your curriculum:
  • K-2-ETS1-1 (Engineering Design): 
    • Students ask questions, plan, and create solutions as they build their marble runs.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2 (Design Solutions): 
    • Older students analyze and improve their designs, learning about gravity, momentum, and structural stability.
The Heart Marble Run activity is flexible and can be adapted for a wide range of age groups. Here’s a general guideline:

Preschool & Kindergarten (Ages 4-6) – Focus on simple cause-and-effect, fine motor skills, and basic gravity concepts. Teachers and parents can provide pre-cut materials for easy assembly.

Grades 1-2 (Ages 6-8) – Kids can experiment with different track designs, explore how angles affect speed, and develop problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.

Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-11) – Older students can analyze structural stability, experiment with slopes and forces, and refine their designs to optimize performance, aligning with NGSS engineering standards.

Middle School (Grades 6-8, Ages 11-14) – This activity can be expanded into a physics and engineering challenge, incorporating discussions on kinetic and potential energy, friction, and momentum. Students can also apply the engineering design process to build more complex structures.

STEAM Exploration – This activity introduces kids to basic engineering and physics concepts in a hands-on way. As they design, build, and test their marble runs, they explore how real-world principles like gravity, force, and motion apply to everyday structures and designs. It’s an engaging way to make learning meaningful and show how science and engineering shape the world around us!

Looking to streamline your classroom or learning space? Consider Google Chrome download for a seamless online experience, or explore Google Workspace for collaborative tools. For more professional skills, Medical Billing and Coding offers a rewarding path for those interested in healthcare administration. If you're managing your network, don't forget to integrate Active Directory Google for better organization and security across your systems.

Holiday-Themed Fun: Celebrates Valentine’s Day through creative learning.

Life Skills

Patience, Perseverance & Problem-Solving – Building a marble run takes time and careful adjustments, teaching kids the value of patience and persistence. When something doesn’t work as expected, they learn to troubleshoot, experiment, and refine their designs. This process strengthens their problem-solving skills and resilience, showing them that challenges can be overcome with creativity and determination!

Final Thoughts

The Heart Marble Run isn’t just a craft, it’s a hands-on STEAM challenge that inspires kids to think like engineers while having fun! Whether in the classroom or at home, this engaging Valentine’s Day project is sure to be a hit. 

Download From here:

Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF
Valentine’s Day STEAM Activity, Heart Marble Run with Paper Engineering with Free PDF

Free Printable Template & Task Card To make this activity even easier, grab the free printable template and task card below!

Download the Free Printable Template Here

Download the Free Task Card Here

Download the base template Here

Download the STEM challenge lesson plan Here



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Looking to streamline your classroom or learning space? Consider Google Chrome download for a seamless online experience, or explore Google Workspace for collaborative tools. For more professional skills, Medical Billing and Coding offers a rewarding path for those interested in healthcare administration. If you're managing your network, don't forget to integrate Active Directory Google for better organization and security across your systems.

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